Our introduction to Klaten

When we arrived in Yogya we got picked up by this amazing ‘little one’ called Sari, (Dan used to call her like that because he is 2 heads bigger, but in fact she is a ‘big one’.

While we got driven to the city we had a nice start to begin with. In the Matahari mall we had a back and forth conversation about our inspirations, interests and life. We talked about our plans and possible activities which we all realised the next coming weeks. She was still busy distributing the "Gedegs", weaved bamboo, for the Bicak and Ngunut.

A truck laden with the third "gedeg" delivery.

Dan and Rachel help to roll the "gedeg" which will be taken home.

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The next day we arrived in Klaten, the truck with all the bamboo "gedegs" was already waiting for us. We went into Bicak and Ngunut and started the jobs, the families came to the distributing spot to receive the "gedegs" for their house. The name list was spoken by Mia, a great friend of Sari who helps as well with this all. People were excited to see us and introduced themselves to us. ‘Monggo…’ and ‘permisi’... like welcome, my name is Dan and Rachel. Kita orang Belanda, kita mau bantu! (We’re Dutch people and want to help).

Especially the women and the anak-anak (the kids) were amazed by Dan’s length and probably due to the fact that they’ve never seen a white guy.

Rachel and the kids in the children center, in Bicak.

Dan and the kids in front of Brangkal II Elementary School in Bicak.