Bawomataluo

, originally uploaded by m_hagen.

The surf at Lagundri the past week has been flawless. Overhead everyday and up to 2X overhead during the peak of the swell with excellent wind conditions. It's raining and onshore today and for once, I actually don't mind. A day of rest.

Garido from Guam, Anna, Maya and Sonia from the Czech Republic and I took a day trip up to Bawomataluo, a traditional Niassan village perched atop a mountain overlooking the bay at Lagundri. A steep stone staircase leads you from the road to the village. From the base of the stairs you see only blue sky and puffy white clouds above. This is meant to give the impression of a stairway to the Gods. There are more than 300 traditional houses arranged along a cross section of wide cobblestone avenues. No motorbikes. The design is distinctly nautical. Some scholars say the concept arose from villagers watching the Dutch ships pass by on their way to the Spice Islands in the east. The homes are supported by massive teak wood beams and throughout the house, no nails or bindings are used. All the pieces are either slotted together or are joined by hand hewn wooden plugs. Many homes have carved wooden crests to express the families status within the village. The tall roofs in imitation of sails are traditionally thatched or as is more common today, made of corrugated steel. It's amazing to have the sensation of standing in a harbour surrounded by ships when you're actually at an elavation of 1,200 feet in the hills, miles from the ocean. We were lucky enough to be invited into a home by a guy named Wilson. He was incredibly hospitable and really excited to share his home with us. Tea was brought out while we asked each other the usual questions in halting Bahasa. (I gotta learn more of this language.) Everyone was gathered in the main room when Anna and one of WIlson's sister's found out that they had both recently completed their thesis' on very similiar subjects about Nias island ancient artforms. They were both so excited they chatted for ages and swapped emails to keep in touch. What a coincidence??? The one house we were invited into....The 60' King's residence with the stone sacrifice tables was impressive as well. With the massive teak wood supports, the building looked solid. Wilson told me none of the traditional wooded structures were affected by any of the recent devastating earthquakes.
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