Makassar Strait - Pare Pare

 Dawn breaks. The overhead sky is light blue;  the sky on the horizon is hazy. The sea is like a mirror. What mathematical function defines the height and period of the standing wave in the ship’s wake? (Hmm, have I been at sea too long?)

We berth in Pare Pare at noon.  The port city of 130,000 inhabitants sees international cruise ships infrequently. We are given a royal and enthusiastic welcome. Unlike in more touristic places, very few try to sell us something. There are no kiosks for exchanging money. I saw no taxi drivers. 

Eve feels better than she has for a while, but elects to stay on the ship. I head out to tour a bit of the town. 

A strip of market stalls offering fruit, fish, and fowl is a colorful sight. 

The natives are very friendly and very curious. Most commonly heard:

• “Hallo Mister!” 
• “What is your name?”
• “Where are you from?”
• brandishing a phone, “Selfie?, selfie?” 

I smile, wave, and respond every time. 

After a few kilometers I turn down to the coast to follow it back to the ship. Thoughts of my brother, John, run through my mind. From 2002 to 2004 John worked for a gold mine in Papua New Guinea. He spent two weeks of vacation on this island of Sulawesi bicycling the length of the island. I imagine he heard the same questions and shoutouts I did. 

Well, maybe not the selfie question. 

The owner of this rooster did try to sell it to me. I try to imagine what Eve would say should I return to the cabin with a live rooster. 

Back in the cabin, I strip off my sweat soaked clothing and shower before describing my day to Eve. 

The ship casts off at 18:00 hours. A short but very interesting visit.