Canoe Races

My counterpart knew that I used to be a rower, so he offered to take me to go watch a canoe racing event that was being held right in town. This was totally nice of him and I totally appreciated that he would keep in in his thoughts like that. However, the one thing that I kinda did not appreciate about this was that I got a phone call at 8 in the morning telling me that the races were about to start right now. I had went to bed at 4 the "night" before. Indonesians really have no concept of the idea "staying up late." That or I have no idea of the concept "going to bed at a somewhat decent hour." Ah well, that is culture shock for you. Anyways, on to the pictures!

Canoes!

Getting aligned at the start line.

The yellow flag brings stability to all who touch it.

At the start line.

And off they go!

Just as a side note, you can catch crabs in boats like these too. I saw it happen many times.

The national flag was the half was point.

Around they go.

The way back is always the most exciting part.

This guy pulls out into the lead!

But that other dude is catching up!

Look at how happy he is for winning.

Yep, soooo happy.

The boats, going home after their race.

This dude is not as happy as that other dude.

There was quite a crowd.

What color is your boat!?!?!?

Look at this big hole!

Kids playing at the beach.

Boats waiting to be raced.

Lol, silly kids, that is not a boat.

So many people! Usually this place is completely dead.

Being a spectator can be dangerous at times.

Sometimes I get shoved to the back.

There is always something magical about a starting line waiting for boats.

There is that flag/half way point.

The view was nice too.

That boat looks suspiciously non-traditional. (it was a race for traditional boats)

Like a boss.

To your lanes.

We have alignme. . . ahhh, close enough. 

Still not quite there yet.

But who cares for sissy rules like that? There is a race to be won.

Seriously, it was a beautiful venue and day.

Some manner of filming boat.

Banner! Everything in Indonesia has got to have a banner.

The regent. His face is everywhereeeeeeeee.

A crowd!