WORLD OF NADA: Ribera del Fresno

It had been only a few days, but today would be our last day here. Whaatt?! That means we would do our last performance here as well. So sad :(. We did nothing in the morning and afternoon. The city is very small and while we were having free time, nothing opened because of siesta. We actually could use the swimming pool, but it took 15 minute walk and we were a bit lazy that day. We preferred to take shower, wash our clothes (Washing clothes became something we like to do while in here. Since the weather was super hot, our clothes dry within minutes!), and rest.

We performed at the same place as the first one. The group from Uruguay came the day before and we performed with them that night. It was fun watching them. Our girls were crushing on one guy and amazed with the ladies by their toned and lean bodies.

Pakkape Pakarena

Who knew I could play the percussion? Even I couldn't even believe it.

Candu Geulis

Enggang Papatay

Zapin Rembulan

Kembang Likpeng

Mambo Yospan

Uruguay's performance

With Aaron and our host, Isabel

The night had not over yet. We were told that there would be a party near the school with everybody, wohoo! It just began at 2am. We had to wake up early the next day but we didn't care. I even already packed my things earlier that day so I didn't have to be in a rush.

I thought they already prepared a particular place. We walked and saw some people already gathered with music played by the sound system. Guess what? Turns out they actually used free space, public street to be exact, in front of a warehouse! Mmm... I was speechless at first and tried to get what was going on. Then I saw a big trash bin and I was surprised there was sangria inside it! Plus, once in a while we had to move to the side if any car passed. Okay.

I came here to have fun so I didn't really care about the place anymore. We started taking the drinks and I couldn't wait to dance, but everybody seemed to be stand still. Our group became the only one who is uplifted. Then more Uruguayan people came. We started dancing again and this time everybody moved their body. The party was officially started! Some people from Uruguay led the dance at first and everybody followed. Some other people then did other moves in turns. We were having so much fun together. Since this is our last night, I didn't want to leave until everybody gone. It was such a great way to end the night (or start the day). It was nice meeting you guys and I hope to see you all again!

Party people

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Today we only had performance in a nursing home in the morning. We met these elderly people who looked very old. We were supposed to entertain them but they seemed to be confused. Our Saman dance, which would be performed, required us to sing loudly and surprise the audience, but we decided to be less noisy than usual.

I feel bad for them. They were very weak, even to speak. The nurses really do take care of them and treat them nicely. After we finished our performance, we approached them. Still, some of them were confused even felt annoyed instead. But there were also some who smiled and even tried to talk with us, even though we understand nothing since they talked in Spanish. I hope our presence made them happy that day.

Photos by Adam Rahmansyah

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We started the morning by meeting the mayor at a walking-distance theater alongside with T-Ta Paramadina and group from Andalusia. The mayor and officials welcomed us and talked about the festival. We exchanged souvenirs and they gave us Batilo red wine, white wine, and olive oil to be shared!

This is Adam, our photographer

A glimpse of the city

That night would be a special night for Indonesian groups. This would be our very first performance while T-Ta Paramadina would be having their last. What makes it better is we had to perform together so we made a collaboration! To make it a great show, after having lunch we did a rehearsal at the school gym. Most of us were actually really sleepy but we were excited at the same time.

The rehearsal

And the night came. The show started at 10pm but we had a short parade a few minutes before. Sounds so late? Well, Spanish people 'wake up' at night. Because it's summer and the weather is way too hot in the afternoon, there is siesta at around 2pm until 5.30pm. People take a nap and most shops are closed during this time. It becomes alive again at night. Besides, the sky gets dark at 9pm.

Not so long, the show officially began. We were the first performer so we got to make a great starter. Our hearts beat so fast. We had so much fun on stage despite the chaotic backstage for fast costume changing. My favourite part would be the finale where all of us were in one stage presenting Indonesia! First performance went well and there would be more to come!