Samarinda

Having flown into Pontianak a few days prior, greeted by a visible and foul smelling smog, I was was not sure what expected me in Samarinda. I was on my way there to attend a festival that was being put up in the neighbouring town, Tenggarong.

I’d gotten in touch with a Samarindan woman whom had agreed to host and guide me during the festivities. A young, open-minded and curious Muslim wanting to gain more experience with the outside world. Recently graduated as a nurse, she was an informed member and part of a reasonably conservative community, giving me an opportunity of cultural exchanges.

Cultural exchanges are not easy. It’s exhausting to put oneself in the shoes of an entirely different culture.