Rubio - A Gem

Sunday, Feb 24

Rubio introduced himself as we walked to a busy corner and contemplated how to cross the street and find the Bird Market without getting run over in the process. He was a fabulous salesman for getting us to hire him and his becak (tri-wheeled bike with bench for passengers. He spoke understandable English, explained where we were, what we should see, showed us how to get there on a map, and only then did he suggest we ride there in his bekah. So glad we did. It was a long way to the palace on roads jammed with cars, buses, motorbikes, horse-drawn carriages and becaks. Total insanity.

Rubio was a wonderful guide. He's been pedaling folks around for 34 years; he's now 72yrs young and fit as a fiddle. First stop was the bird market where birds of all discription are sold. Song birds are sold for their songs, not their colors, because they have bird singing competitions.

People buy these flying foxes (very large black bats) believing that they are a medicinal remedy for asthma when eaten. Mongoose, snakes, mice to feed the snakes, and long-legged cocks for fighting are also sold here.

 

The fish market across the busy street appeared subdued in comparison. Only a few vendors selling fish for aquariums, none for consumption. The flower market was similarly quiet. Next stop was a batik artist's co-op (Jane found a small piece for her travel wall at home).

Final side trip stop was to a 3rd-generation puppet maker. Judi bought a Tree of Life decoration made from water buffalo hide, hand chiseled, then hand-painted with a brush made of a single strand of cat hair. The entire process takes three weeks.