Souvenirs are a large part of the
culture in this country, but key chains and
magnets are not the common items.
Any time a person goes on a trip, friends, family, and neighbors at home expect (to some degree) to be bought a souvenir. The most common souvenirs are fruit and small packaged food such as candy or snacks. I, Erin, am still trying to figure out whom to buy for and the acceptable quantity. Often when we return home from at trip we are asked by neighbors, "When did you return? Where is my souvenir?" Even neighbors from the other side of our complex.
We recently had the opportunity to visit some locals who make a souvenir type candy unique to Barat. It is one of our favorites. It is a gooey treat made from palm sugar, coconut, and either uncooked sticky rice or peanuts.
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Whitman fell asleep on the ride there.
Our hosts quickly grabbed a blanket and pillow as we began to lay him on the floor. |
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Wrapping it up.
The prepared candy is spooned into dried banana leaves (left), then folded up (right). |
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John and I having a try.
Wrapped up it lasts for at least a month. Maybe more if you can keep the ants away. |
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| Palm sugar being boiled down. |
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| Coconut husks are used as fuel for the fire. |
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| This man was excited to have his picture taken with us AND his bike. |
