Ruteng

After leaving Liang Bua, I let Sepen and Semple talk me into visiting their school. While they did tell me was that the school was rehearsing for a district-wide talent competition, they didn't disclose that all the students and staff would be there. I was mortified to find several hundred pairs of eyes on me as I was ushered to a seat in the front and the headmaster and teachers came to introduce themselves. I stayed for about half and hour listening to song performances. I had a blast, but I didn't want to stay much longer as it was getting chilly (Ruteng is at a high altitude), and I was feeling self conscious about wearing shorts.

Sepen and Semple walked me to the Gunung Mas ticket office where I bought my shared ride ticket for the next day, then they walked me back to MBC. There, I said goodbye to them.

It was a little tiring communicating in English with these teenagers, but this was easily one of the best travel days I have ever had. I felt that I really got a sense of the pulse of this town, and I was touched by all the hospitality extended to me.

I'm still a little skeptical about a vocational school for tourism in a town like Ruteng which most travelers simply drive through. I have a sinking suspicion that Sepen, Semple, and the other kids will mostly end up migrating to Bali or Lombok to find work. Hopefully Labuanbajo’s tourism sector takes off so they only have to move a few hours west.

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