This past weekend, Daniel and I had our first real exposure as adults to traveling with a large family. Our friend Lusi had invited us to a family members’ wedding in Surabaya. We have known about this for some time and had prepared for the event. This was going to be a wedding like no other. Daniel had a custom suit made, and I endured a strict diet to lose those pesky pounds that had found their way to my hips. It was a struggle but it worked. Daniel and I looked great!!
On Friday evening, the plan was to meet at Lusi’s house to leave by 6. We arrived at 5:30 to mass chaos. Kids were playing video games, watching TV, eating, crying, and complaining of stomach aches. Adults were scrambling around preparing all the last minute details, taking showers and packing. We just sat and enjoyed the show. About 7:15 we finally all loaded in 3 cars and headed out, only to make it 20 minutes down the road for a gas fill-up and potty break. That break took about 15 minutes, then a full hour of driving before stopping for dinner. Needless to say, it took us a lot longer to get to Surabaya than normal. It was crazy, slightly frustrating, but definitely entertaining.
At the hotel/apartment where we all stayed, there was endless kids laughter, yelling, and crying. Throughout the weekend, the men came in and out with food to appease the kids. I definitely sensed the importance of keeping the kiddos’ tummys full. There was a hotel pool so the kids got to enjoy that Saturday morning. Daniel and I enjoyed a luxurious gym with flat-screen TVs and electronic cardio machines. The gym was our little getaway.
Saturday evening came quick enough and the energy built as everyone started getting ready. Some of the girls had makeovers done in the hotel room, while the kids ate breakfast and played video games. The plan was to head to the party at 5, and we finally all made it out the door at 6:15. The chaos was worth it though, as the wedding reception really was like no other I had attended. It matched what I imagine a celebrity wedding would be back in the states. Thousands of flowers, intimate lighting, professional photographers, 2 jumbo screens, a live band, dancing groups, a huge stage, one of those camera crane things that scan the audience from a birds-eye view and a 9 course meal.
The night was great but the icing on the cake was when one of the singers spotted the 2 bule, aka us, in the audience and honed in on Daniel. Decked out in hot pink sparkles, she planted herself on Daniel’s lap. A little chit-chat with the microphone so everyone could hear, turned into Daniel being pulled on stage for some singing and dancing. They broke into song with “I Feel Good!”, and Daniel got a shockingly forward dance partner. The lady in pink, named Inul, made Daniel blush and the audience explode in laughter. To end their rendezvous, Daniel got a free cell phone (at weddings like this there are pricey door-prizes). After returning to our seats, Lusi told us that Inul is a very most famous singers in Indonesia. Also apparently she was banned in some places because she is too risqué. By American standards she’s just plain entertaining and she definitely made our evening.
Sunday was a little less hectic. We got in another long workout, and then splurged on amazing Italian food and McDonalds ice cream with Lusi and sis. We all arrived home about 7 pm, pretty darn exhausted. After experiencing this weekend, Daniel and I now have a greater appreciation for all parents. Road trips from the adult’s perspective is completely different from the perspective of a kid. I fully understand why adults often say you need a vacation after your vacation, or at least a glass of wine. Both of which we don’t have. Oh well!! It was fun, crazy, exhausting, all in one. A blast and we’re happy to be home.
On Friday evening, the plan was to meet at Lusi’s house to leave by 6. We arrived at 5:30 to mass chaos. Kids were playing video games, watching TV, eating, crying, and complaining of stomach aches. Adults were scrambling around preparing all the last minute details, taking showers and packing. We just sat and enjoyed the show. About 7:15 we finally all loaded in 3 cars and headed out, only to make it 20 minutes down the road for a gas fill-up and potty break. That break took about 15 minutes, then a full hour of driving before stopping for dinner. Needless to say, it took us a lot longer to get to Surabaya than normal. It was crazy, slightly frustrating, but definitely entertaining.
At the hotel/apartment where we all stayed, there was endless kids laughter, yelling, and crying. Throughout the weekend, the men came in and out with food to appease the kids. I definitely sensed the importance of keeping the kiddos’ tummys full. There was a hotel pool so the kids got to enjoy that Saturday morning. Daniel and I enjoyed a luxurious gym with flat-screen TVs and electronic cardio machines. The gym was our little getaway.
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Saturday evening came quick enough and the energy built as everyone started getting ready. Some of the girls had makeovers done in the hotel room, while the kids ate breakfast and played video games. The plan was to head to the party at 5, and we finally all made it out the door at 6:15. The chaos was worth it though, as the wedding reception really was like no other I had attended. It matched what I imagine a celebrity wedding would be back in the states. Thousands of flowers, intimate lighting, professional photographers, 2 jumbo screens, a live band, dancing groups, a huge stage, one of those camera crane things that scan the audience from a birds-eye view and a 9 course meal.The night was great but the icing on the cake was when one of the singers spotted the 2 bule, aka us, in the audience and honed in on Daniel. Decked out in hot pink sparkles, she planted herself on Daniel’s lap. A little chit-chat with the microphone so everyone could hear, turned into Daniel being pulled on stage for some singing and dancing. They broke into song with “I Feel Good!”, and Daniel got a shockingly forward dance partner. The lady in pink, named Inul, made Daniel blush and the audience explode in laughter. To end their rendezvous, Daniel got a free cell phone (at weddings like this there are pricey door-prizes). After returning to our seats, Lusi told us that Inul is a very most famous singers in Indonesia. Also apparently she was banned in some places because she is too risqué. By American standards she’s just plain entertaining and she definitely made our evening.
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