After arriving in Medan, I was quickly and graciously welcomed into my friend's "keluarga besar" big family. We arrived the night before Idul Fitri "Eve," so the following day was full of preparation for the celebration on Idul Fitir! Here's some of the scenes...
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| By the time I got up, the women were already hard at work preparing food for the next day. (Left) One of the sisters from the family is making "longtong" rice steamed in a banana leaf, which was served with "rendang" (pictured below left), Traditional & Delicious! The ladies above are preparing some vegetables & fruits for a smorgasbord of food to follow the coming days! |
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| "Rendang" meat simmered in spices & coconut milk - "Enak!" (Right) The younger ladies of the family, sisters & cousins, make a more western style of dessert - bite sized cookies made from corn flakes, chocolate, & sprinkles. |
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| Later that morning & into the afternoon, I joined one of my friend's uncles to visit the neighborhood where he once lived. Normally people make their visits the days following Idul Fitri, but he wanted to start early so as to catch as many friends as possible! |
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| While we were out and about, I saw many people painting their fences and doors in anticipation of the many guests and family that would be visiting in the coming days. (Maybe my Mom isn't the only one who likes the house to look good when guests come over :) |
"Ketupat Lancang Kuning" = another traditional food from this time of year. It is rice cake boiled in a rhombus-shaped packet of plaited young coconut leaves. Quite sweet and also delicious! We picked up some to break the fast later that day.
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| The last time to break fast together until Ramadhan next year! We're gathered around the table waiting to hear the evening call to prayer "Azan Magrib." We'll drink out tea first and then eat something light & sweet. Later we'll have a bigger meal of rice. |
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| After breaking the fast I headed out on the town with my friend to meet up with several of his high school friends. Since they've all graduated and live in different parts of Indonesia. They like to get together whenever they're all in town. (Right) Schedule of times to break the fast during the month of Ramadhan. |
