Sulawesi Utara
Posted Nov. 23, 2023 by Grey Filastine![Sulawesi Utara](/media/images/Sulawesi_Utara.width-800.jpg)
The northern tip of Sulawesi island was a zenith of both geography and intensity. It was here that we experienced both the warmest welcome and the worst corruption.
In Manado we were greeted with a full-scale model of Arka Kinari perched on a mountaintop overlooking our anchorage. It was built as a backdrop for a long evening of rituals and celebrations by native elders and local musicians to welcome Arka Kinari into their lands.
![Sulawesi Utara 3](/media/images/Sulawesi_Utara_3.width-800.jpg)
Shortly afterwards we found ourselves trapped in sticky web of corruption, held hostage for four long days by the syahbandar of Bitung. Syahbandar is the local title for harbormaster.
![Sulawesi Utara 4](/media/images/Sulawesi_Utara_4.width-800.jpg)
I sometimes I wish things could be just a little less intense. But like a full moonβs spring tides, we can do nothing to stop the highs from creeping higher, nor the lows from sinking lower.
![Sulawesi Utara 9](/media/images/Sulawesi_Utara_9.width-800.jpg)
![Sulawesi Utara 5](/media/images/Sulawesi_Utara_5.width-800.jpg)
Created: 23 Nov 2023 / Updated: 23 Nov 2023