LOVE SONGS OF LOLOBATA

MY GRANDMOTHER

The ship is leaning on the dock. The nausea and dizziness had subsided but my body still felt weak. After removing the buoy, I grabbed Andi's hand that had jumped onto the dock first and extended her hand to me. He rearranged the gift boxes that had been packed by mama so that it could be fortified at once to reduce my burden.

"Where to bring a backpack. Let's all take it."

"Can?"

"could. That's why it's set first."

He soon packed our luggage. I walked slowly out of the harbor.

"Want to pray and eat at the airport or here?"

I'm shaking. Not not not want. I don't know which option is better.

"We call a taxi. It seems like the airport break is more comfortable. Mushola is better too. Not far away. At least 10 minutes."

I just according. The city of Ternate looks much more crowded and densely populated than Sofifi. The old town on a small island at the foot of Mount Gamalama is hundreds of years old. At least in the recorded history books this city is the center of the government of the sultanate of Ternate which was established in the early 13th century AD. But the life of this city remains unpretentious unlike the modern big city on television. There are no skyscrapers that are a symbol of the city. The houses look simple.

"That's the palace of the Ternate sultanate." Andi pointed towards a large yellowish-painted building that stood majestically against the backdrop of the arrogance of Mount Gamalama.

The old palace is one of the historical evidence of the glory of the land of Maluku which has long been famous as a supplier of world spices. It is said that the merchant ships of the Middle East, China, India and Europe had stopped in this small town.

It was not until 15 minutes that we arrived at Sultan Baabullah airport. We immediately went to the mosque, ate and then rested in the airport waiting room which was quite comfortable before being allowed to enter the plane. Many people were waiting in that room. Andi had opened his laptop to complete a job that he said was delayed. While I chose to be silent about the details of the building, the runway, the plane and the people around me. That's how I am when I witness something new, pay attention to details and store memories in my brain memory. Be aware. This time I saw an airport.

The journey from Ternate to Makasar is only taken in about an hour. I enjoy traveling above altitude. Not drunk as when in the middle of the sea because there was no jolt and shock that I felt. Just a little bit of ear-sucking when the plane takes off. Return to normal when the plane is stable running on the clouds. I only felt one great jolt when the plane went down to the runway. Besides it's comfortable.

Makassar is like the modern city I saw on television. The city is much larger than the airport in Ternate. The architecture looks much more modern. Many shops that serve items that look exclusive. Also a restaurant with international brands.

About 20 minutes by taxi from the airport I arrived at a large and magnificent 2-story wall house. That's where my grandmother lives.

Really, I was a little shocked when the car stopped in front of the house and Andi came down to talk to a security guard who finally opened the gate for us.

Is this really the baba house? Big one. There is no house this big and this good in the village where I was born.

The security guard helped to bring the goods down and bring them. He led us to the living room. I stepped in doubtfully. A foreign feeling spread in my body. Fortunately there was Andi who made me a little confident. If alone, maybe I will undo the intention to enter the magnificent house.

"Please come in, brother Afifa! I've been waiting inside." The guard opened the door politely.

In the room I saw an old woman sitting in a wheelchair. White hair. His firm face line was at a glance similar to mine. He smiled and held out his hands to welcome me.

"Welcome Afifa Syarif" he said as I hugged him. He patted me on the shoulder and kissed me many times.

"You look like your father." Grandma let go of her embrace. I saw him shed tears as he looked at me with a gaze that could not be expressed in words. I thought it was an expression of sadness and haru pounding into one.

"Will you be the grandson of Joseph?

"Yes, Grandma." Andi who had been silent since witnessed the heartwarming scene between grandmother and grandchild immediately greeted grandmother and kissed her hands and cheeks.

"So you're in the forest too?"

"I'm PNS environmental officer, Grandma."

Grandma laughed as she showed her false teeth made of yellowish metal, "Don't you look like Fifa's father. Merantau don't remember going home even to the point of being a corpse we don't know."

Andi just smiled a smile hearing Grandma's firm complaint. "Now modern times, Grandma. There's a communication device."

"There's a signal in the woods."

"Now the signal has reached all corners, Grandma. The proof is that grandma can phone them and now can meet the granddaughter of the unknown grandmother." Andi responded with a smile.

Grandma smiled and thanked him very much for the service of the grandnephew who met her with her biological granddaughter.

"Thank you very much, brother."

"We don't have to wear it here anymore. It's Indonesian, right?"

I nodded and smiled.

"Tomorrow would I take a walk around Makassar?"

"Just the day."

Like grandmothers in general, my grandmother is a person who is chatty and wants a lot. He has 2 special nurses who patiently serve him in turn. Her name is aunt Ika and aunt Sari. Their age is middle-aged and she said the girl from the second housekeeper had been faithfully working for the grandmother until she was appointed as a special nurse who helped the grandmother overcome her limitations.

"This is how grandma is. I can't go anywhere alone anymore. You just stay with grandma here. Study here and continue the efforts of your late grandfather. Your uncle can't take care of everything because he still has to manage the school."

"Where are uncle's children?"

"Your uncle's son 2 people. Men all. Now they live and school in Java."

Poor thing. Looks like a lonely grandma.

"They'll be home tomorrow." added the grandmother.

Mercifully. At least my cousin appreciated my arrival. Grandma called a housekeeper named bi Siti who then drove me to the guest room located on the lower floor, right next to my grandmother's room.

After finishing cleaning up and taking a short break in the guest room that has been provided, my grandmother asked me to have dinner together. There was already Hasan's uncle and his wife I there. I saluted them first and greeted them before sitting down.

I sat on one of the sturdy teak wood dining chairs. In front of me was rice, conro soup, potato paste, shrimp crackers, salads and various fruits. A housekeeper helped Grandma spoon rice and side dishes into her plate. When you're done, follow Uncle Hasan and Aunt Marina to fill the plate. While I was the youngest to take my food the last.

The grandmother who led my first dinner and prayers was at the house. I don't know if it's the family custom of my late father or just this time. I dare not ask much. Tend to wait for new instructions to do something. Dare not take the initiative because they fear wrong.

"Bring your mother and sister over here, Fifa. Your grandfather's heritage house on the coast is still there. Stay there. It is indeed the right of your late father" said the grandmother as she scooped the rice from her plate in a graceful gesture.

"We're used to living in Lolobata, Grandma. There's a house and a garden there." I tried to subtly refuse the request of grandma that I was sure would not approve of mama.

"Look at his house first. Later, Ridi and Sharif, Yusuf's grandson, can take us there if you want to see. It's still contracted. But we can see and tell the rent that the lease won't be renewed."

"Not now, Grandma. Fifa needs to talk to Mama and Fifi first. If personal Fifa is a bit heavy leaving Lolobata because there is a baba tomb that we have to guard there. Fifa already works at a foundation engaged in bird conservation. Our lives are not lacking. Grandma don't worry. Now the communication facilities are good so we can call if we miss. We'll also try to come see Grandma often."

"Why don't your mom and sister come here now?"

"Fifi's having a test, Grandma. We'll video call them after we eat."

Grandma smiled happily. Uncle Hasan was more silent enjoying his dinner. Likewise with his wife who did not show hospitality or enthusiasm to meet his nephew. I don't know why. Maybe he was not feeling well or maybe Aunt Marina did not expect me to come. His smile seemed forced.

Just arrived Aunt Marina asked me when I was coming home. My attitude became more awkward.

"I will go home with Brother Sharif again. God willing next week. We're going to attend the wedding ceremony of his cousin first."

"You have a special relationship with Joseph's grandson?"

I'm shaking. I think this is a strange question. It is clear our kinship relationship, why should be asked there is a special relationship of all.

"You weren't invited to the show, were you?"

"Silent. No need to ask for an invitation, Marina. He could come to the party because he's my grandson. Daeng Yusuf my brother. What's wrong? She also still counted the relatives of the regents." martial grandmother silenced aunt Marina's mouth.

I don't understand what's wrong with this family. I also do not understand the customary rules that apply in this family. All I know from my first impression is that my grandmother was quite strict and dominant in this family. I like his style that is firm yet graceful in attitude.