Family picnic evening

On Sat 27^th August the University (I have to stop calling it “college”) held a picnic evening for staff and families.  Many took the opportunity to join in this enjoyable evening and either take part in, or just watch, the activities.

Dr Mastra welcomes families to the event.

Some of the new generation of recent appointees enjoy the evening

Folk at the University are much less concerned about “invasion of personal privacy” and so on than we are at home, and birthdays are known to all.  Four staff members with birthdays in August (it’s not as popular as the month of October when I had my “honorary Bali birthday” last year) were presented with a Balinese birthday treat – a cake of rice (of course!), but the wind kept blowing out the candles before the birthday 4 got the chance!

The wind did not cooperate!

During the day an important structure had appeared – a greased pole. This was to be the centre of much speculation, amusement, and competition later in the evening.  Climbing the "Panjat Pinang" (greasy pole) is a sport traditionally contested on August 17th, Independence Day.  The “pole” was a trimmed tree trunk on top of which was a hoop from which dangled plastic bags containing pieces of paper which may, or may not, contain the number of a prizes to be won. During the evening rice cookers, two foldup bicycles, 2 TVs and a number of smaller items were to be won.

The greasy pole.

It wasn’t long before the serious business started.  I was allocated to team 4 in the men’s tug-of-war.  Teams 1 and 2 competed in a bout which was quickly over. 

Heave …. Heave…..!

Teams 3 and 4 were evenly matched and each team won an “end” in two hard pulls.  In the “decider” my team gave a little ground, regained it and then ever so slowly pulled the other team across the line.  It was a hard pull and we were exhausted.  Days later I still have a couple of strained muscles and a sore spot on my ribs where a knee caught me as we tumbled backward at the end.  Unfortunately the owner of the knee came off second best when I landed back on him.

This tug was not hard enough to lose the smiles

There was a good deal more laughter and less grunting and groaning in the ladies events, but the pursed lips on the finalists showed they were taking it seriously.

Now this is more serious!

Unfortunately the massive effort in the third pull of our heat had taken its toll on my team, and in our crippled state we were no match for the other team which easily dragged us across the line.   I don't recall what the winning team won, but we got a blue plastic spoon.  We weren't really "wooden spooners" - afterall, we beat team 3!

 Soon it was time for the main event – the pole climb.  Two teams had nominated, and there styles were very different.  Each team of 4 had a limited amount of time to hoist one member high enough to snatch as many of the hanging plastic “prizes” as possible before the time ran out.  Team one started with the 2-man base crouching with arms circling the pole; another climbed on their shoulders, and another on his.  The base then stood up, lifting the top man (the diminutive “Professor” Rai, appearing to me in quite a new light!) up high enough to grasp the prize.

Preparing the base of the tower.

Now for next level.

And the small "picker" on the top!

The second team had an effective but less elegant approach.  Not for them the two-man base wrapped around the pole.  Brute strength for this team.

Not elegant, but they can reach the top.

When the second team’s time had expired there were still some prizes left, so team one gain hoisted the agile “Prof” Rai up the pole, and in a desperate race against the clock he hoisted himself even higher so he could grab the remaining prizes.

"Prof Rai" displays good form, edging higher to reach the prizes.

After the event the contestants lined up to claim prizes which were presented by Dr Mastra, the Chairman of the Dhyana Pura Foundation.



Barnabas claims a prize.

Dr Mastra presents a bicycle to the victors.

As most watched the tree climb event others prepared the food for later.  It did look as if the grilled fish was fast becoming smoked fish, and the team resorted to “fan forced” cooking techniques.

Pak Joko adjusts the fan so I get maximium smoke.

The smoked / grilled fish was delicious.

Pak Sidhi compered the lucky draws – people came and draw a piece of plastic straw from the bag.  Rolled inside the bag was a piece of paper, some of which had prize numbers.  Unfortunately for most “kosong” (nothing, nil) was the outcome.

Bu Sidhi checks a number as Pak Sidhi calls out names

Checking the number.  Will I get a prize?

 After all prizes had been allocated and claimed the food was served.  The fish and sate sticks were well cooked and the sweet Balinese dessert of rice, coconut and palm sugar syrup was delicious.  Apart from the novelty of the greasy pole climb, a traditional Indonesian competitive amusement, it reminded me of family picnic days from long ago. They were happy memories.