Lampung Selatan celebrated its 69th anniversary in November, and ETA Charlie Cushman enjoyed the festivities with his fellow teachers and students from SMAN 1 Kalianda. Charlie watched the opening ceremonies on Friday night at the town square with several fellow teachers. The town square was buzzing with excitement as people from all across the province descended on Kalianda. At the square, every kecamatan (sub-district) had its own booth—Charlie enjoyed meeting people from the different towns who were visiting and learning about their local cultures. Charlie and his new friends did not stay too late, however, as Saturday morning’s 5K run started at 5:30 a.m.

More than 5,000 people participated in the run, whose course brought competitors through the main areas of town before finishing in front of the Bupati (Regent) office. As it was already hot by 6 a.m., Charlie and the other runners were drenched with sweat but treated to fresh watermelons and bananas at the finish line. After the race, the crowd danced to a DJ’s concert, and Charlie met and took photos with many locals. Finally, the festival ended with a parade of people from every kecamatan and local school through town. Charlie, his fellow teachers, and students watched as parade participants showcased costumes, dances, songs, and statues from their towns while marching through the main street of Kalianda.

Charlie had a wonderful time at the festival, making many new friends, and enjoyed learning more about the cultural diversity within Lampung Selatan.

Charles Cushman is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Kalianda, South Lampung.