I could have married at Sumba

by Peter
(Sitiawan Malaysia)

It's a weird story, I know. When I visited Sumba, I visited many little villages. The locals were friendly people. Many live a simple life, based on the small money they earned with their farming and fishing.

In one such a village I got in touch with the local chief. He was an older man, he looked 60 but probably just 40 or so. While we were chatting, I asked him about many things in the village, how the huts were build, what kind of food he enjoyed most, etc.

At one moment he asked me if I wanted to marry his daughter. He explained: "if you marry my daughter, I will build a new house for you, higher and more beautiful then any other. Also, remember, my daughter is the best ikat weaver in the village. She will weave you a beautiful blanket, so you can sleep comfortable".

Trust me, the daughter was a real beauty. But getting married .. that was NOT on my "to do" list.

But how could I tell this very nice man I was not in the "marriage" market? Fortunately I had done some homework. I knew I could not say NO to him. I could however tell him I would ask my parents for advice and permission. And that is what I did. He understood and the proposal was off the table. And I was saved a life in Sumba.