Aging gracefully is something we hear about a lot. In Indonesia, it was something I frequently saw. I found these women, locals I met while traveling, to be truly beautiful–they were lovely, classy and full of dignity.
When I photographed them, it was sort of random and I wasn’t necessarily planning a post. So, unfortunately, I didn’t write their names down. Now, I wish I had.
Anyway, here they are–the Indonesian grannies whom I found to be beautiful–inside and out. Hope you enjoy meeting them!
Stunning Villager
I met this lovely lady one day while taking a walk in Payakumbuh, West Sumatra. Her grandchildren struck up a conversation with me, and they invited me inside their home, too. While there, I noticed her and how beautiful she was and asked permission to take photos. She said yes.
Sumatran Grandma
I don’t recall exactly where I met this lady–I think it was in a very tiny village and that it was just a brief encounter. I thought she had a sweet face, with gorgeous skin and warm eyes. Definitely cute.
Augus’s Mother
This woman is the mother of a man named Augus (and I believe a grandma to his sister’s children). When I met her, she offered me tea and cookies and we sat and just passed the time in her living room. My friend Eti served as interpreter.
It was a very enjoyable afternoon, too, because I knew her son, Augus, quite well. And he happened to be there, which made it fun. He’s a quirky character I’d hung out with quite a bit, who lives in a small hut on a nearby mountain. A fan of Clint Eastwood and a huge flirt, he was listed in my Offbeat Experiences I Had in Sumatra post.
Coffee Bean Roaster, Bali
I thought this woman was gorgeous. I loved her clothes and more importantly, the smile on her face. I recall my guide telling me that she’s been working there on the coffee estate for many years and truly loves her work. Judging from the look on her face, I believe it!
Mama Soto, Massage Therapist
This woman’s name I remember because I met her during my final days in Indonesia while on the wonderful island known as Gili Meno. Every time I saw her, she said, “I am Mama Soto.”
She was a ‘massage tout’ and a real character. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted a massage with her; I’d already had quite a few. Finally, I gave in. Turned out to be a very good one. Her hands are incredibly strong.
A few days after I had a massage with her, she and her family invited me to break their Ramadan fast with them–to have dinner together with them at their home. The food was fantastic and I enjoyed the experience very much.
Eti’s Mother
I saw this woman every day for close to a month because I was living with her and her daughter/the rest of the family) while volunteering at the local school). I thought she she was really special, too. She had lovely energy. She spoke no English and I spoke 10 words of Bahasa, but somehow, we communicated.
We always said good morning to each other and ‘how are you’ and sometimes sat on the porch together. We also shared fruit at times. One time, she was struggling to take her medicine and I helped her.
However we were interacting, we were always smiling or laughing about something. Definitely some fun times!
I think I wrote her name down somewhere, but can’t find it. Once I get it, I will add it to the post.
Reactions/Thoughts?
Have you met any cool grannies or grandpas or other elderly while traveling? How about in Asia? If so, what were they like? Did you photograph them? Did you have the opportunity to hear their stories via an interpreter?
What are your thoughts re: aging gracefully in your own country and around the world? Any theories why it seems to happen more in certain countries than others? I personally think it’s the culture and lifestyle. A lot less stressful in many countries vs here in the US. Also, for the most part, the elderly are treated with more reverence in other cultures.
These ladies are an inspiration. They make me wish I could grow old with as much grace and beauty as they have. Unfortunately, it is too late for me.
Hello, Leektone. Very funny–as always! I think that if you work on it, you could look like one of these lovely ladies.
You are an excellent photojournalist. Many cultures do not want to be photographed – especially the elders – who think a photo takes from the soul.
I wonder if the reveal of the wrinkles shows each major passing life like a birth, marriage, death and so on. If so, each wrinkle encompasses all of the life that passed through that person.
In the American world where botox and body sculpting exist, it is so sad to see that the ladies cannot touch the beauty that you have captured.
Thanks for sharing and next time leave room in your suitcase for me. I’ll share Mexico.
Hi, Dave. Thanks so much for the compliment! I do love photography and I think that because I was once a reporter, I sometimes tell a story through it. I’m fortunate that people are generally really welcoming where I travel and are usually cool with me taking their photo. In tourist traps, that’s not always the case. It then becomes a business deal, and I don’t care for that (although I get it in some way).
Interesting what you said re: the wrinkles representing major events in one’s life. Never thought of that, but it’s interesting to contemplate…
Thanks for stopping by! I may be posting a photo of a Kuna woman from Panama soon–one who’s in her traditional clothing. Interesting, too, but I recall having to pay $1 for the photo.
I love the colorful outfits they’re wearing!
Me, too. Very pretty!
I love their smiles – so warm and genuine, and opposite to the clowning around that seems fashionable in western cultures now when a camera is around. They look relaxed, happy and dignified.
Linda recently posted..A Little Cockney Warmth on a Cold Day
Hi, Linda. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree about their lovely smiles and the dignity they convey. Gorgeous grannies, for sure!