When you visit another culture you always do your best to learn about the unique differences before you go, so as not to embarrass oneself. Well, our villa sits on the edge of the subdivision. Just on the other side of the wall is a small dirt road. Adjacent to the road is a small concrete building under construction - almost finished. The other day we heard a band playing in the distance and the music became progressively cheerful as the band marched down the path. With the drums and flutes playing a merry tune, Johanna ran to the back, 2nd story patio to see. In the distance, she could see a group of men carrying a large flowery altar-like structure. Flowers are very common during "puja". Her first reaction was that they must be finished with the construction enough to perform "puja" on the building. So she proceeded to call to the boys, "Joshua, Caleb come quick, see the parade."
By the time I arrive on the patio, the band is walking down the path adjacent our villa with the beautiful flower petaled structure in hand. Johanna is clapping to the music, tapping her feet and surely with a smile. In the meantime, I grab out the camera phone and snap a picture of this special moment. Then in an instant Johanna stops, turns around to me and says, "Eric, there is a dead body in the flowers." huh!!!?? We retreated to our villa in embarrassment.
Side note: Had we been able to see far enough down the path and waited long enough, we would have watched the beautiful flower structure aflame as they cremated the body. Also, the picture has been omitted out of respect for the deceased.
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