Thursday night's plans - washed out

My second to last night in Salatiga. Planned to go to a restaurant in the city centre, to thank the family for their hospitality and kindess. Arrived home at 5.30pm and, after some water and fruit, headed upstairs for iPod ritual:

• Department of Eagles - Waves of Rye
• Nico - Julius Caesar (Memento Hodie) alternate version
• Destroyer - What Road
• The Heavy Blinkers - Rise and Glide
• Tujiko Noriko - Gift
• and a range of other sounds.

Waiting for Priscilla to return from kampus. Everyone ready by 6.30pm. Head to the garage area and the sound of rain hitting the roof can be heard. "It's a typhoon," said Pak Agna. I headed outside, and, yes, it was raining heavily. Seconds later it dumped down. My plans to treat the family foiled by hujan lebat. The rainy season, as reported in the media, has been delayed, not due to start in Salatiga until late November. Meanwhile, Jakarta is bracing for floods. But tonight the clouds opened up and created an almighty din.

Housebound. Ibu and Priscilla prepared dinner. An hour later, the usual 5 or so dishes to choose from. Don't know how they do it! Rain drowns out the suara masjid. After dinner, which began with a delicious corn soup and finished with a plate of fresh fruit, the family (minus Aaron, who's been in Bandung the last three weeks studying) gave me presents - oleh-oleh (souveniers) for the Tallulah and Delaney and another baju batik, specially chosen by Pak, to add to the collection. It's been a big week for saying goodbye.

If weather permits, tomorrow night we will hit the town.