Indonesians love to take pictures. They really like to take pictures of foreigners. Upon arriving, I quietly took a chair reserved for me to look through the program book. Sitting one seat away in the same row was another man from the U.S. Seconds after I was seated, participants in the conference began to come up and ask for their picture together with this man and me. No matter who we were and our relative lack of fame, attendees descended on us as though we were Hollywood stars, taking pictures and selfies (and groupies) with us. Nearly ten steps away were two men dressed in traditional Javanese costumes -- at the front of the venue for the sole purpose of the photo op. No matter, the paparazzi descended in full force, moving from the traditional costume character picture to the next where they could pose with two foreign visitors. We had a good laugh and eventually elbowed our way to the stage to have a chance at being in control of the camera. Every request made with a smile, this scenario is repeated with foreigners everywhere they land in Indonesia. Want to feel like a celebrity? Need a boost to your self image or ego? This is an excellent place to build some confidence!
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