Of Indonesia’s myriad indigenous peoples, a few – like the Balinese and Javanese – are known for their hospitality. Others, on the other hand, boast legacies that could make you think twice about offending your hosts. Like the Batak of North Sumatra. Best known for their iconic jabu houses with massive gabled roofs, the Batak were also feared for their strict laws, black magic, and rituals…including child sacrifice and cannibalism. Here on my first visit to Lake Toba, I was […] The ...| Roamscapes
The souks are labyrinthine. I press my fingers to a sand-colored wall, letting its surface cool me while I pause in the shade. Just beyond this side alley is another stretch of stores, textile-themed: glittering dresses, silks, shoes. So far I've already found Chanel perfume dupes and 'Viagra stones', but Old Dubai has far more in store for visitors. This historical area of the city is nothing like the 10-lane roads, ambitiously sculpted artificial islands, and overgrowth of glass and| Roamscapes