It is often when we least expect it, that strange and wonderful friendships and events occur. So it was that when Patti Seery Founder of Silolona Sojourns, first visited the remote Flores Archipelago and the Savu Sea, with its smoldering volcanoes, sapphire encrusted bays and a rich tapestry of unique cultures and rituals, almost 25 years to the day.

A remote part of Indonesia, the peoples and cultures of Flores, Sumba and the Savu Sea hold a mystic trance over visitors, that lies deep in a history and friendship that has changed little since Silolona first sailed there. It was here, that Patti was so fondly welcomed long before other commercial phinisi’s sailed these waters, was adopted in full ceremonial ritual and given the name ‘Na’ Rajah’ by traditional tribal leaders – The ‘Lords of the Sun’. What fol-lowed was a close relationship that went far beyond business, as villagers welcomed Patti and Silolona’s guests, as their honored extended family. It is no surprise therefore, that any visit here with Silolona Sojourns, is guaranteed to be magical, offering a deeper level of travel, ceremony and kinship.

Comprised of narrow rugged islands, strung between chains of active volcanoes, the landscape is nothing short of mesmerizing – almost untamed, undiscovered and alluringly scenic. 

Most of the islanders here, live a relatively unchanged traditional life of farming and fishing. Living amongst some of the most magnificent coral reefs that hide stunning shoals of pelagic fish and rare marine flora. Some of the islands here notably Alor - still house ancient highly prized ceremonial bronze drums within the Abui Tribe – known as Moko’s which are tradition-ally given as dowries during tribal weddings. These intricately carved hourglass shaped bronze drums, are still today, used for ritual celebrations and as part of marriage exchange rites, conveying specific ‘status’ amongst members of the tribe.

The Portuguese sailed here in the late 1500’s, in search of the regions rich colorful spices, leaving a strong imprint of Christianity upon the islands, which they called ‘Cabo des Flores’, or the Cape of Flowers, due to the mesmerizing beauty of the underwater coral gardens lining the bays. Today, it is these alluring underwater corals and hidden coves that, make it a diving mecca for those few in the 

Blessed with a picturesque landscape of lush green hills and rugged mountains, set against the translucent aquamarine ocean, Maumere once served as an alternative for intrepid travelers to Komodo National Park. One of its main draws are the remote local village’s home to some of the very best Ikat weaving communities.

Ikat means ‘to tie’. The intricate threads are woven into elaborate pat-terns, then dyed, tied and dyed again, creating intricate unique designs. The best Ikat showcases ancient design elements -- rhom-boids, knots an’d spindly creatures -- rendered in the earthy tones of natural dyes, usually the blood-red of Morinda citrofolia, known as ‘kombu’ in Indonesia, and the infamous blue black of indigo.

What sets Iikat apart from mere decoration, is the depth of its meaning. Different symbols may