Stumble It!
Dec 17 2008
God of Rats - 1
Island of the Gods, Indonesia
During the morning briefing the night manager, Agus, read through the log book. There had been yet another five incidents with rats last night. I groaned inwardly. Yesterday when I passed by the lobby I saw this super tanned Italian woman shouting to a poor receptionist. She was brandishing a piece of torn cloth and upon a closer look I was horrified to find that it turned out to be a bikini bottom, minus the crotch. According to the guest, the crotch area had been eaten by a rat.
“What should we do to get rid of these pests?” I asked around the table.
All the locals lowered their heads as if ashamed. It is really the fault of no one around the table. The construction on the vacant lot next to our property has started. Rats, locally bred or imported through construction materials, have become rampant. As the nearest water and food source, our hotel with over 300 rooms has become their favorite haunt.
Apart from a bikini bottom without a crotch, we have had complaints about baby bottles being chewed through, snacks being ripped open and generally a lot of noise during the night.
“What about a ceremony to the god of rats?”
I looked up and found Mastra looking at me with blazing eyes.
“Do you think it will work?” I asked.
I know that there are numerous gods on this island and everything has a god, including metal. I have seen offerings on a new car. But for rats? Well, why not?
“Yes, Pak John.” Mastra said solemnly. “I believe if we make a ceremony for rat god, the rats will go away.”
“If you think it will work, sure. Shall we go to the temple now?” I inquired.
I volunteered because they always like it when a buleh (pronounced ‘boo-lay’), literally ‘albino’ but now a synonym to all Caucasian people, shows respect and support for a traditional religious ceremony.
“No, Pak John. We will first collect some rat tails, then find an auspicious day and make a ceremony. I will consult my religious calendar and come back to you.”
“I can’t wait,” I replied.
