Opa was from Sabu, an island further to the east of Sumba. 

 

The prevailing currents made Sumba an easy destination for women from Sabu, where many of the younger men had left to seek their livelihood elsewhere.

 

In Sumba, it was the custom of young girls and boys, that if they liked someone, they would toss small rocks at them. Opa worked at the Losmen Lima Saudara (The Five Brothers/Sisters Inn) in Waingapu, Sumba, where I always stayed. Once one happy day, some small rocks were thrown in my open door; I’d like to think that Opa threw them.