Life in the land of frequent floods

During an afternoon of motorbike exploring a little while ago, I crossed over to the far side of the Batanghari River that bisects Jambi city.  Even though Jambi city runs right up the river on my side, the other side of the river is completely rural with a dearth of public services and adequate infrastructure.  The scenery over there is considerably more attractive as a result though, the roads lined with old, colorful traditionally styled houses.

 The ulterior motive of my exploration was to find the batik-making center I heard was located in this ethnically Melayu section of Jambi.  What I did find was significant flooding- the third flood in one month and a record.  When I made it to the batik/cultural center I learned that because of the flooding batik making was on hold since the area below the buildings- now flooded- is where the boiling of fabrics takes place.  With my plans delayed I continued exploring and snapped a few photos along the way:

A family waiting out the floods by drying clothes on their fence.  This photo doesn't show the canoe they take to get to the front door.

Children wading through the flooded dirt roads as they head home from school.

A few boys enjoying the weather and the view from their lofty position on the dome of a mosque.