PETER SCHOPPERT, author of Java Style, head of external relations for McKinsey & Company
“Storytelling with a heart of adventure in mind and spirit, unveiling many unknown aspects of Asia “
ARISTIDES KATOPPO, editor of Sinar Harapan
“Paul Sochaczewski’s writing combines good travel writing, humor, and environmental consciousness. His stories focus on the human and natural phenomena which make Southeast Asia arguably the most interesting part of the world to live in; he writes about the unusual characters and situations which he encounters with gentle irony. He wears his deep familiarity with the region lightly, smoothing the path into this dauntingly complex area for the reader with no previous experience here.”
JOHN MIKSIC, associate professor, National University of Singapore, author of Borobudur: Golden Tales of the Buddhas, Indonesian Heritage encyclopedia, Encyclopedia of Malaysia, Kraton Surakarta, Icons of Art: National Museum Jakarta
“The Sultan and the Mermaid Queen is delightful and fascinating-- a fun, and funny, introduction to some of the most interesting people, places and sights of Southeast Asia. Never met a real-life hobbit? Come search for them on the Indonesian island of Flores. Worried that your golf game is beyond human redemption? Meet a Japanese monk who uses Zen to unlock the secrets of a supernatural putt. Think a white elephant can only be found in Disneyland? Let Sochaczewski show you how the military autocrats of Burma are seeking out a rare beast to balance out their bad karma. If you can’t travel to the rainforests of Borneo and the minefields of Cambodia, pick up a copy of The Sultan and the Mermaid Queen and come along for the ride!”
JONAH BLANK, author of Arrow of the Blue-Skinned God: Retracing the Ramayana Through India, and Mullahs on the Mainframe: Islam and Modernity among the Daudi Bohras
“This book is full of ‘good heart’ and surprising news from parts of the world that don’t always play by Cartesian rules. Paul Sochaczewski wears his knowledge as lightly as an invisible cloak, but there is a lot to be learned from these finely-wrought tales of faraway places. I recommend you buy this book and savour it.”
THOMAS BASS, author of Vietnamerica: The War Comes Home, The Spy Who Loved Us, The Predictors
Copyright
First published in 2008
by Editions Didier Millet Pte Ltd
121 Telok Ayer Street #03-01
Singapore 068590
www.edmbooks.com
© Paul Spencer Sochaczewski 2008
Printed in Singapore
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the copyright owners.
ISBN: 978–981–4260–75–6
COVER PHOTO: SOLO, Indonesia.
Nine dancers perform the annual Bedoyo Ketawang, held in honor of the love affair between the Susuhunan of Solo and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the Mermaid Queen. If a tenth dancer is seen that would be the Mermaid Queen herself, come to bless the ceremonies and rekindle the passion between her and the royal leader.
Photo: Monique Filsnoël
The Sultan and the Mermaid Queen Page 30