Blogs from Indonesia, Asia - page 419
October 7th 2005
Ok, now things start getting exciting. So I find myself a guide in Bukittinggi, and the next day we head off into the jungle. Now I'm having fun. The jungle was interesting and I was introduced to many of my favourite spices in their native habitat: Cinnamon, Cardamom and Lemon Grass. But what was truly amazing is walking through the rice paddies, with the locals working the fields, by hand and by buffalo. I knew about this before, but being there is everything, seeing people living this life style, it was really something else. I felt like my heart has really been opened to how these people live. The highlight was the view from Lawang Top. Perched high above Lake Maninjau, surrounded by mountains I suddenly felt very at home in the world, connected and slightly ... read more
October 7th 2005
Some updates: *posted my first entry about Bali (Life Goes On In Ubud) * blogged about my travels in Pokhara (Grrrl Power in Pokhara) and Vang Vieng (Bored in Vang Vieng) *will be heading to Bali Spirit soon for active meditations with Salena * miss you all! but very happy here! *and to fitri: see you soon in jakarta!... read more
October 7th 2005
I came to Bali burdened by the images of bloodied victims of the recent bombing plastered in the pages of the Malaysian dailies. I was in KL when the second bombing in Bali occurred . I called my parents, and they were very worried. My dad has specifically asked me to return to Singapore, where it’s safe, no terrorist bombs will kill you (and I was thinking well, in Singapore, you’ll die not from bombing but from depression, heartbreak, psychosis and sheer boredom). My sister, who’s working in Singapore, also dissuaded me from going to Bali. I told them not to worry too much about me. That I’m not going to Kuta. That Ubud is different from Kuta. That I won’t be going to any nightclubs. That I’m going to Ubud just to attend the ... read more
October 6th 2005
I was glad to get out of the sweaty industrial town of Dumai, although the overnight bus trip wasn't exactly bliss. I arrived in Bukittinggi early in the morning, and with the help of a local girl found my way to my hostel. Walking round Bukittingi was an interesting experience. I really came to appreciate that I was in a foreign land. Bukittinggi is rather unique; it is 930m above sea level meaning that it is rather cool. Mountains rise up around it and clouds float by, just out of reach. I managed to be befriended by a local who guided me to a nearby village on the other side of the canyon. This place is beautiful. Rice paddies either side of the road, stretching off into the mountains. I was in awe. Sitting having dinner ... read more
Acara Perjalanan ke Timur Tengah / Travel Plan to the Middle East
Published: March 29th 2006Asia » Indonesia » Java » Bandung
October 6th 2005
Our travel plan (I will work on the translation later - sorry fellas, Halef) Holyland-Mesir Pilgrim 10 Hari Bersama Komunitas Dokter Katolik Jabar PEMBIMBING: ROMO SOEMARDIYO ADIPRANOTO, PR Keberangkatan 06-15 Oktober 2005 Hari 01 / 06 Oktober: Jakarta - Amman - Tiberias Dua jam sebelum keberangkatan diharapkan Anda sudah berkumpul di Bandara International Soekarno-Hatta terminal 2-D untuk memulai perjalanan menuju kota Amman, Jordania. Setibanya di kota Amman Anda akan langsung diantar ke perbatasan Allenby Bridge untuk menuju Tanah Perjanjian, Israel. Lalu setelah proses imigrasi Anda akan langsung menuju Tiberias untuk makan malam dan bermalam. (D). Hari 02 / 07 Oktober: Tiberias Setelah santap pagi, Anda akan diajak mengelilingi Danau Galilea dengan kapal. Dilanjutkan ke Mt. Beatitudes (Mat 5:1-12), di mana Anda diajak berdoa serta merenungkan kembali 8 Sabda... read more
October 5th 2005
ap·pre·hen·sion (ăp'rĭ-hĕn'shən) pronunciation n. 1. Fearful or uneasy anticipation of the future; dread. 2. The act of seizing or capturing; arrest. 3. The ability to apprehend or understand; understanding. 1. Fearful or uneasy anticipation of the future; dread. (well not dread - too strong) 2005 October 1st - I was sitting in another crumbling hostel in Kuala Lumpur, killing a day or two with movies and shopping, waiting for my flight to Bali. In Kuta, Bali's main tourist center Islamic extremists were carrying out suicide bombings. 27 people died as a result, and hundreds were injured, many seriously. I had a ticket to fly to Bali on Monday 3rd October, not much time to make a decision and a tough one as well. I spent Sunday researching, reading the reports, scouring the forums, and trying to ... read more
October 3rd 2005
I have just spent 2 days in Dumai staying at with Mr Muchsin, the teacher of a local English school and helping his students with their english. I have been feeling quite cut off, because I haven't seen another foriegner for about 3 days now. It has been an interesting experience getting to meet the local people. I have been asked a number of times what I think of the Bali bombing. My opinion is that it's probably safer now than it was before, because security has probably been clamped down. Also I think the main weapon of terrorism is fear. If I run away afraid the terrorists have won. I would prefer to stay and understand the culture more. It is important to know that all the Indonesians that I have spoken to about it ... read more
Ramadan and terrorism... no it's not the Middle East
Published: October 14th 2005Asia » Indonesia » Riau Archipelago » Batam
September 30th 2005
Palau Batam, Indonesia: Sept 30 – Oct 7 We took a fast ferry 45 min. from Singapore to a little island resort where we are spending the week. We were upgraded to a one bedroom suite which gives us a lot more room and our own kitchen… even his and hers bathrooms. The resort is quite nice with a huge pool and a lot of amenities though it is a bit run down. Indonesia’s tourism industry has taken a blow over the years with the Asian economic crisis, terrorist bombings, and environmental disasters like the recent tsunami. Indonesians are very hospitable and especially love children. Zachary knows everyone here and is the little prince of the hotel. While we’ve been here, more bomb blasts have hit Bali and though we are no where near there ... read more
September 27th 2005
My my Grandmother has reminded me that it has been over a week since my last update. It hasn't really seemed pressing as I am on Bali time now. I can't believe that I leave today. The days just sped by. I met a young doctor from NY here who just finished is residency and planned on traveling and has ended up staying on this one beach for 30 days now. It really pulls you in. I have been snorkling, parasailing, playing with monkeys, swinging on vines, surfing, and a whole lot of nothing. I rented a motorbike for $3 a day and have been staying pretty local to Kuta beach. The traffic is pretty bad in the cities. The hawkers are pretty bad in the tourist areas with are mainly filled with Aussies and tourist ... read more
September 20th 2005
Two updates in as many days, you lucky lucky people. Not as lucky as me, mind. I just spend the day exploring a few coral reefs, checking out the little fishes going around their daily business. It is quite simply one of the most awe inspiring things I have ever done, and I am only a day into the course. I am being trained up by a great big Australian guy called Murray. The actual practicalities of diving are interesting, it is a more complex process than I thought it would be, but very easy to get to grips with. The coral reefs here are teeming with life, and are only a short swim from the beach. There is no way you can compare snorkling with this; the experience is much more vivid and allows you ... read more
