My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of traveling around from one island to another in Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world. During these very same travels, we met many underprivileged children who touched our hearts.
Moved to provide opportunities for some of these children, we began “Gilbert’s Camp”, dug a community well and connected with several whom we are mentoring and one who is now living in our Indonesia home and attending the university there. Sharing these stories with our friends, we saw an interest on the part of others to join in this type of effort to reach out to those in need. And so…… another story begins, that of expanding our outreach by telling others and accepting donations for our cause, Pemimpin Idola. With this new step, the excitement of adventure travel has now been replaced with the fulfillment that comes when one can make a difference in the lives of others.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Rina and her young children
Ever since meeting Rina and her two children in November 2011, I have made regular visits to the town of Weleri where they live, bringing them food, clothing, and toys .... and talking to them, giving them hope for better education and better life. I encouraged Rina and her husband to let Melanie (11) attend school in Semarang after elementary school. I assured them that Mitch and I would give her better education and hope for better future.
The family lives in a small 3 bedroom home with a dirt floor where they rent one of the rooms for the 4 of them. The other 2 bedrooms are also occupied by small families. Twelve people share one bathroom and one "kitchen" .... a u-shape brick stack full of ashes that looks like a small camp fire on which they place the pot to boil rice, cook vegetables and fry bananas and casavas. Many underprivileged families cook their meals using this open fire.... if they have the food to cook.
The family came to stay at our house in the city several times. By developing a good relationship with them, I can only hope that the family will accept my offer to sponsor Melanie to get a better education in Semarang. Without our help, Melanie (like many children) will only be able to finish elementary school because further schooling is not free in Indonesia. During my May visit this year, I received a word from Rina's husband, Rofa, that they support my idea of bringing Melanie to Semarang after she finishes elementary school in 2013.
The family lives in a small 3 bedroom home with a dirt floor where they rent one of the rooms for the 4 of them. The other 2 bedrooms are also occupied by small families. Twelve people share one bathroom and one "kitchen" .... a u-shape brick stack full of ashes that looks like a small camp fire on which they place the pot to boil rice, cook vegetables and fry bananas and casavas. Many underprivileged families cook their meals using this open fire.... if they have the food to cook.
The family came to stay at our house in the city several times. By developing a good relationship with them, I can only hope that the family will accept my offer to sponsor Melanie to get a better education in Semarang. Without our help, Melanie (like many children) will only be able to finish elementary school because further schooling is not free in Indonesia. During my May visit this year, I received a word from Rina's husband, Rofa, that they support my idea of bringing Melanie to Semarang after she finishes elementary school in 2013.
High School Graduation in the town of Gringsing (May 2012)
In May of 2012 I returned to Semarang to attend the graduation party of Irawan's school. Unlike many other cultures, it is not the custom of Indonesian schools for parents to be invited to attend a graduation. However, through the music teacher, Irawan was able to convince the school to invite me. When I arrived, Mr. Yudi the music teacher greeted me and led me to the guests' rows of seats. I saw local government officials sitting in a somewhat rigid position, and some police officers in uniforms which made the event feel and look more official. I had brought from the United States a roll of raffle tickets with the twin numbers side by side for a gift giveaway (door prize) as my contribution to help celebrate the graduation. I was introduced to the principal, the counselor and several teachers who warmly welcome me .... at first.
After explaining about the gift giveaway that I wanted to raffle, the principal agreed that he would pick 3 winning numbers during the ceremony and he would announce the lucky numbers. The lucky ticket holders would win a 4-day getaway to the city of Semarang where we live in Indonesia. A few minutes later, my husband Mitch came on my Android video chat. Excited, I approached the principal and "introduced" Mitch unilaterally. Mr. Principal didn't make any comment, other than "that look" on his face..... And some 15 minutes later, the counselor asked me to step in her office for a discussion. Politely, she expressed her concerns about my motives for bringing the students to Semarang. I explained to her that I intended to give them an educational trip so students may be inspired to go to college and have hope for better life. She then asked me if it would be possible to bring the parents as well..... Though this trip was intended for students, I then stretched my plan to include the parents as well in order to accommodate the situation. The counselor held me "captive" for 15 minutes or so (felt like an hour) while she counseled with the principal.
Out in the school yard on the stage, Irawan was playing in 2 bands, playing both the drums and a bass guitar. The quiet little town suddenly turned into some kind of a rock festival where teenagers and students from other schools tried to crash the party. Many were "caught" inappropriately wearing the uniform of the school and were turned away. Once in a while Mr. Yudi the music teacher took the microphone and stopped the band when students danced too much. I didn't see any danger whatsoever, for their manner was mild compared to dancing to a rock concert in America. Since there is no regular entertainment in the town, the young people take advantage of a happening like this school graduation party. Yet, they were told to behave and were warned of the police officers standing by to discipline them.
The principal and the counselor at this time had finished the discussion regarding the raffle prizes, and we all reached an agreement. The students would be accompanied by the parents, otherwise they wouldn't leave the town. The principal pulled one winning ticket at a time and called the winner. After the party was over, the counselor and I gathered with the winners and discussed the trip, made the arrangement for transportation, etc. They were all excited.
After explaining about the gift giveaway that I wanted to raffle, the principal agreed that he would pick 3 winning numbers during the ceremony and he would announce the lucky numbers. The lucky ticket holders would win a 4-day getaway to the city of Semarang where we live in Indonesia. A few minutes later, my husband Mitch came on my Android video chat. Excited, I approached the principal and "introduced" Mitch unilaterally. Mr. Principal didn't make any comment, other than "that look" on his face..... And some 15 minutes later, the counselor asked me to step in her office for a discussion. Politely, she expressed her concerns about my motives for bringing the students to Semarang. I explained to her that I intended to give them an educational trip so students may be inspired to go to college and have hope for better life. She then asked me if it would be possible to bring the parents as well..... Though this trip was intended for students, I then stretched my plan to include the parents as well in order to accommodate the situation. The counselor held me "captive" for 15 minutes or so (felt like an hour) while she counseled with the principal.
Out in the school yard on the stage, Irawan was playing in 2 bands, playing both the drums and a bass guitar. The quiet little town suddenly turned into some kind of a rock festival where teenagers and students from other schools tried to crash the party. Many were "caught" inappropriately wearing the uniform of the school and were turned away. Once in a while Mr. Yudi the music teacher took the microphone and stopped the band when students danced too much. I didn't see any danger whatsoever, for their manner was mild compared to dancing to a rock concert in America. Since there is no regular entertainment in the town, the young people take advantage of a happening like this school graduation party. Yet, they were told to behave and were warned of the police officers standing by to discipline them.
The principal and the counselor at this time had finished the discussion regarding the raffle prizes, and we all reached an agreement. The students would be accompanied by the parents, otherwise they wouldn't leave the town. The principal pulled one winning ticket at a time and called the winner. After the party was over, the counselor and I gathered with the winners and discussed the trip, made the arrangement for transportation, etc. They were all excited.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Irawan, the son we never had.
With Mudjiono's acceptance of our sponsorship for his son Irawan and with the full support of his entire family, my communication with Irawan began on a regular basis. He would come to see me and stay at our home in Semarang when he could, mostly weekends and holidays. For 3 months after we met, we developed a good mutual "mentor - mentee" relationship. From the start, he called me Mama Irien for he had heard other kids in our family call me Mama Irien and later on he called my husband Papa Mitch, as did my nieces and nephews. It is not uncommon for young people in Indonesia to address older people as the age and gender may relate to people in their family, if they feel that it's appropriate. For example, if I feel that there is good chemistry, I would most likely call my friend's mother, Mom.
I sent Irawan to a computer school in Kendal for an intensive 2-month introductory course. The town of Kendal is about 30 miles from Gringsing, the town where he lives. The computer course was given every evening from 5 to 7pm 5 days a week. From January to March, he rode a motorcycle every day, a 45-minute ride each way, rain or shine .... but mostly rain. I was back in the States during that time, and called him once a week for about 10 minutes each call. His older brother reported that he only missed two classes because of the heavy rain.
Soon thereafter 18 year old Irawan graduated from high school in May 2012, after which he moved to Semarang to begin his college education at STEKOM, a computer college where he chose Graphic Art Design as his major.
I sent Irawan to a computer school in Kendal for an intensive 2-month introductory course. The town of Kendal is about 30 miles from Gringsing, the town where he lives. The computer course was given every evening from 5 to 7pm 5 days a week. From January to March, he rode a motorcycle every day, a 45-minute ride each way, rain or shine .... but mostly rain. I was back in the States during that time, and called him once a week for about 10 minutes each call. His older brother reported that he only missed two classes because of the heavy rain.
Soon thereafter 18 year old Irawan graduated from high school in May 2012, after which he moved to Semarang to begin his college education at STEKOM, a computer college where he chose Graphic Art Design as his major.
Mudjiono in Gunung Pati - Beginning of Jan. 2012
Beginning of January 2012
After I met Mudjiono, the father of our would be "son", Irawan in November 2011, I offered him and his family the opportunity to move to Semarang and live at our farm house in Gunung Pati. My thought was that he could work the land and make the farm tools, as that is his trade. However, it was hard for him (or anyone at the age of 50+ ... I suppose) to make a drastic change. After staying for 3 days trying to get accustomed to the house, the land, and the neighbors .... he decided he couldn't leave his own home and neighbors where he's been living for his entire life. The good news is that he accepted our offer to sponsor his son Irawan to further his education after he graduated from high school.
After I met Mudjiono, the father of our would be "son", Irawan in November 2011, I offered him and his family the opportunity to move to Semarang and live at our farm house in Gunung Pati. My thought was that he could work the land and make the farm tools, as that is his trade. However, it was hard for him (or anyone at the age of 50+ ... I suppose) to make a drastic change. After staying for 3 days trying to get accustomed to the house, the land, and the neighbors .... he decided he couldn't leave his own home and neighbors where he's been living for his entire life. The good news is that he accepted our offer to sponsor his son Irawan to further his education after he graduated from high school.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Christmas 2011 at the Gilbert's Camp
December, 2011
The island of Java, Indonesia.
The heavy rains cleared the air and it cooled down the temperature a little bit. I had that feeling again .... here I am again in a moslem country during Christmas time, just like the year before, but different. Last year, My husband and I had celebrated Christmas together with friends and their families in the busy city of Jakarta. There were about 30 of us having lunch at a seafood restaurant that day, and in the evening we gathered once more for Christmas music at Marini's family home. Her nephews who are great musicians entertained us with their piano and violin plays. We all sang Christmas carols. It was one of the nicest Christmas time I have had.
This year,however, ... my husband and I could only celebrate it together in thought and in communication. Thanks to Google Talk that gives us the pleasure of having 24/7 communication without worrying that we will be breaking our wallet. With this, we are constantly connected though the Pacific ocean separates us.
I had made a commitment to bring Rina and her two girls to our house during Christmas holidays. In Indonesia, though the majority of the people embrace Islam, the government observes Christmas as a public holiday, and schools are given a week break. I took this opportunity to bring Rina and the kids from the village to have a "city life". A home with a floor, enough food, clothing, toys, gifts and all..... things they never had. Things they don't imagine could be theirs. It makes me happy to see those eyes brightened with joy.
The island of Java, Indonesia.
The heavy rains cleared the air and it cooled down the temperature a little bit. I had that feeling again .... here I am again in a moslem country during Christmas time, just like the year before, but different. Last year, My husband and I had celebrated Christmas together with friends and their families in the busy city of Jakarta. There were about 30 of us having lunch at a seafood restaurant that day, and in the evening we gathered once more for Christmas music at Marini's family home. Her nephews who are great musicians entertained us with their piano and violin plays. We all sang Christmas carols. It was one of the nicest Christmas time I have had.
This year,however, ... my husband and I could only celebrate it together in thought and in communication. Thanks to Google Talk that gives us the pleasure of having 24/7 communication without worrying that we will be breaking our wallet. With this, we are constantly connected though the Pacific ocean separates us.
I had made a commitment to bring Rina and her two girls to our house during Christmas holidays. In Indonesia, though the majority of the people embrace Islam, the government observes Christmas as a public holiday, and schools are given a week break. I took this opportunity to bring Rina and the kids from the village to have a "city life". A home with a floor, enough food, clothing, toys, gifts and all..... things they never had. Things they don't imagine could be theirs. It makes me happy to see those eyes brightened with joy.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Gringsing, an unknown town ........
The Town of Gringsing, Java,Indonesia
December 2011
The weekend before Christmas, with my sister and our assistant Wiwien, our driver took us to the town of Gringsing. The goal is tracking down another relative. I began to wonder just how many more out there to be found. I had been fascinated about it, and still am.
With the guidance of another relative (Aunt Ruke) whom we picked up from another town along the way, we drove through hundreds of acres of rice fields which looked like a green carpet. Looking far on the horizon were palm tree tops. The sun was starting to go down, and I could see the orange ball behind the palm trees creating picturesque silhouette. On the right side of the road was a small creek. I asked the driver to stop and I rolled my windows down to hear the sound of the creek. For a moment everyone stopped talking to enjoy the serenity.
We drove another kilometer or so and started entering a residential area, passing by a mosque and arrived in front of a single story building with several doors, and soon I could see that the building is sectioned into several units, similar to a temporary military camp. A young handsome man who looked like he was in his early 20s came out on his motorcycle and greeted us. He recognized aunt Ru and regarded her as his grandma. I heard aunt Ru called him Kok. After just a few words of greeting and introduction, everybody in the building started to come out and there were more friendly greetings and introduction. Then Kok's father appeared. His name is Mudjiman. A man in his 50s who had once been married to aunt Ru's oldest daughter, until she died 5 years ago. They had four children. Mudjiman remarried and his new wife brought a son from her previous marriage.
As we were guided to walk towards their unit and were passing by each unit, I took several glances through the open doors ...... as though our host read my mind, Mudjiman said "This building used to be an elementary school." Several years ago the local government decided it was time to build a bigger school on the adjacent property and designated the old school for low-income and no-income housing. The government let several families occupy the classrooms as their living quarters for nothing.
One classroom per family. There were five of them. The unit where Mudjiman occupies has been divided into smaller rooms/cubicles to put mini beds, kitchen, and sitting room. Unlike most men, Mudjiman does not work the farm, but he makes manual farming tools such as shovels, sickles, etc. He barely has enough money to pay for his youngest son's high school tuition. In fact, Irawan who is graduating in a few months, was not allowed to take home the report card for the past semester because he had not paid his tuition for 3 months. When he came out and brought the tea tray to the table, I asked him to sit with us. I asked him what he wanted to do after he graduates and his answer was firm: "Working in a restaurant as a waiter". I don't see any restaurant in this tiny town. I later on found out that it wasn't his dream. He just doesn't know what else to do. No money for further education, no skills to get a good job. No one to reach out to.
The five families share one and only community bath and toilet. If each unit is occupied by a family of four, that bathroom/toilet is shared by 20 people. The bathroom is built outside the main building. They carry an umbrella to the toilet when it rains. Curious, I had to excuse my self to check out the bathroom. Was I lucky or what? No one is using it. Of the five of us visitors, only I had to go to the bathroom. Right next to the toilet is a well that gives them the only source of water for the households. Hmmm..... another well project, I thought.
The town of Gringsing is not all that bad. It has a high school that accommodates a couple hundred students. Only 5 years old, and looks nice..... from the outside. But what I learned that was so compelling was that it only has one computer to be used to teach hundreds of students who don't have computers at home. The residents of Gringsing are mostly farmers, fishermen, or government employees. As an unknown town, Gringsing is not that remote. There is one internet cafe, where young people can go in and spend their time on Facebook.
December 2011
The weekend before Christmas, with my sister and our assistant Wiwien, our driver took us to the town of Gringsing. The goal is tracking down another relative. I began to wonder just how many more out there to be found. I had been fascinated about it, and still am.
With the guidance of another relative (Aunt Ruke) whom we picked up from another town along the way, we drove through hundreds of acres of rice fields which looked like a green carpet. Looking far on the horizon were palm tree tops. The sun was starting to go down, and I could see the orange ball behind the palm trees creating picturesque silhouette. On the right side of the road was a small creek. I asked the driver to stop and I rolled my windows down to hear the sound of the creek. For a moment everyone stopped talking to enjoy the serenity.
We drove another kilometer or so and started entering a residential area, passing by a mosque and arrived in front of a single story building with several doors, and soon I could see that the building is sectioned into several units, similar to a temporary military camp. A young handsome man who looked like he was in his early 20s came out on his motorcycle and greeted us. He recognized aunt Ru and regarded her as his grandma. I heard aunt Ru called him Kok. After just a few words of greeting and introduction, everybody in the building started to come out and there were more friendly greetings and introduction. Then Kok's father appeared. His name is Mudjiman. A man in his 50s who had once been married to aunt Ru's oldest daughter, until she died 5 years ago. They had four children. Mudjiman remarried and his new wife brought a son from her previous marriage.
As we were guided to walk towards their unit and were passing by each unit, I took several glances through the open doors ...... as though our host read my mind, Mudjiman said "This building used to be an elementary school." Several years ago the local government decided it was time to build a bigger school on the adjacent property and designated the old school for low-income and no-income housing. The government let several families occupy the classrooms as their living quarters for nothing.
One classroom per family. There were five of them. The unit where Mudjiman occupies has been divided into smaller rooms/cubicles to put mini beds, kitchen, and sitting room. Unlike most men, Mudjiman does not work the farm, but he makes manual farming tools such as shovels, sickles, etc. He barely has enough money to pay for his youngest son's high school tuition. In fact, Irawan who is graduating in a few months, was not allowed to take home the report card for the past semester because he had not paid his tuition for 3 months. When he came out and brought the tea tray to the table, I asked him to sit with us. I asked him what he wanted to do after he graduates and his answer was firm: "Working in a restaurant as a waiter". I don't see any restaurant in this tiny town. I later on found out that it wasn't his dream. He just doesn't know what else to do. No money for further education, no skills to get a good job. No one to reach out to.
The five families share one and only community bath and toilet. If each unit is occupied by a family of four, that bathroom/toilet is shared by 20 people. The bathroom is built outside the main building. They carry an umbrella to the toilet when it rains. Curious, I had to excuse my self to check out the bathroom. Was I lucky or what? No one is using it. Of the five of us visitors, only I had to go to the bathroom. Right next to the toilet is a well that gives them the only source of water for the households. Hmmm..... another well project, I thought.
The town of Gringsing is not all that bad. It has a high school that accommodates a couple hundred students. Only 5 years old, and looks nice..... from the outside. But what I learned that was so compelling was that it only has one computer to be used to teach hundreds of students who don't have computers at home. The residents of Gringsing are mostly farmers, fishermen, or government employees. As an unknown town, Gringsing is not that remote. There is one internet cafe, where young people can go in and spend their time on Facebook.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Friends' visit at our cottage.
Java, Indonesia
October 2011
My friend Larisa and her husband Wade had spent two nights at our cottage on Java island. Then mutual friends of ours, Mamoud and Novita, a nice couple from beautiful city of Malang came to stay for one night. What a wonderful visit it was with friends at our place. Discussions after discussions all night long. Mamoud is very much into javanese philosophy and the ancient history of Indonesia particularly the island of Java. He has a lot of knowledge about the history of buddhist and hindu kingdoms which later vanished when Islam came to the archipelago. Larisa, who is a lawyer, enjoys 'guiding' everyone's thinking to make sure we are all on the same page. Wade and Novita were the most quiet of the five of us.
I like Larisa a lot. She has her way of conveying her determined opinion and gets irritated when someone's statement doesn't make sense to her logic. Very sensitive and smart woman. Multi talented and artistic. Born and raised in a family who embraced social status and high education. Her father is a doctor and bacteriologist who received his education during the Dutch occupation in Indonesia. Her grandfather had been given a government position within the colony. Having a government position during that time means being treated in the society like a member of the royal family. Larisa and her husband has two homes, both of which are full of nice collection of antiques from the Dutch era. Larisa adores her father and loves to talk about her childhood when her father took her and her brother hunting. She is also proud of her family heritage and her brother who received an international recognition for his hunting championship in Europe. Larisa has an older sister who married a German guy and has been living in Germany for over 30 years.
Wade, one of the quietest men I know, married Larisa some 15 years ago or so. He was born and raised during the Dutch occupation, and is about 20 years older than Larisa. Wade's first wife had died when he was at the top of his career as one of the commissioners of the government run plantation company. The company owned pretty much every plantation there is in the country. Rubber, coffee, tea, sugar cane, palm, and all kinds of spices. He discovered the young lawyer, Larisa, when she was in her early 30s. She left the job that she loved so much for a marriage she is so devoted. Several years after, however, she missed her work and decided to join a law office in Surabaya. Realizing that she cannot be a devoted wife and a lawyer, she decided to only take on small cases, many of which are voluntary to help the poor if they get in trouble.
Mamoud and Novita is another fortunate couple. They retired at young age and decided to travel around the archipelago. Proud parents of two young professionals, one living on the island of Borneo and one in the big city of Jakarta. I enjoy the couple very much. Mamoud loves facebook. So do hundred million others in Indonesia. By the way, do you know that Indonesia is the second largest facebook users in the world ?
October 2011
My friend Larisa and her husband Wade had spent two nights at our cottage on Java island. Then mutual friends of ours, Mamoud and Novita, a nice couple from beautiful city of Malang came to stay for one night. What a wonderful visit it was with friends at our place. Discussions after discussions all night long. Mamoud is very much into javanese philosophy and the ancient history of Indonesia particularly the island of Java. He has a lot of knowledge about the history of buddhist and hindu kingdoms which later vanished when Islam came to the archipelago. Larisa, who is a lawyer, enjoys 'guiding' everyone's thinking to make sure we are all on the same page. Wade and Novita were the most quiet of the five of us.
I like Larisa a lot. She has her way of conveying her determined opinion and gets irritated when someone's statement doesn't make sense to her logic. Very sensitive and smart woman. Multi talented and artistic. Born and raised in a family who embraced social status and high education. Her father is a doctor and bacteriologist who received his education during the Dutch occupation in Indonesia. Her grandfather had been given a government position within the colony. Having a government position during that time means being treated in the society like a member of the royal family. Larisa and her husband has two homes, both of which are full of nice collection of antiques from the Dutch era. Larisa adores her father and loves to talk about her childhood when her father took her and her brother hunting. She is also proud of her family heritage and her brother who received an international recognition for his hunting championship in Europe. Larisa has an older sister who married a German guy and has been living in Germany for over 30 years.
Wade, one of the quietest men I know, married Larisa some 15 years ago or so. He was born and raised during the Dutch occupation, and is about 20 years older than Larisa. Wade's first wife had died when he was at the top of his career as one of the commissioners of the government run plantation company. The company owned pretty much every plantation there is in the country. Rubber, coffee, tea, sugar cane, palm, and all kinds of spices. He discovered the young lawyer, Larisa, when she was in her early 30s. She left the job that she loved so much for a marriage she is so devoted. Several years after, however, she missed her work and decided to join a law office in Surabaya. Realizing that she cannot be a devoted wife and a lawyer, she decided to only take on small cases, many of which are voluntary to help the poor if they get in trouble.
Mamoud and Novita is another fortunate couple. They retired at young age and decided to travel around the archipelago. Proud parents of two young professionals, one living on the island of Borneo and one in the big city of Jakarta. I enjoy the couple very much. Mamoud loves facebook. So do hundred million others in Indonesia. By the way, do you know that Indonesia is the second largest facebook users in the world ?
Monday, March 19, 2012
Attending Social Media Conference in Yogyakarta
The Conference was held on September 2011, in the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
A couple of reasons why I was attending this conference. My husband works in an industry with which social media is associated, and my own curiousity about Indonesia and her "cyber life" . The Social Media Conference was conducted by the Atmajaya University in Yogyakarta, an internationally accredited catholic university based in Jakarta which has expanded to several other locations in the country.
I was trying to look "local", but a bit hard to do for my hair was not the common color of hair for an Indonesian woman (especially of my age). Women in their 50s attending a conference in a university in the country would likely look more like a scholar, or a speaker representing the industry ..... which is a bit more conservative than otherwise. Since I couldn't hide my "blonde" hair, no matter how conservative and reserved I try to be, it was to no avail.
The attendees were mostly students in their early 20's ..... I shouldn't be so surprised. There were more than 10 speakers, some of who had come from outside Indonesia, such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, and Germany. They sat on designated row of seats. What surprised me was the number of people who were attending. Not so many. Perhaps 100 people max. My thought in this was that it was perhaps not very well advertised, not planned far enough in advance to reach the right audience, too expensive for students, any combination of the three, or the city was not quite ready for such type of conference. Sure enough, I later on learned that the university needed some international exposure to gain some rating. Among other things that I learned, I found out that Indonesia is the second largest Facebook users in the world, right after the United States.
During the break, I met with a faculty member of the university, who turned out to be the chief organizer of the conference. We had a nice chat, and he later introduced me to the speaker from Germany who is a professor from one university in Germany. Later on that evening the two gentlemen came to meet me at a friend's house where I was staying for 3 nights in Yogyakarta. I was very fortunate that the host and hostess were very accommodating and quite so generous to entertain the guests. We had a lot of interesting discussions and brain exercises, which I needed. We talked about culture, science, history, world politics, and a little bit of religion. For the sake of cultural adaptation, we knew just what we should serve to our German guest.
All afternoon that day after the conference, my hosts Laras and her husband and I went out shopping with one goal to find good beer. We came to find out that the huge supermarkets Carrefours are no longer allowed to sell alcoholic beverages in Yogyakarta. Not even beer. Disappointed, the three of us went to a smaller am/pm type store and found local beer, the famous Indonesian Bir Bintang.
Though we didn't consume BB very much, the evening became a bit 'more relaxed' and the discussions became less engaging, the topics were no longer important. Our smiles widened and soon turned to laughter. Around 11pm when I couldn't hold my yawns any longer, the guests excused themselves..... The hosts said 'selamat tidur' to me, and I said "mimpi indah ya?".
The night seemed so short. I woke up the next morning and checked my Google Talk. There is my husband Mitch asking me "so.... how was the conference?".
A couple of reasons why I was attending this conference. My husband works in an industry with which social media is associated, and my own curiousity about Indonesia and her "cyber life" . The Social Media Conference was conducted by the Atmajaya University in Yogyakarta, an internationally accredited catholic university based in Jakarta which has expanded to several other locations in the country.
I was trying to look "local", but a bit hard to do for my hair was not the common color of hair for an Indonesian woman (especially of my age). Women in their 50s attending a conference in a university in the country would likely look more like a scholar, or a speaker representing the industry ..... which is a bit more conservative than otherwise. Since I couldn't hide my "blonde" hair, no matter how conservative and reserved I try to be, it was to no avail.
The attendees were mostly students in their early 20's ..... I shouldn't be so surprised. There were more than 10 speakers, some of who had come from outside Indonesia, such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, and Germany. They sat on designated row of seats. What surprised me was the number of people who were attending. Not so many. Perhaps 100 people max. My thought in this was that it was perhaps not very well advertised, not planned far enough in advance to reach the right audience, too expensive for students, any combination of the three, or the city was not quite ready for such type of conference. Sure enough, I later on learned that the university needed some international exposure to gain some rating. Among other things that I learned, I found out that Indonesia is the second largest Facebook users in the world, right after the United States.
During the break, I met with a faculty member of the university, who turned out to be the chief organizer of the conference. We had a nice chat, and he later introduced me to the speaker from Germany who is a professor from one university in Germany. Later on that evening the two gentlemen came to meet me at a friend's house where I was staying for 3 nights in Yogyakarta. I was very fortunate that the host and hostess were very accommodating and quite so generous to entertain the guests. We had a lot of interesting discussions and brain exercises, which I needed. We talked about culture, science, history, world politics, and a little bit of religion. For the sake of cultural adaptation, we knew just what we should serve to our German guest.
All afternoon that day after the conference, my hosts Laras and her husband and I went out shopping with one goal to find good beer. We came to find out that the huge supermarkets Carrefours are no longer allowed to sell alcoholic beverages in Yogyakarta. Not even beer. Disappointed, the three of us went to a smaller am/pm type store and found local beer, the famous Indonesian Bir Bintang.
Though we didn't consume BB very much, the evening became a bit 'more relaxed' and the discussions became less engaging, the topics were no longer important. Our smiles widened and soon turned to laughter. Around 11pm when I couldn't hold my yawns any longer, the guests excused themselves..... The hosts said 'selamat tidur' to me, and I said "mimpi indah ya?".
The night seemed so short. I woke up the next morning and checked my Google Talk. There is my husband Mitch asking me "so.... how was the conference?".
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Rina, The Inspired Young Mother
Semarang, Indonesia
December 2011
The week following my visit with Rina in Weleri, I had a lot of communications with Rofa, Rina's husband, about how to get Rina to come to Semarang and to stay at my house for a week without the children. The young family wanted to experiment what it's like if Rina goes to work in Singapore as a domestic helper. Just like thousands of Indonesians who make more money overseas being a household assistant or domestic helper, Rina had thought about doing the same thing.
Most of them do so for there's no choice. Many of who reluctantly do so for they have to leave their small children behind in the care of the grandparents (most likely the grandmas). What scares Rina is that once she signed a contract, that means she would not be able to see the children for a year. Since the first few months of the salary will have to be substantially cut or given up to the agencies, they will have to make the effort worthwhile, i.e. bring some money home even if they have to endure the pain for a year.
This one week of trial will not only give her the opportunity to see it to herself to be away from her children, but also she will gain some experience of living in someone's household while getting some money for the family. Rina who has lived in a house with a dirt floor, would need to learn about house cleaning tools that she had never even seen before. I asked her what she cooks for the family and she only mentions 3 things, and she does it over and over. "We eat ramen noodles most of the time, the kids love them," she had said.
A week later I had agreed to hire a mini van to bring Rina and her two young girls, Rofa's older sister, Yama with her 10-yr old girl named Indy to visit me in Semarang. Rofa came along as well. 8 people came in a mini yellow van, a typical public transportation they call "angkot" that they have rented for $45 for the day includes gasoline and the driver's fee. $45 can go far in small towns. That's the monthly earning of a housekeeper who comes to clean a house twice a week in the city of Semarang.
We spent all day, at our cottage and visited our farm in the town of Ungaran. Everyone had a good time harvesting some cassavas, breadfruits, jackfruits, and petai beans. Around 5pm they all went back to Weleri, except for Rina. The mother of 2 young children decided to get a "job training" for a week, learning how to clean and manage a household, cooking, shopping, and lots of reading.
Rina spent her first 2 days with my assistant, Wien who teaches her some housekeeping. In the evening I spent the time talking to her, empowering and reasserting her hope for the future of her children and herself. During the day, we spend time in the kitchen. I teach her to cook my recipes. Sometimes we create a new recipe. After dinner I drop magazines, books, and newspaper in her room, which she devoured like a scholar who is hungry for references. It had been 7 years since she touched books or reading materials. As soon as she finished high school, she married Rofa and her new life began. A life in which reading is not required..... because of the circumstance.
The first night at our house, I asked Rina to make a list of the things that make her happy, and the things that makes her unhappy. At first, she couldn't come up with one thing. The "Happy" paper was blank for several hours. Then I saw that she started filling the lines on the "Unhappy" paper.... a few items on the list. That night I had a conversation with her. A conversation that changed the way she thinks. On the fourth night, she made a long list of things that make her happy, and the only thing she has on the "unhappy" list was "I miss my children".
In the month of May 2012, when I go back to visit her in her village, I intend to give her a new blank piece of paper titled "What I want for my children".
December 2011
The week following my visit with Rina in Weleri, I had a lot of communications with Rofa, Rina's husband, about how to get Rina to come to Semarang and to stay at my house for a week without the children. The young family wanted to experiment what it's like if Rina goes to work in Singapore as a domestic helper. Just like thousands of Indonesians who make more money overseas being a household assistant or domestic helper, Rina had thought about doing the same thing.
Most of them do so for there's no choice. Many of who reluctantly do so for they have to leave their small children behind in the care of the grandparents (most likely the grandmas). What scares Rina is that once she signed a contract, that means she would not be able to see the children for a year. Since the first few months of the salary will have to be substantially cut or given up to the agencies, they will have to make the effort worthwhile, i.e. bring some money home even if they have to endure the pain for a year.
This one week of trial will not only give her the opportunity to see it to herself to be away from her children, but also she will gain some experience of living in someone's household while getting some money for the family. Rina who has lived in a house with a dirt floor, would need to learn about house cleaning tools that she had never even seen before. I asked her what she cooks for the family and she only mentions 3 things, and she does it over and over. "We eat ramen noodles most of the time, the kids love them," she had said.
A week later I had agreed to hire a mini van to bring Rina and her two young girls, Rofa's older sister, Yama with her 10-yr old girl named Indy to visit me in Semarang. Rofa came along as well. 8 people came in a mini yellow van, a typical public transportation they call "angkot" that they have rented for $45 for the day includes gasoline and the driver's fee. $45 can go far in small towns. That's the monthly earning of a housekeeper who comes to clean a house twice a week in the city of Semarang.
We spent all day, at our cottage and visited our farm in the town of Ungaran. Everyone had a good time harvesting some cassavas, breadfruits, jackfruits, and petai beans. Around 5pm they all went back to Weleri, except for Rina. The mother of 2 young children decided to get a "job training" for a week, learning how to clean and manage a household, cooking, shopping, and lots of reading.
Rina spent her first 2 days with my assistant, Wien who teaches her some housekeeping. In the evening I spent the time talking to her, empowering and reasserting her hope for the future of her children and herself. During the day, we spend time in the kitchen. I teach her to cook my recipes. Sometimes we create a new recipe. After dinner I drop magazines, books, and newspaper in her room, which she devoured like a scholar who is hungry for references. It had been 7 years since she touched books or reading materials. As soon as she finished high school, she married Rofa and her new life began. A life in which reading is not required..... because of the circumstance.
The first night at our house, I asked Rina to make a list of the things that make her happy, and the things that makes her unhappy. At first, she couldn't come up with one thing. The "Happy" paper was blank for several hours. Then I saw that she started filling the lines on the "Unhappy" paper.... a few items on the list. That night I had a conversation with her. A conversation that changed the way she thinks. On the fourth night, she made a long list of things that make her happy, and the only thing she has on the "unhappy" list was "I miss my children".
In the month of May 2012, when I go back to visit her in her village, I intend to give her a new blank piece of paper titled "What I want for my children".
Monday, March 5, 2012
I found my family roots ........ through Ninik, The Stranger Who Knows Me So Well
Weleri, Indonesia
The Sumari Family
My unexpected meeting with Ninik turned out to be very precious. She introduced me to Rina, a young mother who married my distant cousin Rofa. They have 2 small children, Rena a 2-yr old girl, and Mulan a 7-yr old girl who is in elementary school. They live right across the alley from where Ninik lives. Rina and Rofa rent a room in this already small 3 bedroom home ....also with dirt floor. Three families live in one small home. They all share one kitchen, which looks more like a fire camp site inside a house. Rina, a beautiful young woman, who managed to finish high school, decided to elope and marry Rofa who only attended elementary school.
In a country where arranged marriage is still commonly practiced, this young woman certainly has a huge courage to make this "unblessed" decision. Since then, Rofa has been struggling to feed his family. With no job, he accepted the position of being the neighborhood contact person for a chance of serving the community in government relation for a small fee. A fee so small, he can barely feed his family of four. According to Rina, they had one day let the family go hungry for a full day because there is no food.
During a visit with the family, Rofa summoned some of his brothers to come to his house because there are "important guests" visiting him..... Two brothers who are as good looking as Rofa arrived on a motorcycle and they introduced themselves to me, my husband Mitch, and my brother in-law Jati. After talking to everybody, I offered Rina a paid job training and recreation at our house in Semarang for a week. I wanted so much for Rina to see outside the "window of her life"...... perhaps she can be inspired to inspire her children. Children in this town have no dreams, for they don't have any idea or never see things that can inspire them to dream about.
The Sumari Family
My unexpected meeting with Ninik turned out to be very precious. She introduced me to Rina, a young mother who married my distant cousin Rofa. They have 2 small children, Rena a 2-yr old girl, and Mulan a 7-yr old girl who is in elementary school. They live right across the alley from where Ninik lives. Rina and Rofa rent a room in this already small 3 bedroom home ....also with dirt floor. Three families live in one small home. They all share one kitchen, which looks more like a fire camp site inside a house. Rina, a beautiful young woman, who managed to finish high school, decided to elope and marry Rofa who only attended elementary school.
In a country where arranged marriage is still commonly practiced, this young woman certainly has a huge courage to make this "unblessed" decision. Since then, Rofa has been struggling to feed his family. With no job, he accepted the position of being the neighborhood contact person for a chance of serving the community in government relation for a small fee. A fee so small, he can barely feed his family of four. According to Rina, they had one day let the family go hungry for a full day because there is no food.
During a visit with the family, Rofa summoned some of his brothers to come to his house because there are "important guests" visiting him..... Two brothers who are as good looking as Rofa arrived on a motorcycle and they introduced themselves to me, my husband Mitch, and my brother in-law Jati. After talking to everybody, I offered Rina a paid job training and recreation at our house in Semarang for a week. I wanted so much for Rina to see outside the "window of her life"...... perhaps she can be inspired to inspire her children. Children in this town have no dreams, for they don't have any idea or never see things that can inspire them to dream about.
The 32 years of Phonographic memory ...... The stranger who knows me well.
Town of Weleri
November, 2011
Weleri is a very small town about 50 kilometers ( approx. 30 miles) west of Semarang. With my brother in-law Jati, my husband Mitch, our driver Ageng drove us through the back road, through the teak forrest, bamboo groves, and coffee plantation... nice treat.
When we arrived in Weleri and after asking around looking for my distant relative, we finally found the small and crowded community. The road was so narrow. Unsure if we could turn back around, we decided to "borrow" somebody's front yard to park our car. A very young woman (perhaps in her early 20's) stepped out of her house and greeted us with a friendly hello. I asked her the whereabouts of the Subali family, and to my very pleasant surprise, she recognized me. I asked her apologetically how she knew me and she reminded me of a visit by me and my English teacher Prudence Ferraro from Ohio, USA in 1980.
"But that was over 30 years ago..... how old were you then?", I asked. She said she was only 10 years old. That means this young woman is over 40 years of age...... A bit confused, I asked her again: "How do you recognize that it is me?". She said: "Your voice has not changed". Still amazed at how this woman is able to store that phonographic memory of my voice for so long, I began to like this person and fell in admiration. From this moment on, I showered her with questions after questions. Ninik is her name. She has the same name as my distant cousin. She asked me a lot of questions and reminded me of a few things about that visit then, even my postcard that I sent from the United States in the early 80's. She asked me about Miss Prudence who had come along with me that day when I met young Ninik.
Prudence ..... my best friend, my English teacher in college who had come from the United States to volunteer and teach in our college, IKIP Semarang (now called UNNES, The State University of Semarang). She had lived with me then for one semester. She, who had made me famous because she was a "celebrity" in the town of Semarang then. Young, fair skin, long red hair with eyebrow like those of Brookshield's, and above all ... her kind and gentle nature. Prudence.... my long lost friend. I had tried to find her since the day I landed in San Francisco in 1982 and to this day ...... I miss her dearly.
Ninik didn't invite me in her house but I was able to see through the door behind her. Her house has a dirt floor..... just like it was, except now the wall is made of bricks and cement. Her house was made of woven bamboo then. But that floor ..... still the same as 30 years ago.... I asked her if she is married. She said 'No' with that embarrassed look on her face, a typical respond to unmarried women in the village who are already above certain age. I knew better not to ask that question. But I am so deeply interested in learning more about Ninik now.
November, 2011
Weleri is a very small town about 50 kilometers ( approx. 30 miles) west of Semarang. With my brother in-law Jati, my husband Mitch, our driver Ageng drove us through the back road, through the teak forrest, bamboo groves, and coffee plantation... nice treat.
When we arrived in Weleri and after asking around looking for my distant relative, we finally found the small and crowded community. The road was so narrow. Unsure if we could turn back around, we decided to "borrow" somebody's front yard to park our car. A very young woman (perhaps in her early 20's) stepped out of her house and greeted us with a friendly hello. I asked her the whereabouts of the Subali family, and to my very pleasant surprise, she recognized me. I asked her apologetically how she knew me and she reminded me of a visit by me and my English teacher Prudence Ferraro from Ohio, USA in 1980.
"But that was over 30 years ago..... how old were you then?", I asked. She said she was only 10 years old. That means this young woman is over 40 years of age...... A bit confused, I asked her again: "How do you recognize that it is me?". She said: "Your voice has not changed". Still amazed at how this woman is able to store that phonographic memory of my voice for so long, I began to like this person and fell in admiration. From this moment on, I showered her with questions after questions. Ninik is her name. She has the same name as my distant cousin. She asked me a lot of questions and reminded me of a few things about that visit then, even my postcard that I sent from the United States in the early 80's. She asked me about Miss Prudence who had come along with me that day when I met young Ninik.
Prudence ..... my best friend, my English teacher in college who had come from the United States to volunteer and teach in our college, IKIP Semarang (now called UNNES, The State University of Semarang). She had lived with me then for one semester. She, who had made me famous because she was a "celebrity" in the town of Semarang then. Young, fair skin, long red hair with eyebrow like those of Brookshield's, and above all ... her kind and gentle nature. Prudence.... my long lost friend. I had tried to find her since the day I landed in San Francisco in 1982 and to this day ...... I miss her dearly.
Ninik didn't invite me in her house but I was able to see through the door behind her. Her house has a dirt floor..... just like it was, except now the wall is made of bricks and cement. Her house was made of woven bamboo then. But that floor ..... still the same as 30 years ago.... I asked her if she is married. She said 'No' with that embarrassed look on her face, a typical respond to unmarried women in the village who are already above certain age. I knew better not to ask that question. But I am so deeply interested in learning more about Ninik now.
"Our Children"
Rocklin, California.
Summer 2011.
Some people are blessed with their own children, but there are some who go out of their way to adopt children, and successfully so. At this age in our life, I've come to realize that there is no difference in loving children.... whether they are our own or not.
We are very fortunate to have so many friends who share their children with us. This summer of 2011, with the generousity of our friends Ed and Marini Ballard, we put together a weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe. Then a boating day on Folsom Lake. I've come to "adopt by heart" our friends' children, some of who are now in their 20s. Andre, Randy, Arthur, Cameron, Christopher to name a few... we love entertaining them for they are so much fun to have around. They adore my cooking. Especially Randy, who jokingly is named "the vacuum cleaner" because he really can "clean our table" with his big appetite.
I am not sure sometimes who is entertaining who... I can't say I entertain them when I am having so much fun having them.
Summer 2011.
Some people are blessed with their own children, but there are some who go out of their way to adopt children, and successfully so. At this age in our life, I've come to realize that there is no difference in loving children.... whether they are our own or not.
We are very fortunate to have so many friends who share their children with us. This summer of 2011, with the generousity of our friends Ed and Marini Ballard, we put together a weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe. Then a boating day on Folsom Lake. I've come to "adopt by heart" our friends' children, some of who are now in their 20s. Andre, Randy, Arthur, Cameron, Christopher to name a few... we love entertaining them for they are so much fun to have around. They adore my cooking. Especially Randy, who jokingly is named "the vacuum cleaner" because he really can "clean our table" with his big appetite.
I am not sure sometimes who is entertaining who... I can't say I entertain them when I am having so much fun having them.
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Young Chinese Ambassador to AIESEC - World's Largest Student-Run Organization
Indonesia, November 2011
The airport in Bali was still chaotic on the day we left the island. In fact, the flight to Semarang was delayed 5 times. Our guess is that many of the ASEAN delegations decided to extend their "vacation" in Bali. The arrival time in Semarang was supposed to be 4pm. But my husband and I didn't leave Bali till after 9pm. It's 1 hr 30 min flight from Denpasar to Semarang. During the delay, we met a college student from China who is the Chinese ambassador to AIESEC, the World's largest student-run organization. Speaks English fluently, the 20 year old female student took a leadership position on the international stage at such a young age.
She was on the way to Diponegoro University in Semarang where she will be attending a conference held by her organization. She looked lost and worried, was trying to get a wifi so she can contact her host in Semarang. I told her that I live by the university and that she can use my cell phone to contact her host. She was so grateful now that she 'has a phone' to contact her host everytime there is a delay announcement. Our flight was delayed several times....
When we finally arrived in Semarang it was around 9:30pm, someone other than her host was picking her up .... once again, I felt like playing a mom.
She sent me an email 2 days later telling us thanks for helping her. Until the day I write this blog, I have not heard from her again since......
The airport in Bali was still chaotic on the day we left the island. In fact, the flight to Semarang was delayed 5 times. Our guess is that many of the ASEAN delegations decided to extend their "vacation" in Bali. The arrival time in Semarang was supposed to be 4pm. But my husband and I didn't leave Bali till after 9pm. It's 1 hr 30 min flight from Denpasar to Semarang. During the delay, we met a college student from China who is the Chinese ambassador to AIESEC, the World's largest student-run organization. Speaks English fluently, the 20 year old female student took a leadership position on the international stage at such a young age.
She was on the way to Diponegoro University in Semarang where she will be attending a conference held by her organization. She looked lost and worried, was trying to get a wifi so she can contact her host in Semarang. I told her that I live by the university and that she can use my cell phone to contact her host. She was so grateful now that she 'has a phone' to contact her host everytime there is a delay announcement. Our flight was delayed several times....
When we finally arrived in Semarang it was around 9:30pm, someone other than her host was picking her up .... once again, I felt like playing a mom.
She sent me an email 2 days later telling us thanks for helping her. Until the day I write this blog, I have not heard from her again since......
Friday, January 27, 2012
Our Birthdays at Samaya Resort, Bali.
Life has taken its own course.....
Here I am again.... in Indonesia, and my husband in America. In November 2011, we decided to meet in Bali for our birthdays. I had flown in from Semarang, a capital city of the Cenral Java province. Though warned of the busy air traffic above Ngurah Rai airport in Bali, I went ahead as planned. The day the Obama's entourage left Bali, the airport was as chaotic as it was on the day they arrived. Even more so, because the ASEAN delegations were mostly leaving on the same day as President Obama did. For 45 minutes, the plane I was on and several other airplanes were told to stay in the air above the island .....as boring as it was, I got to enjoy watching what was going on. Several airplanes were flying in circle like a coil in the air. One by one took its turn to land. I was trying to see if Thai Air was in the coil too. I looked at my watch. My husband should be in the air too. He was flying in from Bangkok. I was supposed to be arriving an hour earlier than he was, according to our itinerary. Except my flight from Semarang was delayed for an hour. I looked in the "coil of planes" and wondered which one is Thai Air .... I had been above Ngurah Rai airport for longer than 30 minutes at this time.
I was flying on Lion Air, and the plane finally landed...at Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar, Bali. From the domestic terminal I walked to the international terminal and walked inside the arrival gate so I can be facing the greeters and looked for a sign that says SAMAYA RESORT.... or our name ..... The greeters were looking at me and I was looking at everyone of them for a sign. It was getting a bit awkward, and so I decided to exit completely and make a phone call to the resort. They told me that the driver was waiting and looking for me at the domestic terminal but couldn't find me........ Oh, my goodness..... my husband, again, was trying to make it so comfortable for me. I just love him. When he made the reservation he had requested that the driver pick me up first at the domestic terminal.... he must have given them my flight detail. Knowing my husband, I should have known this. When the driver finally found me, we both lined up right outside the greeters barricade and saw the outpouring passengers .... they looked so happy ....aaaahhh.... it must have been a relief, I could feel it myself.. after going around and around in circle like a coil in the air for 45 minutes it felt so good to be on the ground.
I hadn't seen my husband for 2 months ... though stayed in contact via Google Talk 24 hours . The time difference being 15 hours apart has put our Androids to stay "green" for 24 hours. Thanks to communication technology. Thanks to Google. I can see my husband talking to me via video chat ..... thanks to the government of Indonesia, who set up the system for an open communication with the world. The unlocked Google phone makes it possible for travelers to switch cellular chip in the phone when they arrive in a different country, so they can get a local number. Though half the world apart, now I "see" my husband more often than before....thanks to Android.
Here I am again.... in Indonesia, and my husband in America. In November 2011, we decided to meet in Bali for our birthdays. I had flown in from Semarang, a capital city of the Cenral Java province. Though warned of the busy air traffic above Ngurah Rai airport in Bali, I went ahead as planned. The day the Obama's entourage left Bali, the airport was as chaotic as it was on the day they arrived. Even more so, because the ASEAN delegations were mostly leaving on the same day as President Obama did. For 45 minutes, the plane I was on and several other airplanes were told to stay in the air above the island .....as boring as it was, I got to enjoy watching what was going on. Several airplanes were flying in circle like a coil in the air. One by one took its turn to land. I was trying to see if Thai Air was in the coil too. I looked at my watch. My husband should be in the air too. He was flying in from Bangkok. I was supposed to be arriving an hour earlier than he was, according to our itinerary. Except my flight from Semarang was delayed for an hour. I looked in the "coil of planes" and wondered which one is Thai Air .... I had been above Ngurah Rai airport for longer than 30 minutes at this time.
I was flying on Lion Air, and the plane finally landed...at Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar, Bali. From the domestic terminal I walked to the international terminal and walked inside the arrival gate so I can be facing the greeters and looked for a sign that says SAMAYA RESORT.... or our name ..... The greeters were looking at me and I was looking at everyone of them for a sign. It was getting a bit awkward, and so I decided to exit completely and make a phone call to the resort. They told me that the driver was waiting and looking for me at the domestic terminal but couldn't find me........ Oh, my goodness..... my husband, again, was trying to make it so comfortable for me. I just love him. When he made the reservation he had requested that the driver pick me up first at the domestic terminal.... he must have given them my flight detail. Knowing my husband, I should have known this. When the driver finally found me, we both lined up right outside the greeters barricade and saw the outpouring passengers .... they looked so happy ....aaaahhh.... it must have been a relief, I could feel it myself.. after going around and around in circle like a coil in the air for 45 minutes it felt so good to be on the ground.
I hadn't seen my husband for 2 months ... though stayed in contact via Google Talk 24 hours . The time difference being 15 hours apart has put our Androids to stay "green" for 24 hours. Thanks to communication technology. Thanks to Google. I can see my husband talking to me via video chat ..... thanks to the government of Indonesia, who set up the system for an open communication with the world. The unlocked Google phone makes it possible for travelers to switch cellular chip in the phone when they arrive in a different country, so they can get a local number. Though half the world apart, now I "see" my husband more often than before....thanks to Android.
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