IM COMING HOME!

Selamat Melam!

Hello!

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.

But quite frankly I have been having far too much fun too blog. But I realize that a lot has gone on and well it'll be fun to blog about it too!

SO

Update 1: I am no longer in Pangandaran, nor am I on the island of Java even. I have moved east to Bali, yay!

Update 2: I met a wicked Swiss couple on my ride from Pangandaran to Jogja, and I have them half convinced to come visit me in Canada next summer. Its awesome.

Update 3: I can not remember my pin number to my bank card, and well Indonesia being a developing country, credit card is not a common option. (Don't worry though folks through the help of the Swiss couple (they pay me in cash when I can use my card, sneaky and clever right? right!), support network on standby and I'm in the process of convincing my hotel it would be a good idea to charge my credit card a whole buncha rupias and giving me the cash. Also clever. I'm not just good looks here folks.)

SO

I left Pangandaran on a friday. Took the train to Jogja, while in Jogja watched the Rama/Cinta play. Its supposed to be like the Indonesian version of Romeo and Juliette. Rama and Cinta are married, she gets kidnapped, he kills a lot of people and saves her. THEN asks her to jump into the fire of purity as he does not feel she is pure anymore. Aka her kidnapper may have had his way with her. I hate Rama, he sucks. What loving husband asks his just kidnapped and help hostage wife to then jump into a fire. Even if something did happen it wouldnt have been her fault. Loser face. Also went to an incredible Hindu temple in Jogja.

The Swiss couple asked if I would stay a night longer and we could all travel to Bromo, the volcano together. I thought about it for two quick seconds and agreed. They are so much fun and its great to have travelling buddies. So we went to Bromo. It was crazy busy touristy and I didn't really get to "feel" the volcano, you know? Sounds hippyish I know but it was sort of a sterile experience. But it was totally worth it to see the sunrise over an active volcano, it was really cool. I also saw Vicky and said hello and we hope to meet in Bali, maybe in Kuta for drinks or dinner or something so thats good!

After Bromo we all headed to Kalibaru. I saw coffee, cacao and rubber trees. There was a local election taking place so all of the factories were closed but we found some people, security guards, of the plantations who were willing to chat with us for a few minutes and answer questions. It was really nice. The coffee plantation had a cafe, or I suppose it still does (lol), and we stayed there as it was POURING (riding motorcycles in the rain is really really really wet) and met some locals and listened to the band. It was really fun.

From Kalibaru we took public transit to Lovina, in northern Bali. Originally I wanted to see the dolphin there but some people said how all the tours are destroying the dolphin's food supply and forcing them further and further into the sea. It rang true as those concerns exist off Vancouver's coast with the whales also so I decided not too. Plus I bought black pearl earrings. They are real, honest. lol. Went to some temples around Lovina and saw a waterfall and now I am in Ubud.

Ubud is the city the author of Eat, Love, Pray lives in when she lives in Indonesia. I had really high expectations of it and I am a little disapointed. Its so touristy and congested and its not the cultural village I had anticipated. I think I did the petasdal thing again, oops? Everything just seems a little dull and hasn't quite lived up to my expectations. I am taking a cooking class tomorrow and am really looking forward to that. Fabienne, the Swiss girl, is taking it with me and I think it's going to be a blast. We get to go to the market and everything! So don't worry I haven't given up the idea that I could have fun here and enjoy myself, not yet anyways ;)

After the cooking class we are going to head over to Kuta. Which I KNOW will be busy and touristy but thats the point of Kuta. Kuta is the Cancun of Indonesia. The Australians I think mostly come over for party party party in Kuta. There is a club there that is outside and looks like the top of a pirate ship, I think its going to be really fun. At the very least it will be a great photo op. :)

I think the plan is to spend three nights in Kuta and then head to Lombok, another island, then the Gili Islands. I am not sure about Lombok, actually the southwestern beaches are supposed to be spectacular, but the Gili Islands are for sure for the beaches. The waters are turquoise and blue and the beaches white and pristine. The beaches here so far are dark sand and littered with trash, so fingers crossed they get prettier.

Its been stressful with the money situation but I think its all sorted now, or will be in the morning and that is a good thing.

I am having so much fun and really am excited that I came, even with all the ups and downs. Tonight I felt grumpy and just needed Amy time so I finished my book and then wandered over to the internet here. Its been nice. I keep thinking I have to do-do-do but part of going away is not-not-not. So I am exploring that and will continue to do so the next couple of days sitting in the sun on the beaches of Kuta. I may even surf again, yes!

I miss you all, and as much as my flight home seems to be approaching quicker and quicker I am a homebody at heart and am looking forward to it as well. I think two months was perfect. We'll see what I am saying august 8th though. Ha-ha!

All my love,
hugs and kisses,
Amy

Surf's Up!

Hello out there!


I am sorry it has taken me so long to update, I have just been having WAY too much fun and enjoying myself immensely.

When I last left you I was in Yogya (pronounced Jogja, which I am sure makes things way clearer he he) and was headed to walk through the twin trees. I did not make it. Apparently my heart is not pure and my hopes and dreams are not destined to come true, in Indonesia anyways ;). It was such a riot. We had to stand about 300 meters away from the trees and got blindfolded, spun around, made a wish and just started walking. The first two times I tried I veered very sharply to the left, then right and end up perpenticular to where I started. The third time I ended up between the trees facing the one of the left and had to choose to go right, and through the trees or left and back the way I came. I chose left....doh! So much fun though and there were all sorts of people there doing the same!

Also while in Jogja I went with Rossi and Siska to see the palace where the King used to house his mistresses. A lot of it was destroyed from a big earthquake a few years ago but there was still lots to see. There were underground tunnels, a reported secret passage to the sea so the King could visit with the Goddess of the Sea (who he is hot and heavy with) and a pool where the mistresses would go and bathe and the tower where the King would stand and watch and then choose which one was lucky enough to sleep with him that night. The gate was locked into the pool/bath so a little girl showed us how to climb the wall and I was able to take pictures from there, it was way fun.

One afternoon Vicky and I went to a silversmith studio and we made jewelery! I made a really pretty ring that looks like a snake climbing up my finger and Vicky made a really pretty thick band one. It was neat we got to heat the metal, shape it, stamp it and clean it and even got to keep the ring! So currently I know I am unemployed but I may look into silversmithing when I get back, the guy told me I was better then he expected ;) he he.

So now I am in Pangandaran and have been here since Sunday June 21, 2010 and have no real plan on when I am leaving. The first night Vicky and I got into town we stayed in a big hotel for a few nights. There is a little homestay, which reminds me of a b&b that is a hit among backpackers but you can't make resos and everytime we went to see if there was room there wasn't. So we found a cute little place close to it and the beach called Villa Angela and it was only $10 a night. So cheap, or rather as I am learning it is more polite to say: Good price. We stayed there for 5 nights. I am now in Rinjani homestay and go over to the popular backpackers place to meet people, internet and breakfast. I heard there isn't clean sheets and rats there...so I chose Rinjani instead, plus it's only $7 a night. GOOD price :) I am upstairs with a balcony and the bed is nice and big. Only drawback is well there is no sink....Indonesia is so weird. Errr different, lol.

Our first night in town we went wandering and found Kurnia, a surf instructor. He agreed to take us out the next morning. I even negotiated a better price. I then woke up early and spent the next four hours in the water. It was incredible. I had been thinking surfing, it's gotta be like snowboarding and wakeboarding which I have done both before so thought ahh it'll be easy peasy! NOT TRUE. Its so hard, but the satisfaction of standing up on the board outweighs all the hard work it takes to get there. That first day I probably only really stood up twice, but the thrill!!! So amyzing ;) Vicky was too tired and didn't surf.

Of course having spent that long in the water on a sunny day and then deciding to sit in the sun for a little bit and read, with Vicky, while I dried off, resulted in a very red like complexion. Very red. Thankfully my surf instructor and his friend took pity on Vicky and I, she was way more sunburnt then me, and throughout the next few days massacred several aloe plants to ease our pain.

As we were very red, the next day we were advised to not go in the sun so they brought us on a day trip. We started at Green Canyon which is well a green canyon. The water is green, the walls are green with vegetation, it was really neat. There was an opportunity to go swimming but it was really crowded (I was a celebrity again he he) and so we declined. We then went to a turtle sanctuary, I got to hold two! A little baby one and a grown up one, SO awesome! In Indonesia they collect the turtle eggs and keep the turtles safe and fed until they are about 14 mnths and they are then released into the wild. The thought is that the older turtles will have a better chance of survival then teeny babies. Makes sense to me. For lunch we stopped at this restaurant that was built out on a lake, so it looks like it is floating. They then caught our fish from the lake and bbq'd then right there. SOOOOOO good. Afterwards all the food we didnt eat, rich, fish bones, everything is just tossed into the lake and the fish that didn't get caught go CRAZY. It was fun. After lunch we headed to green valley which was way less crowded so I went swimming. I even jumped off the waterfall and went through the waterfall to the cave on the otherside. SO cool. It was a great great day.

Soccer worldcup is on right now and everynight thats all anyone wants to do here is watch it. We have been getting drinks and sitting on the beach, with a tv. lol. Its pretty funny, or converging in one of the beach bars. Its really funny here, they have Bintang which is a real light beer, Heineken, another light choice and Guinness. Nothing amber or inbetween. It's awesome.

OH the other day Vicky and I were on another beach having a beer picnic with some friends we made and there was an earthquake, SCARY. Luckily nothing happened afterwards. One of the locals was saying that there are close to 400 earthquakes in Indonesia every year. I can't imagine how scary that would be when there has been such devastating consequences. I was jumpy as it was.


So on Monday, Vicky headed back to Surakarta. Yes that means I am here alone, and guess what? I am loving it. I am getting to do exactly what I want, when I want. I have now gone surfing five times, today I even got to use a smaller board...eeek. Yesterday I went out all by myself, no instructor. I picked my own wave, paddled fast enough and even managed to stand up and ride it to the shore. It was incredible. I did more falling today, as the smaller boards are harder to balance on. I may have even whined to my instructor that I wanted the big board back. He said no. Grrr.

I have no idea what the next few weeks hold for me. I may or may not go and meet up with Vicky in Surakarta. I found someone here who has connections with the Immigration and can help me extend my VOA without having the leave the country and come back. It is expensive but in the long run I think it will be less expensive then leaving and coming back. Although by not leaving I am missing out on visiting other countries. But by leaving I am missing out on Indonesia. I have another decision to make. I think if I don't leave the country I will start to slowly make my way east and catch the ferry across to Bali and then also see the island of Lombok and the Gilli Islands which are supposed to be just beautiful. I supposed I am not going to get a chance to see everything but I want to! What exactly is the point of having cake if you are not allowed to eat it? I met some travellers who are headed to Bali in the next week or so as well so I may tag along with them or at least exchange info and see if we can't meet up somewhere's along the way. Hopefully if I don't see Vicky before she heads to syngapore will meet up in Bali. The break I think will be good for us.


So folks in summary: I love my life and I am so not even close to regretting my decision to come anymore. There have been some rough patches that I won't go into but I made the choice not to make them my problem and it is incredibly liberating. I love me. I am so happy.

So, so long from Pangandaran and who knows where my next blog will come from! I sure don't he he

Lots of love,

Amy

Seyar Blajar

I have no idea if that is spelt right but it means I'm learning. Of course I don't pronouce it right either but I am finding it a useful phrase :)

what a whirlwind the last couple of days has been!

Since my last entry I have been on an emotional rollercoaster. The personal development that I am currently undergoing is incredible. It is a lot more difficult then I imagined, the development not so much the travelling. Quite frankly I still don't really feel like I have done any real travelling yet. Fingers crossed that tomorrow that changes.

Here's what I have been up to...

 After posting last Sunday, on Monday evening, I got hit hard by a case of the homesick blues. I was questioning if I had made the right decision to come and wondered what I was doing here. It was raining really hard and was dark and dreary and easy to start spinning my wheels. I was feeling extremely frustrated that we were not being given the freedom to explore on our own and weren't really being shown around by Vicky's uncle either. Granted he did take us up a mountain and we did have fun, but the next day he half heartedly took us to see the Kraton, which is the King's palace, he still lives there (more on that in a minute), but didn't walk around with us or translate anything for us and was on his cell phone the whole time and then dropped us off at the mall.

Also at one point at her Uncle's that night I went to socialize with the family and they asked if I was hungry (all they do here is eat! lol) and brought me back to the kitchen and sat me down and then left me all alone. I maybe cried a little bit. Maybe, I admit nothing. I felt a tich rejected and very lonely (Vicky was napping). Although in retrospect it is most likely a cultral practice to offer food and they were being polite and really had no idea what I needed or what I was wanting from them. Unfortunately it just served to heighten my loneliness.

Also Vicky and I have been going through some growing pains and I think that evening she was feeling the same way I was and so I didn't really have her for support. We both needed time apart and time to process what was going on for ourselves.

So I had a good cry and sent off a bunch of emails and "chatted" with my support networks, and journalled. And was able to pull myself out of my funk. It was pretty empowering. I made a back up plan for myself incase things didn't improve, which did not involve running away into the night, I promise ;) or even coming home, although Aunt Linda I have to tell you I was close. Again I will admit nothing but I was maybe half hoping to get hit by lightening (as it was storming) so as to have a reason to come home...admitting nothing.

I had been feeling trapped, let down and really disapointed but decided to make a different choice. I made a plan, which will all know by now I really enjoy having and following (yes universe I hear you, I need to relax - I'm just not ready yet okay?) which made me feel better and through "chatting" and journalling was able to really process my emotions and take stock of what is really important. If something did happen and I had to go home I would have been infinately more disapointed then I was feeling in that moment. Truth be told, I was having myself I very large pity party.

Yes my goal in coming is to build my own story and experiences, but I realized that I have the power to do that everyday. It doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing, I have control over the way I perceive and experience that moment. (I might be crying as I am writing this, it's so empowering to actually GET this, you know? But you all know, I cry all the time lol). (Actually I am crying. I did cry when I was left in the kitchen all alone and I did for a fraction of a moment hope to get hit by lightening...so there. Put that in your pipe and smoke it). (Back to our regularly scheduled program). I think throughout I have rolled with the cultural differences fairly well, or atleast adequately. I am willing to try new foods, the toilets I'm so far not stoked on but it's a toilet, not understanding the language is hard but I'm dealing. I had such a hard time getting over the fact that this trip wasn't meeting up to my expectations. I just couldn't get my head around it. I had put this trip up on a pedastal and man does that fall hurt. But I think I am over it now.

After journalling and emailing I went and "accidentally" woke up Vicky, oops? And we had some great girl talk and fell back into rhythm. We then planned our next couple of days out and I went to bed in a much better space. It's almost a tich bi-polar...hmmm lol.

The next morning (tuesday) I woke up to Vicky fervently whispering to her mother on the house phone about her Uncle and how frustrated we were. Turns out he was listening on the portable phone. Big fight. It was awesome. lol. So once again plans were SMASHED. But surprisingly I didn't even cry. I decided, well I still have my back up plan (spend the rest of the trip on newly pedastaled Bali) and thought to myself - self - lets just see what happens.

After the BIG FIGHT, Vicky's Uncle said his brother, her Sinku, would take us to her grandma's grave but it would be really hot. Vicky and I decided we needed to actually get some errands done and would do that instead. I asked her to go tell her Uncle so her Sinku and grandfather wouldn't be waiting for us. She didn't and I felt ambused by being left to deliver this news and explain that we wanted to do something else instead, and delievering that news after a fight when its hard enough to say we want to do something on our own. So I did the mature thing and went and pounded on the bathroom door.

So Vicky's Sinku offered to help us run our errands, best part is he doesn't speak english. lol. What a great afternoon though. He went and picked up his sons, who are 22 and 23 and speak english, and we all ran errands together and stopped in periodically to visit other family that Vicky's Uncle didn't take us to see. The kindness of these people was incredible. They all made an effort to include me and talk to me, even though really it is Vicky they are excited to meet and learn about, she is family. I was really touched. They took us to buy currency (her Uncle told the family we had no money and so couldn't travel on our own and thats why we have to stay at his house and want to travel so cheap, kinda rude), tourist office where we learned it is indeed to travel sans family, even for girls, and they explained family is very overprotective here (it was a relief to hear from an Indonesian that it is indeed safe. The lonely planet is good and all but to hear from a local was nice) and helped us get a cell phone sorted. What an ordeal. You buy a cell phone from one booth, sim card from another and minutes from another. We then called Vicky's mom to speak to the minute shopkeeper to find out how the phone works, cost wise and dialing internationally etc. There aren't public phones here like at home so we figured a cell phone was a good option and it also helped ease some unease her family has about us travelling solo, lol.

That night I ate cowskin. Its quite nice actually. It was fried and spicy and soft, I would even eat it again. I was SO scared to eat it though, it was ordered for me. It is a food that Surakarta is known for. I am glad I did!

On Wednesday Vicky and I woke up and only her Grandpa and Granma were home so we thought yes! We are home free and can spend the day without the overprotective family. Here comes my favority overprotective family story... Her Grandma actually helped us flag a bezack...a bicycle powered carriage, like a rickshaw...and negotiated for us and sent us on our way. We should have known it was too good to be true. We made it to the tourist office where we signed up for a Batik making course the day before and were then transported to the Batik making place, which was in the back room of a Batik shop where real Batik gets made. Very cool. Oh Batik is a traditional Javanese (Indonesian) textile, so oversimplified it is dying material. Not 10 minutes after arriving there her Sinku and his son Michael walked in and proceeded to spend the next 4 hours sitting there watching us make Batik. SOOOO funny. I couldnt help but laugh, really what else is there to do?

That afternoon I finally learned why the bathrooms from the asian tourists, from when I did housekeeping in Banff one summer, were always wet. Like everywhere. Most family homes here don't have showers. They have a large raised sink, kind of, that is full of water and you stand in the middle of the bathroom and scoop the water out and pour it on yourself, like a homemade shower. It was different but definately refreshing. It was a little wierd to just splash water all over the room but all the bathrooms are tiled and tilt with a drain so it is efficent, I suppose they have been doing it for however many years :) In this climate I could get used to it, back at home in the winter though nothing beats a hot shower. Well maybe a bath. It was neat and glad to finally have the piece of that puzzle!

Then yesterday we packed up our bags and put them in the car and Vicky's Sinku and Om (another word for uncle) and Michael took us to Borobudur which is this amazing Buddist temple. I think it is actually one of the 7 wonders of the world. It was incredible. There are all these bell shaped domes and in each one is a Budda. I need to do more reasearch before, Im learning that Indonesia isn't very good at maintaining tourist sites or providing much information about them whether in English or Indonesian. So I'm not really sure why the buddas are under the bell shapes but it was very pretty. We had to walk clockwise, which I have learned I should do around all Buddist monuments and that it laid under volcanic ash until 1815. The work that went into building it was incredible.

And guess what? I am currently writing this from a hotel room (I've borrowed a computer) in Yogyakarrta and not one of Vicky's family members are around. After a little bit of a struggle we managed to break free and are all alone. I am very excited! Her Sinku and Om want us to go back on saturday, which is east and our plan is to head west so I am not sure how that makes sense but Vicky is going to talk to her mom and get her to sort it out with her brothers. YAY!

So today the plan is to relax, it is her cousin Rossi's (pronounced Rosie) who lives here's birthday and so she and a friend are headed over here we are going to sit by the pool and suntan, maybe hit up the spa and tonight go out for food and there are these two trees that you close your eyes and if you walk through them then all your hopes and dreams will come true! I hope I make it!!

Then on Saturday we are headed to Pangandaran, I think we will rent a car and driver (you can do that, it's really cool) as it is a 7-8 hour drive and its not worth it to drive ourselves yet. There are no rules and we haven't figured out the whole opposite side of the road thing. When we are in Pangandaran we will rent motorcycles/scooters and practice there, it is a small town. Spend four or five days there surfing and there are some great day trips from there to a beach and a canyon and then from there head to Batu Karas for more surfing and then up to Bandung and then back to Surakarta where we will meet Vicky's mom, dad and brother for the family reunion and then I think the plan is to head to Syngapore. So I have no idea what internet is going to be like but I will try to do a quick update anyways.

This was just supposed to be quick too...lol.

Summary: I was sad and now I'm not. I am really excited about the rest of my trip and am glad that things went the way they did in the beginning. I got to really test myself and I think I passed. I am proud of ultimately how I handled it. And hey Darel, it all works out in the end, and if it's not working out, it's not the end. Right? Right!

There is nothing quite like travelling, the art of losing and finding yourself all at the same time.

Much love to all of you!

XOXOX

Amy

Ps sorry I can't upload pictures, the connection is not very good and would take WAY too long. I will show you when I can or when I get home! Yay!
 
 

Selamat pagi from Surakarta

That means good morning!

Also hello from the future!

The future is very different....

What an adjustment this past week has been. EVERYTHING is different here.

I hate to admit it, especially now that I have started adjusted but I was pretty miserable when I first got here.

Our jungle tour got cancelled within hours of arriving as it is very extreme traditional muslim and with the recent Israel attacks on Palestine it will be assumed that because I am white I will be in allegiance with Israel and be attacked. Im more or less okay with that. The least amount of attacking, the better. However it was exttremely disapointing. And then we were told that it is unsafe for women to travel alone in Java, too many muslims and the men will attack us. So it was decided that we would fly to Solo (or Surakarta) where Vicky's uncle lives, rather then take the train and mini bus down to Batu Karas, where we want to learn to surf. So I just felt as if already my whole trip was being usurped. And those of you that know me well, know I may have a tich of a problem with control issues...just a tich ;). So I was struggling.

Vicky reassured me that it was only day two and I still had many months and everyone is in agreement that Bali is safe for us to travel alone, so perhaps I will just plan on spending more time there. I was just looking forward to spending time with real Idonesians and well it turns out Im actually spending time Indonesians. Its just not what i imagined. I wanted to venture out on my own, make mistakes and have to problem solve.

Maybe this is another kind of learning though too. In essence a mistake has been made, in both my perspective and expectations and now I have to problem solve.

I guess I should have done Europe first, lol.

It was quite an experience in Jakarta. Vicky's family friend, Mrs Twjan, came and picked us up. Or rather she and her driver came and picked us up. It was very nice to be met at the airport and not needing to jump RIGHT in. Plus it was very much a treat to spend time with Mrs. Twjan and her daughters Cynthia and Emile. The company was great. Part of the treat is that here in Indonesia it is common to have drivers (for those that can afford it), housekeepers, nanny's etc. So pretty much I didn't have to lift a finger. It truly was like being on holiday!

Cynthia has two little boys, who were a little rambuctious but very sweet. Her eldest Kyle (who is five or six) taught me how to say hello in Indonesian, "hi" (lol) and one evening was giving out massages. When I asked him if he would please massage my neck he readily agreed and proceeded to massage both the front and back of my neck, which was more similar to being strangulated, but done in a very thoughtful way ;)

Cynthia took Vicky and I, and the boys to Taman Mini, which is like an outdoor museum and reminded me of pioneer village or something. They had all these houses that represented the different areas of Indonesia and the different cultures associated with those areas. We spent time in the Sumatra houses, and pretended we were there, as we won't get to go anymore (that was the jungle trek area). In the one house there was a lady there who was from that region and she walked around with us and spoke to us about each display. There were several traditional wedding outfits that she actually made! Each one took her two months to make, they looked like they should have taken a lifetime, so detailed and pretty! Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for her. Pretty much all of her teeth had rotted out and those that didn't were all black. It was unsettling, but she had a beuatiful soul and I am so thankful that she spent the time walking around with us, Especially since she didn't even ambush us at the end looking for money. Her only goal was to share her culture. Unlike the mascots. Vicky and I were outside taking pictures and a mascot came up and we said no but in mascot fashion it didn't listen and posed beside me so Vicky took a picture. Then another one came and then Vicky posed. And then another one came. And then we decided we were scared and said no more. THEN they followed us around pulling at the pocket out front asking for money!!!!! So awkward.

After walking around the houses we found a bird sanctuary and spent the rest of the afternoon there. It was neat to see the birds, they were in a cage that reminded me of a butterfly house thing - ya know? Most were just out flying around. There was a lot of greenery, and bugs as well. Here is hoping that Java really is low risk for Malaria. *crosses fingers* I got some great pictures, although I could not tell you what they are all called! Please don't ask!

The next day Cynthia came and picked Vicky and I up and the three of us headed to Kota, which is the area that the Dutch occupied when they colonized Indonesia. It was pretty run down, but had some real gems in it. Before entering into the square there is a canal that was filled with human feces, I guess only a small fraction of Jakarta has access to sewers...you gotta do what you gotta go I guess. The smell was unbearable. Mom, you'd be proud though - I only gagged a handful of times! We then got to the square and took many pictures and stubbled into a Wayan Musuem. Wayan is Indonesian puppets. It was so amazing. While we were there the founder/owner/manager - Daniel, saw us (or rather me - Whitey) and when he realized that for sure we were tourists he ended up giving us a big tour. He told us that his family had been making the puppets for 900 years, I think. He told us that the stick puppets are made from Vietnamese buffalo hide and horn. The middle part is the horn carved and shaped using steam and then the hide is cured and 36 different instruments are used to make the patterns that form the puppet. He was saying that it takes 40ish days to make one puppet. And the big complex puppet, the tree of life, his family can only make two of those a year. So it's pretty special stuff. The wooden puppets take 20 days and only 5 instruments are used. He also showed us puppets that were over 300 years old, and have never been retouched. They looked new. He stated it is because of the buffalo and 99% of the paint is natural from vegetables and such. It was really neat. So of course just before we end, in the gift shop of course, he starts telling us how he doesn't get any funding from the government and yadda yadda yadda. But I was sold hook line and sinker at this point and of course bought some little mini ones :) I bought Raman and Sinda, he is supposed to email me the story but they both have incredible wealth and talents but lead humble lives and thus are the ideal to strive for. It sounded good :) Vicky and I have decided we really want to see a puppet show before we leave. Daniel stated they start at about 7 pm and go until 5 am. And use hundreds of different puppets. I think it would be amazing. I felt very honoured to be given such a special tour and be provided with an opportunity to learn a small piece of Indonesian culture.

So know I am in Solo or Surakarta, which according to my travel book is one of Java's least westernized citys. Vicky's Uncle, whom we are staying with here, is adament that it is unsafe for us to travel alone. He also stated that we can't stay in Bali for $9 a night, he thinks the travel book is lying. He has also warned us that drug dealers have magic and can hypnotize us. Apparently when Vicky's mom was younger she disappeared for three days, because a drug dealer hypnotized her...sounds like a great excuse to run away for a weekend to me!

I dont know how much of the "its dangerous to travel alone is true" and how much is priveledge and how much is culture speaking. Vicky's family can't imagine why I would want to travel by train or by bus with the rest of the population when I could fly/have a driver. So its hard. I have greatly enjoyed my time with everybody so far and have really appreciated the perks such as built in translator, driver, etc. but I really do want to venture out on my own. Perhaps pack my bags and escape into the night? lol. Just kidding mom!

I am glad so far that we jumped on the rickety, bumpy, less then stellar safety record Lion Air and flew from Jakarta to Solo yesterday, and not only because I know have regular internet for awhile. But it sure will be nice to do a small posting ;) Today I we went zip linning! It was incredible. Mitchell and Michelle, you'd be impressed...the safety harness consisted of a nylon rope wrapped around my groin area...it resembled a safety harness once TIED (tied!!!!!) around my waist. I started to get scared at that point. Vicky and I went together. People laughed at us. Its okay though, we are alive.

On the way home...oh wait I need to start at the beginning.

We woke up this morning to a very noisy little yappy dog, a very unhappy hawk in a tiny tiny cage and a bird that speaks and can say Satay Bebe...which I think means BBQ. Definately not in Kansas anymore. We left the house at 8 and left in convoy (two cars), with Vicky's family. We stopped FIVE times before 11:30 for food. Thats all these people do. Eat eat eat. And of course its all mostly deep fried carbs. I miss vegetables. But five times. And they are shocked when Vicky and I reply no thank you we are still full from less then 30 minutes ago. Its pretty funny.

Okay...now back to our regularly scheduled program...

On the way home we stopped twice more for food. One of the places was a Catholic prayer garden. It was gorgeous. It was also here that I encountered for the first time the Indonesian toilet.

Dun dun dunnnnn
(evil music)

In the end, when you gotta go you gotta go. And really its not much different then squatting in the woods... right? Plus lets remember I am packing tissue and hand sanitzer. You can take the girl outta the West, but you can't take the West outta the girl ;) I'd like to think I handled it better then Vicky but I could be biased :)

I'm also learning quite a few words, and am starting to recognize them in signs and when people are talking. I get a lot of laughs still when I am trying to say something and definately still require many gestures and charades but I'm learning and it's fun.

Prologue (as this has turned into a novella)

I was struggling but since having done some touristy things outside of the mall and accepted that what will be will be I am really enjoying myself. I am so glad I took this opportunity. Actually at the Catholic prayer garden I closed my eyes for a little minute and thanked whoever it is out there that is watching over us for keeping me safe and letting me experience this.

I am so lucky.

And also determined. Every so often I remember that I made this happen and it seems so surreal. It is an incredible feeling!

Thank you everyone who has left me messages, Terama Kaci! And for those of you that haven't yet, c'mon!!

All my love,

Amy

PS Surprisingly I got into my first auto accident today. I am surprised because there are NO ROAD RULES. I wouldn't even go so far as to say the dotted lines are merely guidelines, it is as if they are simply decoration. PLUS they drive on the wrong side of the road...I guess it is an island. I didn't even think of that though before. The traffic is incredible, especially in Jakarta. That happens when you cram the population of Canada into a city though. Yikes. We just got slightly rear-ended tonight. It felt as if Uncle stalled the car and the rear exhaust is a lil dented but no big deal. I am just surprised it took this long! There is a lot of horn honking and light flashing. I haven't figured out what it all means. Sometimes it means stop, sometimes go ahead. I think the general rule is go slow, close your eyes and hope for the best! Scary!

Taipei

So I'm halfway there!

And am so happy that I managed to sleep on the plane too, I was worried about that. I didn't even get a chance to take my gravel (Thanks Susan!), I almost immediately passed out. I guess thats what happens when you leave the airport at 2:20 in the morning and there isn't even a bar open!

So Im the airport in Taipei for a few hours and followed up on a lead that there is not only free internet here but also free computers to use it on! It rocks. Its chinese though, I think. I everytime I switch screens and go back I have to reset the keyboard to english from Chinese, so thats where I draw my conclusion from.

So far everyone has been really nice and there is way more english than I anticipated. It's cute english, such as "recycleing" and "sorry for the inconvenient cause". He he.

Well I'm off to brush my teeth, put in my contacts, find my gate (to fly to Jakarta) and start learning Indonesian phrases, that I am sure Vicky will correct my pronounciation of    :)

Have fun living in the real life suckers!
xoxo

Amy

PS Jessie I logged into the IP map thinger, and it now shows Taiwan...is that what you see too?

So this is IT....

I leave tonight.

I have so many mixed emotions...one moment I'm excited then I feel like throwing up, then crying, then really scared, they super excited again! Lol, ladies I know this roller coaster of emotions isn't really anything new right, but its weird attributing it to anything else besides PMS. So maybe its PTS...Pre Travel Syndrome, he he.

My last day of work was May 28th and I figured I could leave packing until the 29th, in the past I was moving so often it was totally conceivable that I could pack and clean within a few hours. It became increasingly apparent that I had accumulated too much stuff! Eventually I got it all packed up. Here is a picture of what I was planning on stuffing into my car:

Let's please remember that I drive a '93 Ford Festiva. So on Sunday May 30 I had a friend (thanks Manny! You Rock! And are really strong!) help me pack up my car and bring my stuff to greyhound. This is what my car Petunia looked like:

I can't help but giggle looking at it!

And here's what the stuff I shipped on greyhound looks like:

Also giggle worthy!

Yes. You counted right. That's seven. And I won't mention that I had previously brought home six suitcases worth of stuff and that my friends Shannon and Adah, thanks again ladies!, generously shoved some of my boxes and stuff into their car over the long weekend. Oops, I just did mention it. Shhhh.

It was a long drive. However leaving Vancouver I became super excited. I am doing something for ME... I have always wanted to go traveling but always found a reason not to. And now I am, and then I get to move home officially (well once I get Petunia registered in AB and get AB health care then its official...). I have been so lonesome for my family and friends in Calgary and am so excited that I have made this happen.

I made a decision, I worked really hard at it and I made it happen. It is an incredible feeling. I feel so proud of myself and can't help but smile when I think about it!

Its been insane busy this past week trying to get organized and of course I am trying to plan for every eventuality. I think I am pretty prepared, I have every med packed that I can think of, but I know there is going to be something that I didn't pack and its a little bit scary for first-born-type-A-personality-me to know that I might not have everything I need. I am sure I am over packing! Please see above for proof of my inability to travel light ;)

I bought a new camera! Its so awesome, it's a Pentax and its one of those waterproof, shockproof, dustproof all around Amy proof ones. Its going to be great to travel with, fingers crossed it doesn't get stolen. Also unfortunately they were all sold out of the loseproof model...he he.

I went and spent Friday night with my Bakers. Here is a couple of pictures of the girls and I with my new camera. please feel free to comment on how beautiful we are and how amazing the pictures are, both due to the photographer (me of course) and the general awesomeness of my camera.

This afternoon my mom has arranged a bon voyage fire pit with close friends and family and I am really excited to see everyone before I leave.

But I am scared too. I don't do new well. Changes, who needs 'em?

There is a thrill is facing the unknown though. My hope is to be able to harness the stress I feel (I may stop breathing every time I really think about what I am about to do, I am admitting to nothing though!) and learn to turn into something positive. I want to be able to learn to roll with the punches, to not have so many rules and plans and enjoy life as it hands itself to me. There are so many lessons I am going to learn on this trip and am so looking forward to sharing them with you all.

Please leave me comments okay? So I know I am not just talking to myself out here. That, talking to myself, is for my travel journal (Thank you Nate!).

I think I most afraid that I am going to change as a person, that I will come back and will not recognize myself. But ultimately I am able to reassure myself that people don't really change, I will still be me. Don't worry, I'll always be a princess and very cute!

Case in point: This is me and my origami wolf, courtesy of Westjet. His name is Killer and he will be accompanying me on my trip, for safety purposes of course. This is a picture of us traveling back from Vancouver. As you can see by the car next door, I'm obviously parked. Killer made sure we didn't take the picture while driving. He's good like that. Also his middle name is Fang, as suggested by my Grandpa.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

I'm actually leaving tonight.....

yisss!

I'm really getting excited now. Im as prepared as I am going to be. I have access to cash to get me out of any situation, what could go wrong?

*knocks repeatedly on wood*

:)

Look forward to sharing pictures and my adventures on here with you all and am looking forward to seeing you in the fall!

Much love,

Amyzing Amy

(I really am aren't I?)

:)