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| Alessia hard at work! |
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Day 22: Singaraja
Our final official field day! We started off bright and early at 7:30, and headed to a local art market that I had heard about but suspected was just a standard market with foods and clothing.
Turns out I was right, and there were only a few art stands and those selling baskets hadn’t even created them! This said to me that a local art market is lacking and needed! Also I almost bought a duck. Since I had pointed out the cute ducklings in a cage to Cody, the seller lady thought I wants to buy one, but when I said no to her she glared in response! I then ran away, but it was tempting to bring my own little Aflack home with me.
Turns out I was right, and there were only a few art stands and those selling baskets hadn’t even created them! This said to me that a local art market is lacking and needed! Also I almost bought a duck. Since I had pointed out the cute ducklings in a cage to Cody, the seller lady thought I wants to buy one, but when I said no to her she glared in response! I then ran away, but it was tempting to bring my own little Aflack home with me.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Day 21: Singaraja
Quite a classroom day today! Unlike what seems to be standard here, we actually had a lecture-like day with topics such as Crafting Your Message, Using Media and Budgeting covered. The information was useful if not self-explanatory at times, but per usual my group had our own agenda.
We followed the set work time for identifying our key audiences, but by the time we needed to create our own media plan we realized that we really needed to revisit the criticisms that we got yesterday and decide what we were doing. In standard Abhi fashion Abhi was already three steps away from where we had been, and was jumping up and down in excitement ready to pitch a new idea to the group. I actually really liked and supported his idea, and I do think it’d be easier (art fair rather than physical art store), but the rest of our group was less receptive.
Part of the issue was definitely me as I realized that in my head I thought we had accepted and gone with the trainers suggestions of dropping the computer skills workshops from our plan, thus I couldn’t wrap my head around why people were revisiting that idea. After I realized what was actually the issue I told the group, but by then we were all pretty set in our different views. Also at this time Ary decided to share that he was a business owner, who cooperatively owned an Internet cafe with three of his friends. Keep in mind that this is about three hours after I asked him if he knew any business owners in the area who we could talk to in order to learn more about starting a business. To that questions he said yeah, I might be able to get in contact with a few. What!?!?
We followed the set work time for identifying our key audiences, but by the time we needed to create our own media plan we realized that we really needed to revisit the criticisms that we got yesterday and decide what we were doing. In standard Abhi fashion Abhi was already three steps away from where we had been, and was jumping up and down in excitement ready to pitch a new idea to the group. I actually really liked and supported his idea, and I do think it’d be easier (art fair rather than physical art store), but the rest of our group was less receptive.
Part of the issue was definitely me as I realized that in my head I thought we had accepted and gone with the trainers suggestions of dropping the computer skills workshops from our plan, thus I couldn’t wrap my head around why people were revisiting that idea. After I realized what was actually the issue I told the group, but by then we were all pretty set in our different views. Also at this time Ary decided to share that he was a business owner, who cooperatively owned an Internet cafe with three of his friends. Keep in mind that this is about three hours after I asked him if he knew any business owners in the area who we could talk to in order to learn more about starting a business. To that questions he said yeah, I might be able to get in contact with a few. What!?!?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Day 20: Singaraja
Woo! Today was much better than yesterday. Field research today, so once again we tapped into the power of personal connections, and Abhi and I went with Dian and Putra to Desa Nagasepaha Village to meet with a Sahab (offering holder) maker, as well as a glass painter.
In order to get to the village we went up and down some really steep hills, which made me a bit concerned for the motor bikes, and drove through an amazing bamboo forest. Our first interview with the Sahab maker taught us that many if our assumptions are true. Competition from lesser producers is driving prices down, and as a result artisans cannot make a living wage with their craft. For this woman and her ten employees they only make Rp. 2,500 a day, or 25 cents, through the creation of these detailed crafts, their only job. This is not enough to live on, so while these women are making money they and their families are dependent upon their husbands income. We asked the woman what she needs in order to expand her business, and she said more connections with her customers, and also mentioned how the current distributors she works with take a huge portion of the profit from her.
In order to get to the village we went up and down some really steep hills, which made me a bit concerned for the motor bikes, and drove through an amazing bamboo forest. Our first interview with the Sahab maker taught us that many if our assumptions are true. Competition from lesser producers is driving prices down, and as a result artisans cannot make a living wage with their craft. For this woman and her ten employees they only make Rp. 2,500 a day, or 25 cents, through the creation of these detailed crafts, their only job. This is not enough to live on, so while these women are making money they and their families are dependent upon their husbands income. We asked the woman what she needs in order to expand her business, and she said more connections with her customers, and also mentioned how the current distributors she works with take a huge portion of the profit from her.
Day 19: Singaraja
What a frustrating day. From extreme highs to exhausted lows I think everyone in my group just needs a day from each other and this project.
We began by combining all of the ideas we’d come in with and created the concept of a community center that features healthy fast foods, art sales, local music, Internet cafe and workshop center that teaches computer skills to job seekers. Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? I thought so too, but I feel like sometimes I don’t think out of the box enough so I went with it for now. We also had an online part where we would help artists market their goods to the international market.
Informally we pitched this to Denise and she picked out the online aspect (think of it an etsy.com for the developing world) and told us to run with it. Run we did and by that afternoon we had a decent plan for how to make it work, and how it would help connect artists to a wider market. We then pitched this to our breakout group headed by Ryan and felt slapped in the face when he disagreed fundamentally with our issue and idea.
We began by combining all of the ideas we’d come in with and created the concept of a community center that features healthy fast foods, art sales, local music, Internet cafe and workshop center that teaches computer skills to job seekers. Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? I thought so too, but I feel like sometimes I don’t think out of the box enough so I went with it for now. We also had an online part where we would help artists market their goods to the international market.
Informally we pitched this to Denise and she picked out the online aspect (think of it an etsy.com for the developing world) and told us to run with it. Run we did and by that afternoon we had a decent plan for how to make it work, and how it would help connect artists to a wider market. We then pitched this to our breakout group headed by Ryan and felt slapped in the face when he disagreed fundamentally with our issue and idea.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Day 18: Amed
Must say, sleeping outside was not as enjoyable as I had imagined. First off the cool ocean breezes are more like harsh mosquito net gusting winds, but luckily my sarong proved oddly warming. Second the outdoor chair I was sleeping on felt more and more like a chair and less like a bed as the night went on.
Despite all this I still got a decent sleep and awoke at the ripe hour of 5:21am for our sunrise boat cruise. But, the time of sunrise must have been a shock to the captains, since we actually watched it come up from the beach before they arrived. Regardless they picked us up in their funny fishing/sailing boats called Jukungs. They are like trimarans, with bamboo runners parallel to a narrow and uncomfortable wooden hull, an outboard motor and V shaped sail.
Despite all this I still got a decent sleep and awoke at the ripe hour of 5:21am for our sunrise boat cruise. But, the time of sunrise must have been a shock to the captains, since we actually watched it come up from the beach before they arrived. Regardless they picked us up in their funny fishing/sailing boats called Jukungs. They are like trimarans, with bamboo runners parallel to a narrow and uncomfortable wooden hull, an outboard motor and V shaped sail.
Day 17: Amed
Amed day! At 8:30am today we headed to the beachside fishing village of Amed, on the eastern coast of Bali.
Amed is awesome. I’m not much of beach person but really how could you not be here? Sand and water the perfect temperature, sweet ocean breezes and a view of the ocean AND mountains?? Outdoor showers are the best. Our bathroom has no roof, and the shower is literally just a stream of water pouring from the wall but all of my cabin mates agreed. Best. Shower. Ever.
After a few bumpy hours in the van we arrived, and, exactly as it was described, we were staying in beach bungalows. Cute little bamboo huts, ours has a queen bed inside, two reclining chairs/beds and a hammock outside in the porch, and the beach is literally 20 ft. away.
The whole day I rotated between mindless but oh so enjoyable reading of Glamour magazine and floating in the warm water. In the midst of this I attempted to eat, but had to wait about one hour or more (I actually have no idea how long it took since my watch is in Singaraja, but it felt like forever) for my spaghetti with garlic butter to emerge from the kitchen. This is actually quite the Balinese quirk, in that almost none of our meals are served at the same time. I’m not sure if it’s because we tend to travel in larger groups than is typical or if it really doesn’t matter if everyone here eats at the same time, but it has been rare to have our whole table served at once in any of the Balinese restaurants.
Although the spaghetti was good, it was pricey and definitely not enough food! So I dug into the trail mix I’d brought from Trader Joe’s, thanks Jan! Definitely hit the spot, and carried me over until the fish feast we had on the beach at night. The food was okay, but it still remains largely disappointing for me as a cuisine. However from the sounds of it we haven’t actually been eating Balinese food, and instead have been having Indonesian food, a line that I’m a little unsure about.
After dinner we had another beachside fire with accompanying guitar, drums and singing, along with some great conversations with people I hadn’t really talked with before. Overall a great night, and it would have been that way even if we could have sat on the beach and watched the stars. Have I mentioned how much I miss those in Boston?
Lessons Learned:
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Day 16: Singaraja
Today was pretty standard, except that I went to the doctor during lunch! I went because my hearing has been a bit muffled for the last week after that night of intense ear pain, so we thought maybe that’d be something to check out.
I was taken by one of the Balinese teachers who is helping with our class. We went outside, and she told me that we would drive there, when I asked if it was far, she said no, but that we’d take her car anyway. We then drove literally a quarter of a mile? It would be like Dav A to the entrance to the Columbus Garage. This is actually a trend I’ve noticed is quite common here, no one walks anywhere. Now due to the heat I can kind of understand this, but even so just to go around the corner people hop on their motorbikes. This probably doesn’t help us conspicuous Americans blend in, because we are the only ones walking around Singaraja.
Anyway, when the doctor came, he had me lie down, took my temperature under my arm, measured my blood pressure and pulse, asked me if I was allergic to any meds, briefly glanced down my throat and then proclaimed he’d give me some medicine. Didn’t even look in my ear! I was a bit perturbed, but I guess I’ll take the meds and cough syrup he gave me, and hopefully I’ll beat this illness soon, and when it goes the ear troubles will to. We shall see.
I was taken by one of the Balinese teachers who is helping with our class. We went outside, and she told me that we would drive there, when I asked if it was far, she said no, but that we’d take her car anyway. We then drove literally a quarter of a mile? It would be like Dav A to the entrance to the Columbus Garage. This is actually a trend I’ve noticed is quite common here, no one walks anywhere. Now due to the heat I can kind of understand this, but even so just to go around the corner people hop on their motorbikes. This probably doesn’t help us conspicuous Americans blend in, because we are the only ones walking around Singaraja.
Anyway, when the doctor came, he had me lie down, took my temperature under my arm, measured my blood pressure and pulse, asked me if I was allergic to any meds, briefly glanced down my throat and then proclaimed he’d give me some medicine. Didn’t even look in my ear! I was a bit perturbed, but I guess I’ll take the meds and cough syrup he gave me, and hopefully I’ll beat this illness soon, and when it goes the ear troubles will to. We shall see.
Day 15: Singaraja
Today I woke up early early! Not really sure why, probably because I went to bed around ten and as a result got just about nine hours of sleep. But, because of this early rising I decided to go to the Internet cafe with Erica, and as a result was able to video chat with my mom (hi mom!). This was quite exciting, and although I didn’t really present myself in the best manner (coughing and blowing my nose), it was still good to hear her voice and see Doby.
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| Please just admire Doby for a second. |
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Day 14.5*: Singaraja
Field research day #1!
We started our day off early today, and at 8:30am split into pairs and went to a number of different high schools in the area to do research on the effect of pregnancy and school dropouts. Dian and I headed to a private high school where we met with a friendly headmaster, and I also met a tourism teacher who spoke English since his step-father is from Detroit. We talked for a while, and he gave me some advice on Thailand because he lived there for a few years. He also gave us a hint that there was a private school near Louvina that only takes parents, both mothers and fathers, who have been kicked out or have dropped out of other schools.
Next we went to another private high school with a less friendly headmaster (this is my judgement based on body language since Dian translated for me the whole day). They repeated the first school’s sentiment that they did not have an issue with teen pregnancies, but then told us about an alternative schooling method called Packet C. Packet C is a 3 times a week afternoon school for students who can’t afford school fees or have gotten pregnant. This leads me to think pregnancy is an issue, since they said about half of the 36 students are or have been pregnant.
We started our day off early today, and at 8:30am split into pairs and went to a number of different high schools in the area to do research on the effect of pregnancy and school dropouts. Dian and I headed to a private high school where we met with a friendly headmaster, and I also met a tourism teacher who spoke English since his step-father is from Detroit. We talked for a while, and he gave me some advice on Thailand because he lived there for a few years. He also gave us a hint that there was a private school near Louvina that only takes parents, both mothers and fathers, who have been kicked out or have dropped out of other schools.
Next we went to another private high school with a less friendly headmaster (this is my judgement based on body language since Dian translated for me the whole day). They repeated the first school’s sentiment that they did not have an issue with teen pregnancies, but then told us about an alternative schooling method called Packet C. Packet C is a 3 times a week afternoon school for students who can’t afford school fees or have gotten pregnant. This leads me to think pregnancy is an issue, since they said about half of the 36 students are or have been pregnant.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 14: Singaraja
Adventure time! Erica and I got up early today and went to the Kantor Post, the Post Office! I had a map from our hotel workers, and with little additional knowledge we decided to give it a shot.Students who are pregnant are forced to drop out of school here, sometimes even the father.
Tiramisu from the Wi-Fi bakery is good!
Stamps from Bali to the US are $1, envelopes seem to be free, but require glue to seal.
Luckily the map was very accurate, and the sign was clear, so we went in. There were about 6 people inside, all seated, who of course turned to stare at us as we walked in. Not sure what to do we stood for a minute, then found seats. My plan was to observe and then insert ourselves into the mix once we knew what was going on. The only confusing part was many of those waiting had the same uniform on, were they delivery people?
But, in true Balinese fashion, after flashing a smile at one woman, which she returned, I attempted to mime to her, asking if we should just go up. She smiled again, and then started talking to us in English, saying that we should put our postcards in the box, and then he would call us. We did so, the man called us, told us the price (in English!) and before we knew it we’d successfully mailed things in Bali. If you don’t get a postcard in 2 weeks, never fear though, this is the first test batch, and I still have 2 more countries to visit!
Then it was off to school, where we had more frustrations, misunderstandings and confusion. Though that may sound awful in reality it was fine, and though the days are definitely getting longer and more involved, I can feel that we are going to make real progress in the next few weeks. For now my group is pursuing the relationship of teen pregnancy and high school dropouts. Tomorrow is our first day of field research, so we are working on doing more research tonight and then starting out bright and early tomorrow morning to try and meet with schools, organizations and find other resources.
Lessons Learned:
Day 13: Singaraja
Mimih Dewa Ratu! Oh my god!
I’ve caught a cold! Actually if I recall this happened when I was in Peru as well. It’s quite the inconvenience, and hopefully the rest of our group doesn’t get sick, but there’s not much to do but go on to class.
Today we tried out our new presentation style, spoken in Bahasa and illustrated in English. This was my group’s attempt to try a new technique and see if we could effectively get the information across to the English speakers. Unfortunately it didn’t quite seem to work, but I am still happy we tried it, and it is definitely something I would not have normally agreed to.
In the afternoon we had to tackle the huge topic of choosing an issue that we are going to address for the next three weeks. As I had expected, no one else in our group even brought up environmental problems, which I had been hoping to work on. Instead our overarching topics were education, health, and a lack of communication or awareness between NGOs. My group was pretty set on the communication issue when I told them I really wasn’t too enthused about it…whoops!
But really it was true, and although I definitely see the importance of connecting NGOs it was not what I wanted to work on for the next three weeks. We then commenced a few more hours of hashing out different issues, moving forward a step, jumping back two….and after 6pm (class ends at 4:30) we decided on School Dropouts.
Tomorrow we will have to define that more and really hash out the details of what we want to do with the rest of our time here, but for today I think we were all relieved to come to an agreement, although perhaps halfhearted for some.
I had a cup of noodles for dinner, prepared by the lovely water cooler in the lobby, and also enjoyed some cheese bread from the free wifi bakery we went to last night. Then we had a whole group reflection on our experiences this far. It really amazes me that everyone on this trip seems so genuinely positive, especially because as many of you may know, that’s not really me. Some of the people are just so enthusiastic about trying new things and experiencing different aspects of Balinese life, and while I can’t really relate to the vigor with which they undertake these goals, I do at least admire them for that enthusiasm. Perhaps I will come away from this trip with a new outlook on life, but the realist in me says nope, probably just some cool stories, new friends, and good memories. We shall see, but for now, gotta sleep to beat this cold!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Day 12: Singaraja
After calling it an early night the day before, I woke up refreshed and without as much ear pain (just a slight ringing) this morning. Today was our first free day since Tuesday, so we were off to the beach!
We then found part of our group before having lunch (grilled cheese with tomato!) at one of the pricey beachside restaurants. It was good but who knows what type of cheese that was. We then went to true touristy Lovina but the beach and water were not as nice, so after looking in the souvenir shops for a bit and buying a few postcards, we headed back to our original location.
At ten those of us who had stayed in the dorms met up and headed over towards Lovina to meet up with the others. We didn’t spot them immediately, so we enjoyed some time in the ridiculously hot water and then on the black sand beach. The cool breeze helped a bit, but under the sun we had to keep going in the water in order to stay at a reasonable temperature. Definitely have not adjusted to this weather yet, but then again I probably never will.
After a few more hours Erica and I headed back to our room to shower, eat and do some homework. We tried to return to the restaurant we’d gone to last night, but alas it was closed! Instead we visited Kantin Coca and got Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) which was absolutely delicious and really hit the spot.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Day 11: Singaraja
Today was not the best morning, because my night had been consumed by pained squirming from a pressurized ear drum. No idea why this started or why it continued, but really it is just excruciatingly painful.
I tried to fix it by all the methods I’ve learned in years of airplane travel and in my scuba class, and even put my ear over a cup of hot water this morning, but to no avail. Luckily it hasn’t been as bad in the daytime as at night, just left me a tad deaf.
In class we had a real lecture about social enterprises and all the various ways in which they may operate. For profit, not for profit, hybrid, it was an interesting lecture but many of our Balinese peers seemed confused by long definitions and more complicated subject matter. I tried to help out those in my group but I’m sure at least some of the finer details got lost in translation. Probably didn't help that I was confused too!
I tried to fix it by all the methods I’ve learned in years of airplane travel and in my scuba class, and even put my ear over a cup of hot water this morning, but to no avail. Luckily it hasn’t been as bad in the daytime as at night, just left me a tad deaf.
In class we had a real lecture about social enterprises and all the various ways in which they may operate. For profit, not for profit, hybrid, it was an interesting lecture but many of our Balinese peers seemed confused by long definitions and more complicated subject matter. I tried to help out those in my group but I’m sure at least some of the finer details got lost in translation. Probably didn't help that I was confused too!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Day 10: Singaraja
Oh no! Our laundry wasn’t done this morning, which means it’s a good thing I washed my skirt yesterday. But more than that it meant I didn’t have a sarong, which was necessary since today we were returning to Sudaji Village to see part of a village-wide cremation ceremony.
Since there really wasn’t much to do, I went to school…by horse cart! We got ripped off for sure, and only got a ride halfway, but it was still fun. A tiny little horse driven by a tiny little man and three American girls all taller than the man. I really need to learn more Balinese as we completely failed to communicate, but nevertheless it’s a true Singaraja experience since I later learned there are only sixteen of these vehicles left in the city.
Actually maybe that makes it a fake Singaraja experience? Oh well, I won't think about this too much.
At school I was relieved to learn our Balinese friends had brought extra sarongs for us! Beautiful ones too. In class we started drafting our group contracts for decision making, etc. Soon enough we were leaving for Sudaji and the brutal heat associated with walking around midday in full sun!
Since there really wasn’t much to do, I went to school…by horse cart! We got ripped off for sure, and only got a ride halfway, but it was still fun. A tiny little horse driven by a tiny little man and three American girls all taller than the man. I really need to learn more Balinese as we completely failed to communicate, but nevertheless it’s a true Singaraja experience since I later learned there are only sixteen of these vehicles left in the city.
Actually maybe that makes it a fake Singaraja experience? Oh well, I won't think about this too much.
At school I was relieved to learn our Balinese friends had brought extra sarongs for us! Beautiful ones too. In class we started drafting our group contracts for decision making, etc. Soon enough we were leaving for Sudaji and the brutal heat associated with walking around midday in full sun!
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| Girls of the Seven Semut: Alessia, Dian and me! |
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Day 9: Singaraja
Travel day again! This time our destination is Singaraja, a city near the coast where we will be staying at Ganesha University and completing our school projects. After a short ride in some small yellow bus-cars, we arrived at our dormitory.
Erica and I walked into our room and were shocked! Despite the 3rd floor walk up that left some people huffing with their heavy roller boards, yay for my duffle!, the room itself is quite nice. Twin beds, two desks, two nightstands, two armoirs, two desk chairs, an outside bathroom with a working toilet, shower and western style sink! Plus a view of the ocean AND a drying rack. We are positively spoiled.
We did some quick unpacking before walking in the MISERABLE heat to the university. I think i heard it was 30C? I never quite learned celsius despite trying before this trip, but I think that’s in the 90s. All of us were pretty disgusting when we arrived, but the AC in our room quickly dried us off and cooled us down. Quick introductions through two truths and a lie followed. Mine were 1) my favorite color is yellow 2) I love skiing and 3) I love ice cream. Which one is a lie?
Then we had our usual lunch and began discussing issues in both of our communities. Breakout groups to further discuss some of the issues followed. I participated in water insecurity and climate change/pollution and it was really interesting to learn more about the Balinese perspective on littering as from the American perspective it seems to be a huge problem, although in Singaraja it seems to be less of an issue.
We got out of class early, went to the local IndoMart for some snacks (Thai iced tea, saltines (+ my first peanut butter container! 2 to go for the next two months) and a chocolate cashew bar for later) and headed back to the dorm where I had the best shower ever. For our past two living situations the showers have been less than ideal, mainly relying on a ladle and huge bucket of cold water. Additionally we sent our laundry out, which is beyond exciting since I only have one clean skirt and two t-shirts left.
Next was a quick trip to the Internet cafe and back to school for our welcome dinner and breaking up into our actual groups for the next 3 weeks. My group is the Seven Semuts! AKA the 7 Ants. Maybe I'll tell you the story of this name later. Everyone seems great so far although it will be interesting to see what issue we eventually end up tackling as our interests are quite diverse. I obviously want to do something related to the environment, and had been initially hoping to address the amounts if inorganic waste throughout Bali, but thus far no one has seemed similarly inclined. One of our Balinese members suggested prostitution and from there Alessia suggested Gender Inequality but he quickly shot down that idea by saying that there was absolutely no gender inequality in Bali. I think all three of our NU members were pretty surprised by that comment, especially as the other two Balinese members had chosen the Gender Discrimination group for our initial brainstorm.
Anyway, tomorrow will be interesting and long, but I’m excited to see where this goes.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Day 8: Sudaji Village
Today may rival yesterday for awesomeness. Got up and went to yoga with Sen Sen at 7:30, which was good but crowded and I was at the very edge of the pavilion, so my downward dogs left a bit to be desired. We also tried our luck at laughing yoga towards the end of the practice. That was pretty odd, but Sen Sen’s awesome laugh made it okay. Not sure that I’ll be continuing that in the future, but I feel like my life contains enough laughter that I should be okay.
After we had an AMAZING breakfast. French toast, hard boiled eggs, fried plantains and French fries. I can really feel the toll of so much fried food, but regardless I still enjoy it while I eat, and the French fries here are absolutely delicious.
Then we visited the No. 1 Elementary School of Sudaji and sat in on a 5th and 6th grade class. The students sang, danced and played games with us. The confidence that each kid showed, whether it was singing a solo or proudly belting our their national anthem was inspiring, perhaps it is due to their supportive community?
Then we headed to a waterfall. That’s right, a Balinese waterfall in the jungle. We started off our hike and it was hot hot hot. This was the direct sun heat that I’d been expecting but that we had managed to avoid for the most part until today. All of us were dripping, but soon enough the once slowed down as we entered the jungle. We hopped a few streams, walked in a path next to huge drops and saw some secluded homes with children and dogs coming out to greet us.
After about two hours we arrived at a little shop (why is there always a roadside stand by everything?) and we’re told only 365 short steps and we’d be at the waterfall! Of course the steps were winding down a cliff and slick at times with either a wobbly railing or nothing at all, but the enticing view of two twin waterfalls kept us going. We then forded a river, hiked another little muddy patch of ground, forded the river again a few more times, climbed a pile of rocks and we were there! Taking a shower underneath the waterfall!
We let the water beat down for a while, then went for a swim in the little pool at the base, before heading back to our initial river crossing and being handed a banana leaf package of food! Unwrapped the leaf revealed our standard Balinese fare, which I am still confused by, do they really eat the exact same meal every day? Nevertheless the food was delicious, made even better by the fact that after we were done we just let the leaves float away, cradle to cradle, no waste with this packaging!
After we had an AMAZING breakfast. French toast, hard boiled eggs, fried plantains and French fries. I can really feel the toll of so much fried food, but regardless I still enjoy it while I eat, and the French fries here are absolutely delicious.
Then we visited the No. 1 Elementary School of Sudaji and sat in on a 5th and 6th grade class. The students sang, danced and played games with us. The confidence that each kid showed, whether it was singing a solo or proudly belting our their national anthem was inspiring, perhaps it is due to their supportive community?
Day 7: Sudaji Village
Best. Day. Yet.
Started off pretty normal. We were leaving for Sudaji today so we were on the road by 8am and into the jungle! The car rides here are actually pretty amazing as there aren’t highways, so every trip we are weaving in and out of villages and seeing palm trees and rice paddies.
This trip was the same, except we were heading north, and needed to go through some mountains to get there. It started raining and produced the heaviest fog I have ever seen, which really made the parts of the forest we could see even more Jurassic Park-esqe. The scenery itself was amazing, vast rice paddies with valleys of palm trees in front of distant mountains.
A few hours later we arrived at Sudaji, although I must say, a very sad moment occurred during the ride. One of my worst fears, hitting an animal in a car, came true, although luckily I saw the dog walk away, so I think the car only tapped his bum. Our driver had tried to slow down, but the dogs here are weird, and even though he could have easily put a hop in his step and avoided the car instead he continued at the same pace and was hit.
Started off pretty normal. We were leaving for Sudaji today so we were on the road by 8am and into the jungle! The car rides here are actually pretty amazing as there aren’t highways, so every trip we are weaving in and out of villages and seeing palm trees and rice paddies.
This trip was the same, except we were heading north, and needed to go through some mountains to get there. It started raining and produced the heaviest fog I have ever seen, which really made the parts of the forest we could see even more Jurassic Park-esqe. The scenery itself was amazing, vast rice paddies with valleys of palm trees in front of distant mountains.
A few hours later we arrived at Sudaji, although I must say, a very sad moment occurred during the ride. One of my worst fears, hitting an animal in a car, came true, although luckily I saw the dog walk away, so I think the car only tapped his bum. Our driver had tried to slow down, but the dogs here are weird, and even though he could have easily put a hop in his step and avoided the car instead he continued at the same pace and was hit.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Day 6: Ubud
Today we had a traditional Balinese breakfast! Bali rice pudding. It was quite good although it seemed to be drenched in salty milk which I didn’t really like. Nevertheless it hit the spot and it was cool to try something not as European tasting as apple crepes.
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After we went to the Senang Hati Foundation, which translates into Happy Hearts. The organization itself is amazing, and it was a ton of fun to learn about the organization and meet the people who live and work there.
Senang Hati is a social organization working to integrate handicapped people into Balinese society. Because Hindus typically see physical handicaps as a form of black magic, those with disabilities are often shut away, especially because cities and villages are rarely handicap accessible.
Since being founded in 2003 Senang Hati has grown from 20 to 270 people who are receiving services like education, physical therapy, career assistance or living at the facility. Some of the residents performed a beautiful Legong dance for us, as well as a musical performance. Despite wheelchairs the dance troupe has performed throughout the island, and their pride and skill was evident even in the short performance we saw.
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After we went to the Senang Hati Foundation, which translates into Happy Hearts. The organization itself is amazing, and it was a ton of fun to learn about the organization and meet the people who live and work there.
Senang Hati is a social organization working to integrate handicapped people into Balinese society. Because Hindus typically see physical handicaps as a form of black magic, those with disabilities are often shut away, especially because cities and villages are rarely handicap accessible.
Since being founded in 2003 Senang Hati has grown from 20 to 270 people who are receiving services like education, physical therapy, career assistance or living at the facility. Some of the residents performed a beautiful Legong dance for us, as well as a musical performance. Despite wheelchairs the dance troupe has performed throughout the island, and their pride and skill was evident even in the short performance we saw.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Bill's Big Brother?
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Day 5: Ubud
Today was my best sleep yet! It was grey this morning, which may explain why the roosters didn’t crow, and as a result I didn’t get up until 8am! Wonderful.
Our first activity was going to Karuna Bali, a nonprofit organization that teaches English in Bali. We heard from Perdana Scholastica, the program manager of one aspect of Karuna, the EduCare Program. EduCare is an interesting model where university students travel to rural villages and teach the elementary school students English for 4 month intervals. The overall goal is to encourage students to be passionate and interested in learning English, because currently, as Perdana said, “English [is seen as a] really hard and miserable subject.”
The other program under the Karuna umbrella is the Campuan College, which has both 3 month and 1 year programs teaching adults English and computer skills. The school is unique because many of the students receive scholarships to attend, allowing those who may not be able to usually attend school to expand their job prospects.
After the presentation we were able to speak more to Perdana and the director of Karuna about how they gather funding, select teachers and choose villages to teach at. Then we returned to our home stay for the best home cooked meal yet before our free afternoon!
Our first activity was going to Karuna Bali, a nonprofit organization that teaches English in Bali. We heard from Perdana Scholastica, the program manager of one aspect of Karuna, the EduCare Program. EduCare is an interesting model where university students travel to rural villages and teach the elementary school students English for 4 month intervals. The overall goal is to encourage students to be passionate and interested in learning English, because currently, as Perdana said, “English [is seen as a] really hard and miserable subject.”
The other program under the Karuna umbrella is the Campuan College, which has both 3 month and 1 year programs teaching adults English and computer skills. The school is unique because many of the students receive scholarships to attend, allowing those who may not be able to usually attend school to expand their job prospects.
After the presentation we were able to speak more to Perdana and the director of Karuna about how they gather funding, select teachers and choose villages to teach at. Then we returned to our home stay for the best home cooked meal yet before our free afternoon!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Day 4: Ubud
Market day! We got up at 5:15 in order to leave for the market at 5:45. Once at the market Erica and I explored around, checking out the fruit stands, bread bakeries and offering makers. We ended up buying a few things from the bakery, not really sure what they were but they were pretty good. When I asked the woman she said that they were coconut, which may be hugely accurate as coconut seems to be everywhere. My favorite thing was very similar to a sesame balls in Chinatown, although instead of red bean paste it was..coconut? Didn’t really taste like anything.
After the market we drove out to some picturesque rice paddies, the thing I have been looking forward to and bought intense Keens for! The view was absolutely breathtaking, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed that we did not walk through the paddies. Nevertheless we were able to learn more about rice (if you haven’t noticed I am quite interested in rice paddies), and take some good pictures! We ended up at the Gunung Kawi Temple and were able to make an offering and meditate a bit before eating a bunch of rice snacks! The temple was built in the 9th century and had the most picturesque wet stones and moss. There was even a waterfall!
After the market we drove out to some picturesque rice paddies, the thing I have been looking forward to and bought intense Keens for! The view was absolutely breathtaking, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed that we did not walk through the paddies. Nevertheless we were able to learn more about rice (if you haven’t noticed I am quite interested in rice paddies), and take some good pictures! We ended up at the Gunung Kawi Temple and were able to make an offering and meditate a bit before eating a bunch of rice snacks! The temple was built in the 9th century and had the most picturesque wet stones and moss. There was even a waterfall!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Day 3: Ubud
Todays morning went a bit better. The roosters delayed their crowing after first starting at 4am, but nevertheless I decided to get up at 6 as I had already been awake since around 5. With Tyrene and Carla I stretched and did some crunches (crazy Tyrene!) and soon was ready for our breakfast of fresh fruit, tea, with sugar! and a delicious apple crepe.
Next we were assigned into groups, given a list and told to go into the city to complete a scavenger hunt. My group headed in and while asking for directions to one of the landmarks met a wonderful local man who offered to show us around. We decided this was a better use of our time and gladly agreed. Although it sounds crazy by American standards, and I would agree, I was very skeptical at first and was concerned, not for our safety but that we had unwillingly committed to some high priced tour, in Bali it is actually not ridiculous for a friendly stranger to show you around for free one afternoon.
Our first stop was the house of the healer featured in Eat, Pray, Love. Not having read the book I wasn’t as taken as some of the others, but nevertheless it was a beautiful compound and I saw the cutest plant there! Also met the funniest looking, but sweetest, miniature golden retriever. Obviously avoiding dogs did not happen, but I do try and avoid rabies by thoroughly evaluating the temperament and mouth foam of dogs before I pet them.
Next we were assigned into groups, given a list and told to go into the city to complete a scavenger hunt. My group headed in and while asking for directions to one of the landmarks met a wonderful local man who offered to show us around. We decided this was a better use of our time and gladly agreed. Although it sounds crazy by American standards, and I would agree, I was very skeptical at first and was concerned, not for our safety but that we had unwillingly committed to some high priced tour, in Bali it is actually not ridiculous for a friendly stranger to show you around for free one afternoon.
Our first stop was the house of the healer featured in Eat, Pray, Love. Not having read the book I wasn’t as taken as some of the others, but nevertheless it was a beautiful compound and I saw the cutest plant there! Also met the funniest looking, but sweetest, miniature golden retriever. Obviously avoiding dogs did not happen, but I do try and avoid rabies by thoroughly evaluating the temperament and mouth foam of dogs before I pet them.
Day 2: Ubud
Today marked our first full day in Bali, and our first morning at our home stay. It proved to be a very interesting morning as my roommate Erica and I were awoken at 4am thanks to the homestay roosters. This was my first experience with roosters, and I was very surprised with how loud, persistent and utterly annoying they are. In addition the barking dogs outside our room didn’t help, but nevertheless I forced myself back to sleep and actually got out of bed around 6:45.
Once up we learned a bit of Balinese before enjoying a breakfast of fresh fruit and a grilled cheese like breakfast sandwich, along with my first taste of Balinese tea. All of it hit the spot although I realized I should have taken sugar with my tea, a lesson I won’t forget from now on.
We then visited the Arma Hotel, a local travel resort and museum that also owns rice paddy land. There we enjoyed refreshments, tea with sugar, as well as a a basket of treats such as steamed rice flour with plantain and baked coconut cake, in addition to learning about the history of the resort. The museum artwork was spectacular to look at, and the details that go into every piece of work were astounding. Painters layered watercolors and ink with skill in their renditions of Hindu legends and everyday life. We were also able to watch wood carvers as they made the ornate doorways that welcome visitors to every home. The hotel owner, Agung Rai, told me that he rented out the land surrounding the resort to rice farmers for them to plant and harvest organically grown rice on, and that they get 2 harvests a year. Although this is less than the 3 harvests that conventional growers get using manmade inputs, Agung was committed to this model and spoke highly of the crop that results.
We then visited the Arma Hotel, a local travel resort and museum that also owns rice paddy land. There we enjoyed refreshments, tea with sugar, as well as a a basket of treats such as steamed rice flour with plantain and baked coconut cake, in addition to learning about the history of the resort. The museum artwork was spectacular to look at, and the details that go into every piece of work were astounding. Painters layered watercolors and ink with skill in their renditions of Hindu legends and everyday life. We were also able to watch wood carvers as they made the ornate doorways that welcome visitors to every home. The hotel owner, Agung Rai, told me that he rented out the land surrounding the resort to rice farmers for them to plant and harvest organically grown rice on, and that they get 2 harvests a year. Although this is less than the 3 harvests that conventional growers get using manmade inputs, Agung was committed to this model and spoke highly of the crop that results.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Hong Kong
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
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