21

October 18th! my birthday!! We have now moved to northern Bali to a place called Lovina. I was too excited to sleep so I woke before the sun and went for a jog on the beach. After watching the sunrise I came back to the hotel and went for a quick swim before breakfast. 

We then set off for a little culture. First we stopped at a Chinese Temple, where we lit incense and prayed.

....and played with turtles that symbolize healthy long lives.

Next we went to a Hindu temple. Below is part of the temple where two dutch men were added into the  original carvings after the dutch invaded Indonesia. 

After a delicious lunch we headed to a waterfall for a little swim. 

standing under the fall was so intense you could only say under for a minute or so. It was like ALL of the moisture in the sky decided to descend at once in one large raindrop. 

The rest of the night involved, dinner with friends, fresh mangoes, drinks on the beach, and swimming in the moonlight (it was a full moon). 

It was a picture perfect 21st birthday! Perfect beginning to a great year! Go year of the monkey!

Bu Ari's Village

After a few weeks of normal class and such we set off for a week in Bu Ari's Village where she grew up. This was about a 2 hour drive and then an hour hike to the small rice village.

We working in the rice terraces, make sembal (garlic, scallion, chili, and coconut oil), ate, and stayed with the local villagers for 3 days before heading to Lovina beach for the rest of the week.

On the last day we hitched a truck (dump truck, not pickup) ride to the shore to visit a temple. it was a very interesting ride. Imagine very skinny roads with lots of pot holes...in a dump truck.

Dancing in Jogja/Godean

While in Jogja and Godean (small village outside of Jogja) we learn a traditional Javanese dance. 

This involved 3 poorly orchestrated dance lessons, waaaaay too much makeup and Asian warrior outfits.

Above, Bu Ari and some experienced dancers.

After 3 one hour lessons and about the same amount of time devoted to costume and makeup we performed this dance at the goodbye celebration for our Javanese families. 

The dance involved pom pons and lots of small steps and laughing as we stumbled the wrong way.

Once the humiliation was over it was a good experience, plus who doesn't like to play dress up?

Alun-Alun

Alun-Alun means a city square. This particular square has been filled with man powered carts COVERED in LED lights and outfitted with sound systems. 

tandem bikes also zoomed around the square.

Since this happens every night the square is not closed off to traffic. As we are peddling around we have to weave in between motorbikes, and cars and hope that our rusty breaks don't give out.

We are a huge hit. Fresh on our Bahasa Indonesian we screamed HATI-HATI (watch out!) and SAYA DARI AMERIKA (I am from America) at any on who got too close or stepped in our way.

The center of the square is empty except for two huge Banyan trees. According to history if you make an wish and are able to walk blindfolded between the trees with out running into one or anyone then your wish will come true.

All around the trees are vendor with bubble, glow sticks, and wands. 

We all immediately turned into 5 year olds and pranced around with wands pretending to be harry potter.

 Shout out to the Eastern Shore!

Even our teachers enjoyed themselves!

Ramayana Ballet

Set in an open air amphitheater with a beautiful view of one of the largest Hindu temples in the world we attended the Ballet

The short version of the story is, a princess is to be married to a prince who was chosen but picking up a magic bow. 

The evil guy kidnaps the princess by disguising one of his minions as a deer.  This lurers away the prince. then a beggar comes to where The princess is protected by a magic circle. She steps out of her protective circle to help the beggar, who then changes into the bad guy and whisks her away

After many battles and schemes there is a giant battle with the monkeys against the bad guys. Eventually the monkeys and the prince win. However, the prince wont take the princess to be his wife because he thinks she is not pure anymore. She then proceeds to burn herself to prove her purity. She is saved by the god of fire and they live happily ever after.

In the bathroom at the ballet they have squatting and sitting toilettes. 

However, squatting on a sitting toilette is not permitted..

To Jogja!

After about a month in Bali we packed up and headed to Java for 2 weeks.

after about an hour flight, and some amazing views, we landed in Jogjakarta 

The first 3 nights we stayed in a small hotel right in Jogja. We became familiar with the local market and public transportation. 

And bought princess nightgowns

 and ate delicious (NOT FRIED!!) sushi

Got a tour of the local college (UGM)

We driven around in cool electric cars..aka golf carts

The dress in Jogja is very conservative. For women especially. we are not to show our knees or shoulders and should wear close toed shoes while at the college. Also while at school collars shirts are encouraged. 

Malioboro is a must see in Jogja! if you haven't been there you haven't been to Jogja. 

hundreds of vendors or food, clothing, knives, bags, souvenirs line the street. hours drawn carriages are everywhere and swarms of people make in impossible to not get lost.