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. 

Beach Day!

Beach day!!

Senur Beach, A not yet completely touristified very luxurious beach about 40 mins from Bedulu

SO MANY CUTE PUPPIES!!!

Beach Buddha

we could rent a floaty or a kayak/paddle board for $2 per hour and relax in very refreshing water.

Local vendors lined the edge of the beach. Selling grilled corn, fish, and other indonesian delicacies. 

Wayang (Shadow Puppets)

Shadow puppet show! 

 we arrived 2 hour early...and had to wait while dozens of balinese made offerings and prepared for the show...However, It eventually started.

It was very loud, there are xylophone type instruments and a man basically yodeling into a microphone. no necessarily the prettiest sound in the world.

The entire dialogue is in a language that not even the balinese understand. There are two "fools" who translate into bahasa indonesia for the general public.

The majority of the people watching where watching from behind the screen.

There is not much movement from the front, so I guess thats why people watch from the back...oh well.