Kampeung Wisata

A Tour of a Local Village

Two weeks ago myself, Lynn and a few of my fellow Indonesian Heritage Society members visited a local village just outside Jakarta. The concept is very interesting. A while back, a well-off Indonesian women built a guesthouse on property adjacent to an existing village. She wanted to help provide the dwellers with the ability to work and live at the village. The villagers are able to seek employment at the guesthouse, farming rice and vegetables in the fields, making various handicrafts and sewing school uniforms for companies in Jakarta . It was a wonderful experience especially meeting the 350 children at the village's only elementary school. We were greeting with loud cheers and high fives. There are only 8 teachers available for all these kids! The women in the photo is 85 years old. Her and her husband weave flooring and walls out of bamboo for a living - still. Unbelievable people.

Incredible Ubud, Bali

We met up with Lynn and Anne on the last leg of their journey this past weekend at a place called Ubud, Bali. Ok, where do I start. This was the most incredible place I have ever been to in my life. Although a tourist destination, this Balinese village has a magical feel to it that takes you back to another time. It is definitely not the place you think of when you hear "Bali". The town is situated amongst terraced rice patty fields in the hills of Bali island. The people are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The main road in town is filled with amazing restaurants, artisan shops, handicraft stalls and stunning Hindu temples.

Needless to say, we had am amazing time and are definitely planning on returning. The villa we stayed in was also magnificent. Our own infinity pool, butler and a view that took your breath away.

The highlight of our trip was a bike tour we all did (including Maya), through the villages and rice fields. For anyone thinking of visiting, we put Ubud as number 1 so far on the itinerary!

Happy Halloween

Who would have thought? Maya actually got to dress up and go trick or treating in Jakarta! While all you suckers in Ottawa went out in the snow, we were out in shorts and t-shirts. An expat community close by celebrates Halloween by decorating their homes and giving candy out to all the kids. It was great! Maya really enjoyed herself and eventually gave up on the "trick or treat" part and just opened her bag at each door. Good thing she's absolutely adorable.

Oktoberfest in Jakarta

Who would have thought my first time celebrating Oktoberfest would be in Jakarta? A nearby German-owned restaurant held the festivities which included a great dinner, live German band and of course beer! The band was quite entertaining with the lead singer changing outfits in between songs and dancing on tables. The night ended much later than it should have and we paid for it the next day, but it was still a blast. We really enjoyed the fun times with our new friends. Hope to do it again next year!

Earthquake and Volcano

Just wanted to let everyone know that both the earthquake and the volcano eruptions have had no impact on us here in Jakarta. The earthquake took place on the island of Sumatra and we are on Java island. As for the volcano, it is on the opposite side of the coast and almost on the other side of Java. So no need to worry.

Puncak - Cottage Country just outside Jakarta

Finally, a breath of fresh air!

We had a great weekend up in the Puncak area, about an hour outside Jakarta. What a difference an hour makes. These pictures really don't do the scenery justice, it really was spectacular. It was great to catch up with Lynn and just "chill" like typical cottage living (with the exception of someone making your bed, doing your dishes, going for a beer run, etc.).

We tried to beat the traffic coming home by leaving early Sunday, only to find out that the ONLY road that goes in and out of the area was only open one way (not our way) for another hour and a half. So typical. So we sat on the side of the road for an hour and a half and then were on our way back to Jakarta.

Lynn and Anne were off on their 2 week journey of Indonesia first thing Monday morning.

Lynn Arrives!

Our first visitors have arrived! Lynn and Anne landed down in Jakarta on Wednesday night. We were so excited to see them and to show them our new lives. We spent Wednesday night catching up on our balcony while sipping on a few glasses of wine. Thursday was quite an adventure as Maya finally got to see Damma. It only took about 30 seconds for the two to become inseparable. After a tour of the complex, a relaxing dip in the pool, we treated ourselves to a hot stone reflexology foot massage. Needless to say, they quite enjoyed themselves. We finished the day with a yummy sushi dinner (is anyone seeing a pattern here?). A great day with two great ladies, can't wait to do it some more.