A Bee Drink

When I was a child, I remember being curious about bees.  I had never been stung by one yet, so I did not realize how painful it would be to be attacked by one. 

While I was walking home one day, I noticed a bee hive near my friend's house.  I decided to take a peek at the hive.  Soon, the bees started angrily swarming around me.  There were bees in my hair and on my clothes.  I had also been stung.

I started to run and scream towards my house, trying to quickly get the bees off of me.  My mom tried to get the rest of the bees out of my hair and off of my clothes.  It was terrifying and I vowed to never look into a bee hive again.  However, it was not my last bee sting.  I somehow ended up stepping on a bee while playing in the grass.

Bee stings are extremely painful - a constant, throbbing pain.  I continue to fear bees, although I believe I can handle the pain much more these days.  But I am still afraid.

While in Indonesia, my host mom wanted to stop and get a drink on the side of the road.  She asked me if I wanted one and I thought, "Sure, why not?" We got out of the car and sat down on over turned buckets when I noticed bees everywhere!  I wondered, "Why are there bees everywhere!?"  I learned they were for our drinks.

No bees were used in the actual drinks.  But from what it seemed, the bees are used to keep a certain ingredient within the drink, fresh.  Too bad I did not understand what was being said at the time.  All I know is that I enjoyed a drink that bees were responsible for making delicious.

Anyone know the name of this drink?

An Indonesian Batik Museum - Solo City

From a distance, I could see a luxurious building from inside the bus.  I had wondered what was inside, as we slowly started to approach the museum.  When I stepped inside, I was blown away.   The museum looked like a royal palace inside with its lavish batik designs and stunning decorations.

Throughout the museum, there are numerous types of batik, some which have also been influenced by Europe and China.  There are different types of batik, some used for specific purposes, while others are timeless traditional pieces that reveal a unique form of art particular to Indonesia.

I had no idea that one could tell the difference between batik from Solo City versus Yogyakarta, depending on if the pattern flows from the left or the right.  These simple differences in pattern can reveal a history or a regional influence.

As I walked throughout the gallery, I was in awe of all of the batik and the beauty of the museum.  Suddenly, however, we were taken into the back to see the process of how batik is created.  My mouth nearly dropped.

I thought it was hot in the museum with air conditioning, but the smoldering heat within the processing rooms nearly made me faint.   I started to see groups of people, huddled on the floor, quietly working without looking up.  It was awkward and I could slowly see the rage building in my teachers eyes, as she questioned our guide about the condition of their employees.

I was speechless. 

I understand that there are people who work in tough conditions, but could these people at least get some clean, cool air?  I could barely stand 15 minutes in there without burning eyes and dizziness. 

It was interesting to see the batik in the museum, but I think I learned more by viewing the workers.  I truly hope they will not suffer from health conditions.

Flying Fox Adventure - Salatiga Indonesia

I'm scared of heights. I wasn't always scared of heights, but the older I get, it seems the more fearful I become.  However, I didn't let it stop me this summer when I went on a flying fox adventure on my last day of class in Indonesia.

What's flying fox? In the US, we call it "zip line."  Although I'm scared of heights, I didn't let it stop me from participating.  In fact, I enjoyed the obstacle course a lot, but after two courses, it was enough for me!  It wasn't only a zip line adventure, but an obstacle course with nets, tunnels, and more.  It was tough and after completing the second course, I definitely did not want to continue on the more difficult courses: red and black.  I was already tired, bruised, and I hit my head.  It's a rough course, but a lot of fun. I was exhausted.

Although professionals help you put on the harness, the rest is all up to you.  You are taught how to hook yourself up to a cable cord safely, then you are expected to begin zipping away. 

I thought it was interesting that we had to pray before beginning the course! 

The course itself was within a wooded area.  When "flying" through the woods, I felt I would nearly hit a tree or two because of how close our cable line was to our surroundings.  If I had been larger, I am sure I would have hit a tree!  The twists and turns of the course, however, made it even more exciting.

I even had to crawl in a tunnel high up in the air and use a net to get to the other side of an obstacle, which felt almost impossible as I looked down below.  I was stuck in the air and it took me nearly 15 minutes to get across with the help of a friend, telling me how to move step-by-step, until I made it safely to the next tree platform.

I was completely ready to take a break but there was no way of getting down. I could not get down, but had to zip across two more cable lines before I was finished with the course.  The first time, I made it across the cable line safely.  The second time, however, I ended up hitting my head, as my foot slipped when I was trying to stop myself from hitting a tree.  At that point, I was more than ready to take a break.

I wish I had more photos, but this is the only one I have at the moment.  It is a blurry photo of me, zip lining down from a tree to the other side. 

Ramayana Ballet - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

After visiting Borobodur and Prambanan in the morning, a couple friends and I watched the Ramayana Ballet at Purawisata in Yogyakarta.  We were told that the show at Purawisata was much better than anywhere else.  It was the perfect night to watch the show too.  The Ramayana Ballet is only shown during a full moon.  We happened to choose the right night to visit Yogyakarta!

We didn't want to eat dinner at Purawisata to save money, so instead we only watched the show which cost approximmately $14.00 ...  Then, we sat on stone benches and watched a mesmerizing performance.

While we were watching the show, I thought it was incredible, although I wish I had read a little more about the storyline.  Now, I know a little more, but for me to explain it would be a bad idea, so here's the tale for yourself: 

Ramayana Ballet

They say that the Ramayana Ballet is Asia's version of Romeo Juliet.  It is a story from India's ancient Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana.

In the begining, a man came out to bless the area before ballet began.  I would soon find out why. 

As we were watching the show, there was a scene with little kids in it.  One of them kept on messing up, which was too funny.  But afterward, one of the kids dressed as a monkey jumped onto a wall and climbed the roof, running.  He almost fell off the roof and a tourist tried running towards him, opening his arms to catch him.  An older child immediately followed to grab the little kid.  My friend sitting next to me seemed completely freaked out.  I assumed it was a part of the show that the child run onto the roof, so I was amazed by the performance.  However, i'm not so sure anymore.

We were all completely confused about the scene and later decided that maybe it was a mistake?  You tell me.  I'm still confused because some of our other friends who've watched the show said that it's a part of the scene, but others who watched it a couple weeks after us said they don't remember watching a kid run onto a roof and almost fall.  The next time I watch the show, i'll know for sure I guess! 

There was also a dramatic fire scene.  I'm glad nothing too crazy happened then.

The way everyone in the Ramayana Ballet performed was astonishing.  I can only imagine the number of years it must take to become a performer.  While the performance is happening, Gamelan music is being played in the background, adding to the performance in the most hypnotic way.

Although the performance was rather long, I felt that I was only sitting there momentarily.  I was completely immersed into the show that by the time it was over, I couldn't believe it.  It went too fast, but I was able to walk away from the Ramayana Ballet completely satisfied.

I fulfilled another 101 in 1001 goals by watching the ballet too.  I've seen the nut cracker before, but now I've seen the Ramayana Ballet.  One day, i'll return to watch another performance, but for now i'll enjoy the memories I  have of the incredible time spent amongst friends in the beautiful city of Yogyakarta.

After the performance, you can take pictures with the characters.  It's a lot of fun!  I thought the people infront of us were too funny when they took their picture. 

Prambanan Temple - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

While in Yogyakarta, I visited Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Hindu temples in South East Asia.  Located in central Java in the city of Yogyakarta (my favorite city), Prambanan is a complex of temples that will take your breath away.

Personally, Prambanan is one of my favorite temples.  I never saw anything more beautiful!  It's hard to believe the temple was constructed by humans.

Several years ago, due to a massive earthquake in Yogyakarta, several areas of the temple have been closed off for restoration.  However, tourists can walk through the complex, entering some of the temple areas.   I was shocked to learn that the massive earthquake in Yogyakarta was the same one that generated the powerful tsunamis throughout South East Asia in 2006.  It's effects were devastating to the region.

For the areas of the temple than you can enter, be careful climbing the stairs!  They are steep and it's dark inside the temple too.  I wore a skirt and it wasn't easy climbing the stairs, while holding onto my skirt & camera.  But it was completely worth it to enter the temple.  I took a photo with a statue inside.  I couldn't believe I was inside a temple constructed centuries ago.  It was an amazing feeling.

While tourists can enter some of the temples, unfortunately the Shiva temple was closed off.  Many want to enter the Shiva temple because there's a statue inside that you can touch for good luck!  Regardless, however, the entire complex is amazing and worth the visit. 

 

While at Prambanan, take your time to enjoy the moment.  There's a lot to see and to take photos of while at the temple. 

For those of you interested in more information, here's some background information on the temple from Wikipedia:

Prambanan Temple

If you get a chance to visit Yogyakarta, I would recommend visiting Prambanan.

A Few Fond Memories of Indonesia

While in Indonesia, I had a chance to see many interesting things.  I was able to capture some of these memories on my camera.

In Indonesia, motorcycles are everywhere.  The first time I landed in Indonesia, I took a taxi to my hotel.  On my way to the hotel, I was shocked at what I saw outside as we drove by.  My mouth dropped as I saw families including babies on motorcycles! I also saw a father riding his motorcycle with his daughter on his shoulders.  I'll never forget it. 

There are motorcycle taxis in Indonesia too.  While I never thought I'd get on the back of a motorcycle overseas, I have to admit that I did several times and I had a blast.  For sure, I'll have to ride again!

At times, you may even see people on motorcycles carrying either the most unusual items (i.e. a chicken) or an enormous load of stuff on the back of their bikes such as baskets or hay.  I found this to be interesting, while walking through the market ...

For sure, you'll see someone transporting enormous amounts of stuff from place to place ...

Another thing I love about Indonesia is that food is available everywhere you turn and it's sold in the most interesting way ... There are many of these push carts on the side of the street and sometimes, they are mobile and move from place to place.  After living in Indonesia, you'll be able to quickly identify when bread, meat balls, and corn are being sold outside of your house because there's a sound for each.

After being in Indonesia, I learned that people sure do love photos! While walking with my camera in Indonesia, I would sometimes encounter people who waved or gestured, "take my picture."  I would snap a photo and sometimes they would pose for the camera with a big smile like the young man below.  Many people were happy to be in my photos and on occassion would ask me to be in their photos too.

I hope you enjoy these photos ...

Riding a Becak - Yogyakarta, Indonesia

I finally rode a becak!  It was a goal of mine ever since I saw photos of it in my Indonesian language text books while studying bahasa Indonesia as an undergraduate at UH Manoa. 

While in Yogyakarta, I knew I had to ride a becak or else I would regret it.  I wasn't sure when I would return to Indonesia again, so I knew I had to at least ride a becak once before leaving the country.  I finally got my chance a couple of weeks ago and I'm so glad I did it!

Vis and I were shopping like maniacs while our friends were already sitting in the car waiting for our return, so we decided to take the becak to get to the car quickly. With shopping bags, coffee, and donuts in hand, we sat together in the becak screaming and laughing hysterically as the becak driver weaved in and out of traffic.  It was too much fun.

It was insane how the becak driver calmy weaved in and out of traffic amongst all of the cars, trucks, and horse carriages on the road.  I'm amazed at how much energy they have to exert on a daily basis in order to work as a becak driver, but they must be in incredible shape for it too. 

Wish I had a photo on a becak with my friend ... I guess there's always next time.

There are a lot of things I've experienced in Indonesia, a country with some of the most unique forms of transportation.  I also rode a horse carriage and hopped onto the back of several motorcyles too, which was a first for me.  I can't wait to ride another becak again!

Indulging in Ronde - Indonesia

One of most memorable foods I've had in Indonesia is Ronde, a favorite dessert sold on the streets of Indonesia.

There's no other way for me to describe ronde, except as a hot, sweet ginger soup.  It's a delicious Indonesian dessert that I only wish I had the recipe for ...  Inside, there are two or three gooey balls of dough with filling in it and tiny pieces of jelly in the soup too.  The best part is the gooey balls of dough, which I always save for last.  I wish I had words to describe ronde, but that's the best I can do.

Since ronde is oftentimes sold on the streets at night, I enjoyed eating it right after dinner, before heading home with my two younger "sisters."  It was my goal to try all flavors before returning home, but a week ago I discovered that there are more flavors than I had thought! While there are the typical flavors of orange, milk, chocolate milk, and chocolate to name a few, there are many more flavors yet to be discovered.

The first time I ate ronde, I thought it was such an awesome experience to be sitting at a table, on a sidewalk outside, eating dessert.  I'll never forget it. 

There's appetizers on the table to choose from, if you wish, but you have to pay for the items you eat.  I wondered, "How will the the vendor know if someone ate something from the table?" but I quickly learned that the honor system is still used in Indonesia.

While you are eating, there are entertainers (pengamen) that like to come by and sing  You can wave them away or give them some money, but be prepared. You'll see more than one at your table and they don't always leave right away, so carry some change on you.  I thought it was pretty funny and it truly is something to see.  I have never seen a female pengamen yet, but so far all are young men. 
While I enjoy eating ronde, it' an experience in itself.  I can't wait to eat it again.

My Second Homestay - Ubud, Bali

While in Bali, my friend and I had to switch homestays.  She constantly kept on getting insect bites and we weren't sure if it was bed bugs, mosquitoes, or some other unknown creature.  The next homestay was owned by a Balinese family who made their home into a business.  I felt as if I was sleeping in a temple.  It was beautiful!

I wish I could find my photos of the hotel's exterior, but I'm still searching.  Until then, here are some photos of the inside.

On the inside, our room was simple, but nice.

Next door, our neighbors were from France and Belgium, which I found very interesting.  The French man next door was very lively and talkative.  He was fascinated by the fact that I was from Hawaii because he had just purchased batik with a hula girl on it. The Belgium neighbors next door were also fun to chat with.  They thought it was funny that I found Belgium to be so interesting, but I'm not kidding when I say I want to visit.

The young man who also worked at the hotel lived in the countryside, but moved to Ubud to work.  He was one of the friendliest people I've ever met.  I tried to help him with his English for a night.  He hasn't been exposed to much of the world and has never heard of Hawaii before, but by working in Ubud, he's been learning a lot about other people and nations.

While I enjoyed my stay at the hotel, my friend and I became extremely ill from food poisoning.  It was our last day in Bali and all we could do is rest in our room, puking repeatedly for an entire day.  It was horrible, but we also began to laugh about the situation.  It was actually pretty funny.  My friend was burping up a storm.  We both had plastic bags next to our beds and we had to take turns running to the bathroom.  It was pretty gross, but we couldn't stop laughing hysterically after thinking about the people outside who could hear us.  We wondered what they must have been thinking.

I did enjoy staying at the hotel.  It looks beautiful on the outside.  Inside, the rooms are simple, but comfortable.  There's also free breakfast in the morning served with hot tea.  The bathroom was pretty nice too.  It only costs about $15.00 for a night, which I think is extremely reasonable.  The room was also clean and the staff friendly.  However, it can get a bit muggy inside and there may not be hot water at times.  But other than that, it's a great place to stay.

I would highly recommend a homestay in Bali.  For sure, I'll stay at one of these accommodations again.  Where else can you find a room that is as cheap and nice for less than $20.00?  It comes with everything you need.  Why pay more for a hotel?

The Traditional Market in Ubud

Throughout Indonesia, there are traditional markets, where a variety of goods are sold by countless vendors who try to attract the attention of those willing to buy.  And of course, people go to the pasar to fine some of the finest ingredients for cooking traditional Balinese food. In Ubud, the traditional market  or pasar, is one of the highlights of the area.  Nevertheless, be warned that you will have to bargain or at least should bargain for your goods to get the best price available.  If not, you may regret paying too much for a souvenir or even a piece of fruit that costs half the price or even less!

I like to stay away from the traditional markets only because trying to bargain with the sellers can be one of the most uncomfortable aspects of entering the market, if you are unfamiliar with bargaining techniques.  I am one of those people who feels completely uncomfortable bargaining, but I attempted for the first time to barter while in Bali.


I am sure I got duped more than once, but I tried. I at least tried!  It was uncomfortable.  I bargained with an older woman for a shirt among many other sellers.  She wanted RP 150.000 for the blouse, but I bargained for less, but not for too less.  I should have went lower because I had stopped at RP 100.000, although I know I could have gotten it for less.  I felt weird about the situation, so I accepted.  The next day, she saw me wearing the blouse and said it looked nice on me, which put a smile to my face.   I'll always remember it as the first item I've ever had to bargain for...

I also had a lady grab my arm while I was trying to exit the pasar.  It was uncomfortable because she desperately wanted me to buy something from her and her grip was extremely tight!  I hadn't planned on buying any more sarongs, but I bargained with her and got an excellent deal that she wasn't too happy about it.  I felt terrible.  I always feel terrible while bargaining.  I never know how low to go or how much to settle for!  Most of the time, I get duped though, so I didn't feel too bad!

While the traditional market has a number of souvenirs, there are also fruits, vegetables, spices, and other goods that available at the pasar.  Here are some photos from the traditional market.

If you plan on visiting a traditional market, remember it's okay to bargain!