Jatiluwih Rice Fields | Bali | Indonesia

When planning my drive to Ulun Danu, I noticed a spot on Google Maps marked Jatiluwih Rice Fields. I was intrigued and since it was on my way back to Ubud from the temple, I decided  to wind that way. I was undoubtedly on the receiving end of quite a few bewildered stares. While winding down the mountain through villages on a one lane road, I encountered a bit of traffic, which I later discovered to be a religious procession heading in the same direction.

After pausing a moment to ponder where these people might be headed, since it was rather remote, I continued on my way. This deviation from my original plan was definitely worth it. The rice was sprouting a vivid green in every direction as far a the eye could see.

As I was admiring the scenery, I caught a glimpse of the same procession, which had apparently reached its destination, immersing themselves in the valley's river.

On a sidenote, I quickly discovered that rainy season was still in full swing on the island of Bali. Since I was on a rental bike, I did not have any of my rain gear with me and as a result, had to stop no less than four times at little shacks on the side of the road to wait out the ferocious bouts of precipitation. When I was about 20 minutes away from my hotel, it began to pour. I stopped at the first empty shelter I found. I had been there for about an hour when I saw a motorbike make a u-turn in the middle of the road and drove straight for me. The man jumped off of his bike and ran over to me. From under his plastic cover, he produced a brand new, silver and neon yellow poncho.

What he said next was one of the most suprising and kind things I have heard in all of my three years here. He told me that he had passed me awhile ago and since he knew the rain wasn't going to stop any time soon, he went to the nearest store and bought me a poncho. He worked for a hotel and was used to helping tourists. I was almost speechless. This complete stranger was on his way to work but stopped and actually turned around to help someone in need. In a place like Bali, where tourists are constantly taking advantage of local people, this was really the last place I expected such an act of kindness. He even stayed to make sure that I got everything covered up and knew directions to where I was headed. Since he wouldn't accept any monetary thanks for his kindness, I would like to take a moment to promote Hotel Mulia near Ubud, at which he works and note that if they hire people who care so much about their work to take it to the streets, then it must be an upstanding establishment. 

Pura Ulun Danu | Bali | Indonesia

Living in Jakarta is routinely stressful, to say the least. For our last school holiday during my time here, I wanted to have an experience that encompassed all of the good and beautiful aspects of living in Indonesia, things that are often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of city life; the anthesis of Jakarta. After doing research and consulting my Indonesian bucket list, I booked a ticket to Bali.

My first destination was Pura Ulun Danu, also known as the water temple, in northern Bali. Of all of the kilometers I've driven in Indonesia, these were quite possibly the most beautiful. Nestled inside a volcanic lake, this temple stands out from the many others in Bali because it was partially constructed over the water. Upon your arrival (which is best in the early morning before the sun and the tourists show up), you can opt to rent a boat to view the site from the other side of the lake.

While I was admiring the serenity of such a beautiful place, a drum core struck up nearby and I followed a trail of people to the edge of the lake for an offering.

Taman Safari | Bogor | Indonesia

Nestled in the hills of Bogor, Taman Safari (which was one of the first places I visited in Indonesia almost three years ago) hosts a variety of exotic, and not so exotic, animals from around the world. While driving through, you can feed the animals carrots out the window. Be vigilant or a rogue elephant trunk might sneak its way in to steal your fare (or even worse, sneeze on you)! If you're feeling daring, you can ignore the sign that says roll up your windows before you go into the enclosure full of drugged lions and tigers (they probably won't try to eat you). And, if you're in need of a cuddle, you can also arrange an exchange with a primate.

 

Nagrak-Cilincing | Jakarta Timur | Indonesia

Remember the the trash dump? We went back. Blue skies and the ripe stench of refuse greeted us as our mammoth sized bus made it's way down the one lane, semi-flooded dirt road to the kindergarten and medical clinic.

Knowing what to expect, my senses were not overwhelmed this time as we disembarked from the bus. The usual suspects were waiting to greet us. Yes, these kids live in a landfill, and yes, they all have cell phones (which they are not bashful about using).

The area was the same with one exception. Due to heavy rains and oversize, overweight trucks frequently passing through, the road in front of the kindergarten was one giant, rancid puddle. This didn't stop the party though, but rather caused a relocation.

Though I love to photograph local life, I am often shy about actually getting out and doing it because of stares and the language barrier. Outings such as this are perfect because I have the security of familiar faces and translation nearby but I also have the freedom to roam around. Here are some beautiful faces:

Borobudur | Indonesia

A visit to Central Java wouldn't be complete without a wander around the grounds of Borobudur. We tried to arrive in time to view sunrise over the temple but were just a few minutes shy of making that happen. One thing that has not changed in the last three years is the number of school children waiting to accost you in hopes of completing their English assignments and the persistance of of people wanting to take your picture. Just try to walk around a historical site with the intention of enjoying it's splendor because chances are, you won't make it more than five feet before you are approached with a "hey mister, mister, MISTER!" (even if you are a lady). What follows is a generalized compilation of the personal experiences of myself and friends during various visits to Borobudur. I give you: 

The Stages of Viewing a Historical Site in Indonesia as a Foreigner

You've just arrived in Indonesia and you are excited to see your first temple. You've read about Borobudur and have seen pictures of the headless Buddhas and the mountainous surrounding countryside. You are excited to view such a piece of history! After buying your ticket at the "international" box office, which shamelessly charges you, as a foreigner, a substantial amount more than a local, you are snugly wrapped in a sarong and walk through the powerless metal detector (safety first). You walk down the path towards history. You know that as soon as you turn the corner, you will see the temple emerge from behind the trees. This is also the spot where the path of the international ticket holders merges with the local ticket holders. 

"What cute little kids!" you think to yourself as you make eye contact. "How cool would it be to go on a field trip here as a child," you think as the kids in matching uniforms earnestly wave at you, neglecting to see the camera phone clutched in their tiny little hand. You move on past the kids and catch a glimpse of Borobudur in the early morning light and think "how lovely!" before you pull out your camera to capture the moment. You are so engrossed in the beauty surrounding you, you have yet to notice the small crowd that has gathered in your shadow.

Suddenly, you hear a shrill giggle. You turn around to glimpse clipboards disappearing in the sea of tourists that has now descended on the site. You continue walking and you once again hear the laugh followed by "mister...mister"! This time you're quicker and you turn to see a small mob of children. Amidst the overzealous giggling, the leader of the group emerges and asks if you can answer a question. "Sure, why not?" you think to yourself, "They're just so darn cute!" Further giggling ensues and five minutes pass. The pressing English question has yet to be asked. You try to get the question out of them but are unsuccessful. In the interest of accomplishing all that you had on your plate for the day, you say "nice to meet you," and move on, still surrounded by giggling and perplexed as to what just happened.

It is not long before you notice a small commotion off to your left as you are circling the monument as instructed by the informational poster as you entered. You are more aware this time as a sizeable group of teenagers approaches you. "Mister, mister, photo photo!" you hear. Because you are still jetlagged, you do not get out of dodge quick enough before the group surrounds you with their Blackberries, asking for your phone number and snapping photos. This will not be a quick event because everyone has to have their picture individually and hair has to be just perfect, which may result in multiple exposures per person. By the time they leave, unwillingly, you look like a hurricane just blew through. Nevertheless, you are still determined to make it to the top of the temple to catch the view!

The group photo, after each person has had their individual photo on a Blackberry.

This time, you are more cautious as you make your way though the crowd. You put on your sunglasses to ensure no further unwanted attention. Unfortunately, your sunglasses are not as effective as Harry Potter's invisibility cloak and you notice a person on the level above you snapping a shot on their phone. You think to yourself "how rude, he didn't even ask!" but your reflexes aren't quick enough and he shoots a few more before you can take cover. 

By this point you are beginning to feel defeat and dehydration under the blazing sun. In search of refreshment, you make your way to the bottom and see a small stand selling (bottled) drinks. "Relief!" You rush forward to grab the last bottle of aqua dingin and while you're reaching for your wallet, you notice the peddler's phone slowly creeping up from behind the counter. You're learning from your experiences and this time, you slyly nudge the bottle in his way, which prevents another unsolicited snapshot. 

You're tired and exhausted so you decide it's time to rest back at your hotel and begin to make the journey back to the parking lot. The people walking down the stairs are going slowly, one step at a time. You're focused on making your way through the crowd and neglect to see what is waiting for you at the bottom. "Mister, mister, may I ask you a question?". You give in because you have no energy left with which to resist. This time, the questions are asked in due time and you go on your way.

After returning to your hotel, showering the volcanic ash off, and taking an extended siesta, you are excited to get on Facebook to upload your photos and make your friends back home jealous because they are not in a place as exciting and exotic as you. You pull out your laptop and get on Facebook to see 20 new friend requests. You're feeling excited because, who doesn't love a new friend? Maybe it's that cool backpacking couple you met at dinner last night, or your surf instructor from last week. Then, you start to investigate. As you read down the list, you notice that something looks familiar....YOU are in half of the profile pictures! You immediately make your profile exclusively private and vow that next time you are in such a situation, you will only use the elementary Spanish that you picked up growing up in Texas.