Back in Singapore...

I'm back in the Singapore airport with another 2.5 hours to hang out...last time I was here it was 3am, now it's 2pm and this place has more activity. I think I may go check out the movie theater and see whats playing...I really do like this airport...if I ever have to book a long layover in an international airport I'm going to try and make it in Singapore! They have a hotel on the third floor so you can get a room or just take a nap with a rooftop pool...and you don't even have to leave the airport/go through security and immigration. It's a great idea!!!

Good-bye Indonesia

The trip home has started...my flight from Semarang to Jakarta was at 6 this morning...now the interesting part, I rolled out of bed at 5. Up at 5, quick shower and out the door in 20 minutes (5:20), 10 minutes to the airport (5:30), and another 15 minutes to check in, go through security, and board my flight (5:45), then sit in the plane for the last 15 minutes until take-off.

Now I'm sitting in the Jakarta airport again waiting for my flight to Singapore. When I went through the immigration check point to enter the boarding area the officer that checked my papers was friendly. He looks at my passport and says "Jennifer Lee" then looks at me, then says " Lee's a Chinese name." My response, "yeah, but I don't have any Chinese in me." 

Well, it's about time for me to head to my gate...this trip was fast but fun, good-bye Indonesia.

Semarang

The next day, we went and learned how to make Batik...a type of traditional Indonesian fabric. Lets just say that I got the technical part, but the steady hand that's required...lets just say nobody would want mine...it's a mess. Maybe I could improve if I worked at it time, and time again...but that would require lots of sitting and patience...not my strongest gifts.

Once we finished our Batik lesson we took a bus to Semarang. That brings me to transportation...it's slightly insane, but I think I have it figured out...there are unspoken rules that everyone seems to follow...here's the thing, it's to complicated to explain...it's all based of observations I've made and the scary part is that it makes sense to me...wonder what would happen if I drive in Lancaster that way? :-)

Semarang:
Day 1
It was a relaxing day...I think I finally rolled out of bed around 10 that morning. It felt so good to sleep in...we did the exciting stuff, like laundry. After we were able to take the car we went to the mall...which turned into a trying on clothes/shopping trip for me, and entertainment for Delphine...I must admit, that was the "girlie-st" she has ever seen me. My college days consisted of jeans and t-shirts, that was it. So the fact that I was trying dresses was really fun for her...I would have to say I had fun too.

While we were at the mall, we stopped at a Luwak coffee place...that was probably the best cup of coffee I had...I want to go back for more before I head home...not something that I'll be getting there.

Day 2
Consisted of an early morning again...up at 5am. Delphine's parents took us up into the mountains. It was amazing...and cold so I was happy that I wore my jeans and sweatshirt. The primary crop is potatoes, but they also grow cabbage and tea. 

The view was totally worth the 4-5 hour car ride to get there...during which I experienced a level of car/motion sickness that I haven't had in a long time...I had Dramamine with me and I had to take a couple, and roll down the window so I could feel some air. After finally getting home, I felt gross after having the window down because several trucks we pouring out black smoke from the exhaust pipe. 

Day 3
Now this turned out to be a very interesting day...again we got up early to go to take a bus to go see more beaches! No the beach we were headed to was a white sand beach and it turned out to be gorgeous...we had gotten the bus driver to take us there (we were the only passengers) because it is at least 6km from the city/bus stop. 

The plan was, then to take a boat out to visit the island and then have them take us to a different beach...closer to the city were we could find a taxi or some form of transportation to the bus...granted we found a bus headed back to Semarang. All was fine, we got dropped of at the one beach, spent time there and then went to find a boat headed to the island. 

Since I can't speak Indonesian...Delphine does all the negotiations and I follow along. Apparently they were trying to over charge us, so we left to figure out some other options. Searching for options (i.e. a taxi) we learned that they don't have taxi's where we are so were kinda stuck on the beach unless we take the boat, walk, or figure something else out. 

It turned out that we started talking to a group of girls, and when we asked about going to the island they said basically said "don't go!" which I think is a good thing. A couple of the guys were really trying to push us into going with them...and I didn't like they way they were looking at me...it made me uncomfortable to say the least. If we had gone, I think it would have to turned into the 2 of us on an island with at least 2-4 guys...lets just say we didn't go, and found some other way to leave.

We started walking down the beach and came to a resort...went in and started asking some questions. It was finally to the point that we were just about getting ready to walk the 6km, because we had found a bus going to Semarang...we just needed to get there. As we were walking out of the resort, we had to pass the security guard so we stopped to ask him some questions. 

Basically, to make a long story short...he called one of his friends who said he would give us a ride on his bike, but it would have to be one at a time...then he called one of his friends who also had a bike so that they could both make extra money, and we could go at the same time.

I got to ride on the motorcycle, while Delphine rode the slightly smaller more normal one...then they were racing each other to the bus stop. I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun...I loved it and was wishing the ride was longer. It was very interesting seeing the expressions of the local people when we went by...lets just say I was glad we went to the beach...but the bike ride was my favorite part of the day and it was way to short!!!! 

I can now check of the 'I want to ride on the back of strange guy's bike in another country' goal...it was seriously something I have wanted to do...maybe, I wonder if it will happen a second time...maybe another trip!!!! :-)

From Bali to Yogyakarta

So I know it's been a couple of days since I last updated my blog. Couple things that I found interesting and wanted to share...one, the building code for Bali is that a building can't be taller than 4 floors or the highest coconut tree (that's just a random fact). Two, they have some really big spiders!

While we were on the Bali adventure tours, at one of the stops we made the guides went and got a couple really big spiders and said 'we use to play with these when we we kids, they don't bite.' They asked if anyone wanted to hold the spider...now I really dislike spiders a lot but I did it anyway...seriously, I don't know what got into me!

They one concept they emphasized more than once was 'we try to find a balance' they don't kill the spiders because they eat the insects that would ruin the crops. The luwak would kill the farms chickens, until they started capturing them and using therm to make luwak coffee.

Sunday was our last day in Bali, and to be honest...we stayed inside the hotel except to go eat and watched some k-drama. Now, I understand that sounds bad, but my sunburn really hurt and I didn't want any more exposure to the sun, plus I was barley keeping up on staying hydrated. So we took the day to let my sunburn start to heal and for me to drink a lot of water...which I did. 

Not saying that we didn't go out, Sunday night we went out to the 'night market' did some shopping, and ate dinner. I had the the best beef satay...it was so good, I wanted more! 

After we went back to the hotel we packed up, because we had to leave at 5:30am to catch our flight to Yogyakarta. Which was sad, because it meant that we didn't get to eat the breakfast buffet that morning. Breakfast....every morning it consisted of fried rice, fried noodles, and eggs and fresh fruit. They did have toast and cereal for those who wanted them...but really, when you can have really yummy fried noodles for breakfast why you even consider toast? 

After landing in Yogyakarta we checked into our hotel, and then rested before heading out. We went to an old garden and place...it was interesting to see the old architecture. While we were there, a couple different people who asked me to take a picture with them...it was fine, but interesting. That's not usually something that happens to me. According to Delphine there are people who are fascinated by westerners and want pictures with them.

Later that evening, we went out to the the city square...we had been by it earlier in the day and it was empty...at night there were people, vendors, games, food...it was a vibrant atmosphere. 

There are two huge trees in the middle of the square and it's said they are magical trees, and that if you can walk straight through them with yours eyes closed/blindfolded your wish will come true. It was extremely entertaining to watch people try...young and old. Then I decided to give it a try. I thought for sure I was walking straight but I didn't, I veered off to the left a little bit...the second time, I nailed it and walked a straight line through the middle! 

That catches you up on the rest of my adventures...so we are off to find a new adventure today! 

Bali...continued

Yesterday we went to Bali Adventure Tours...that was lots of fun! We decided on two of tours that we wanted...the first one was cycling and the second an elephant ride. They drove us up to the top of a valcano and then we biked 26 miles downhill...for the most part. 

We went though villages, by rice fields, and they even stopped to give us a tour of a typical Balinese home. Probably the most interesting part of the tour was a stop at a coffee farm...they showed us the coffee trees and then the luwak. 

Maybe I was really clueless when it came to coffee, but I didn't know that luwak coffee was the most expensive coffee, or that it is suppose to be so great. I'll explain the process for those of you who like me don't know what it is...they catch the luwak and then feed them coffee the coffee fruit. Since then can't digest the bean it goes through them and they poop it out. Someone then goes through the poop removes the coffee beans and sits them out in the sun to dry for a week. Once dried, the shell oaround the bean is removed and then the coffee bean is ground up and made into coffee.

They did have some luwak coffee there for us to try if we wanted, having never heard of it before and usually enjoying a good cup of coffee I tried it...and it was a little different from regular coffee. 

As part of the tour we were feed a buffet lunch...I had a salad then went for the good stuff....veggie tempura, fried noodles, fried rice, fresh fruit...it was so good.

After we ate our fill, we headed out to ride the elephant. We rode an elephant named hola who is 28 and single according to her trainer. 

So of course I had been sunburned, and then I was out in the sun all day yesterday, I applied my sunblock before I left and while I was out...I think my face managed to burn a little more even trough an SPF of 90! 

Today we decided to try stay inside so that I can attempt to let my sunburn heal some...I'm trying to drink plenty of water and I have aloe vera gel that I'm putting on.

Bali

I knew things had been going to smoothly for me with all the flight connections that I had. After my last blog while I did go to the bakery that was there...they had everything labeled but of course I couldn't read it. So I asked for the one that I thought looked the best. Before the got it for me they were like "it's red bean" and that made me really happy. I haven't had red bean paste since I was in Japan :-)

After eating my red bean roll, I was sitting and waiting and another girl comes over and sits next to me. We started talking and she is from France and taught French in India for a couple months, has a month the travel so she touring Malaysia and Indonesia before going to teach French in Nepal. 

It was a lot of fun talking to her...I think we talked for at least an hour and now that I think about it, we never exchanged names.

After we parted ways I went to my gate, and while I was sitting and waiting for my last flight (which was delayed) a group of 8 Indonesian policemen in uniform marched into the gate area. One of them came and sat in the empty seat next to me.

I didn't really think much about it, and then he turned and asked me if that seat was taken, I said no...he asked if I spoke Indonesian, I said no. So he turns away and I this the conversation is done...he turns back to me and asks "you have babies or you single?" I give home an honet answer and say 'single' he grins and proceeded to introduce himself and say "I'm your friend" Then several of the other guys walk over smiling talking to me...indroducing themselves...they asked where I was from and when I answered "America" the one responded... "I'm from Africa." 

After I heard that I thought to myself..."oh no, African...men in uniform...I can't tell my roommate, she'll never let me leave the apartment again."  :-) It made me think of Africa all over again...only this time I was on my own and not with a group.

Finally, it's time to board the plane, I get to Bali...find a taxi, and meet my friend at the hotel...we go out eat, then come back and as we are getting ready for bed watch the Korean drama "Coffee Prince" in Indonesian...I've already watched with English subtitles. :-)

It was so great to sleep in a bed again...my head hit the pillow and I was out in a matter on minutes. Apperently, I was dreaming or very happy because I was told that I was "laughing" while sleeping. I certainly don't remember that so imdont know which it was.

Today we walked all around, went to the beach, walked down the beach and then walked back thought the city. After we got back to the hotel, we figured out that it was a 6 mile walk, it Bali heat/sun...so wonder I'm exhausted, dehydrated, and sunburned! For those of you in the medical field...I've had 1liter of water since returning to the hotel...with the intent of drinking more. The sunscreen will go on before leave the hotel in the morning, and I'll carry with me for reapplication prn.

Is today really Thursday? Guess Wednesday ran away....

Four countries and four layovers later, I'm finally close. One more flight! This trip has been so far uneventful...unlike my trip to Japan. So far the most interesting part was walking around the Singapore airport.

We got into Singapore little after 3am in terminal 1. My flight out to Jakarta was at 6:50am in terminal 3. Well the train that runs between the terminals shuts down at night and doesn't start running until 5am. You can walk if you want, so that's how I meet my "Singapore airport friend" although she is from California. We decided to walk and it felt so good to be up moving. 

As we walked around through the terminals we walked by the noodle place that was open...hence the sudden urge for noodles at 4am. I had a bowel of snow vegetables with shredded pork and rice noodles...it was good, but not the best I've ever had. 

They also had some different gardens around, a fern, bamboo, orchid, and others that we didn't get to see, but that's where the the other pictures that I posted were from. 

The one thing that I found interesting about that airport, was that even though it's the middle of the night and people are laying on chairs and benches to sleep, not everything was closed...then again, maybe they were just starting to get opened. There were computers all over with free access to the Internet...and no lines in the middle of the night. :-)

My flight from Singapore to Jakarta was the shortest flight that i have on this trip...it lasted all of an hour. Then I  finally reached the last country of my destination but not the final stop. I made it through immigration and customs without problems, and had my luggage with me! 

I walked outside, found a place to grab a quick snack and sat outside for an hour or so listening to birds and just happy to be out of a building. Of course the second I walk out the door I get several questions asking if I need a taxi and I just kept saying no. 

After a while I decided that I should figure out where to get my boarding pass and check in so that I can catch my flight to Bali. I checked in early (I don't know why...maybe it think it will make the time pass faster)...I'm sitting here thinking that I should just keep eating, but there's a bakery behind me, and it looks good. Maybe before I leave...in another hour I'll get something...I also want coffee, and there are several places I could get it...but I think I'm just craving the calories and sugar to stay awake...I'm feeling rather zombi-ish. 

Maybe the jet logged haze will be gone by tomorrow...I'm hoping to stay awake because it's still. Owning over here so that I'm not spending my entire trip in this fog. Maybe I should wrap this up...I feel like I'm starting to ramble on...so check back later for more updates.

Singapore pics...

Just thought I'd post a couple pics for those of you interested...

Singapore...

Just a quick update...
5 hr flight to LAX
11 hr flight to Tokyo
6.5 hr flight to Singapore

Now, I'm waiting to catch the flight to Jakarta...this seems like a long day of never ending travel...but so far I haven't run into any delays...crazy for me I know!!!

Well, just wanted to check in, I found someone who's waiting for another flight, but I think we are going to go find something to eat...we walked passed a really good looking noodle place that's open. :-) 4am bowel of noodles in Singapore...yummmmm

Let the adventures begin...I made it to the 5:35 train!

This may sound strange, but I actually surprised myself yesterday...I was 95% packed in the morning before I had to leave and finish errands during the afternoon. Once those were done I went to visit a friend and her kids for a couple hours...it was great fun to catch up and play with the twins. :-)

Then because I wasn't to stressed about packing I was able to hang out with another friend last evening. Maybe there is something to planning ahead it's just difficult to complete when last minute is very...ummm, natural.

I'm currently sitting on the train headed to the airport, and needed to be on the 5:35am train to have ample time to catch my flight. Getting up at 4:30 is not easy for me. The last time I tried to catch the 5:35 train I overslept and missed it. That started a very crazy adventure! The fact that I woke up and made the train is very stress free too. I'm not stressed about making it on time or in a panicked rush! Hope this lasts...

Getting ready to travel...

I'm leaving for another trip tomorrow...this time the destination is Indonesia! It's really exciting to think my trip is finally here. I've been planning it for several months and my flight is early tomorrow morning. :-)

Today is filled with packing this morning, (which of course I haven't started...as of right now), in the afternoon I have a couple errands to do, then hang out with some friends before I head to class. After class, I get to finish packing, unless I get it all done, but I probably won't. 

Maybe, I should stop blogging and start packing...and if your rolling your eyes in exasperation at my procrastination...all I have to say is 'relax, it'll be fine.'