Friday, January 18, 2013

Ubud: A Hindu purification ceremony that left me feeling happy, cold, and clean

Indonesia is a strongly religious country with Muslims prominent in the northern island of Jakarta, and Hindus in the more southern island of Bali.  All over Bali, within a hundred feet or so, temples line the streets.  At any  given time in the day, you can see men or women bringing offerings, called canang sari and leaving it before the temple.  This means that all along the city, canang saris are found on the street.  It is a small flat bowl made out of palm leaf.  Inside, they hold flowers, other plants, and even money.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Bali, Indonesia: Waterbom, and surfing on Kuta beach

Bali was just straight up fun.

Kadek accepted my CS host request but the morning of my flight she sent me an email saying it was too dangerous to stay at her house due to strong winds.  She said I could stay by a friend of hers for the first couple of nights and that she would meet me at his house.  I told her I couldn't stay with a guy so I would find a hostel for the first couple of nights.  She really kindly offered to come by my hostel the next day.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Singapore: National Museum, high tea and the Singapore sling

The next morning, Carine's mom made me a turkey lettuce wrap for breakfast.  We also had one of the pomegranate my friends in KL got me.  Neither Carine's mom or I had eaten one before (though I've had the juice) and we tried to figure out how to eat it given it is full of seeds.  But I was really amazed at how readily her mom was willing to try something new, without hesitation or skepticism.  It also felt great to share something I had just learned with her.  I know my KL friends would be proud!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore: conversations about race and Eastern toilets

The next day in Kuala Lumpur, I had a flight to Singapore.  I really should have taken the bus as it is slightly cheaper but a lot more convenient.  Nicole's parents took me for breakfast as an Indian restaurant.  I wanted to order roti but her dad said to get Nasi.  I can't argue with paying parents!