Funeral Festivals

Aug'05. My most culturally-rewarding journey through Indonesia was to Tana Toraja, Sulawesi. This is probably the least-disturbing photo I can offer. Animal rights activists would certainly disapprove of pigs and buffalo being sacrificed as gifts to honor the deceased, but then again, the majority of us eat them just because! Not to mention, THIS is a tradition that's older than this country. Sorry if this photo shocks anyone, but I can't exactly help it for the sake of cultural eye-opening, now can I?

Blue steel!

Aaagggghhhh my "blue steel" never compares with Nathan's (or Stewart's for that matter). But I try....... and so does Kelly.

Silly Jakarta

Jakarta is.... an interesting city, let's say. For example, you've got the National Museum, which keeps hundreds-of-years old statues outside, next to drainage pipes (?). Then there's the amusement park, with buildings that have remained unfinished for years looming in the distance... Despite that, it's got a certain charm, although I still haven't managed to define it in words!

Green Canyon

Another perspective of the canyon. This picture of me on the rock? You can't tell, but I'm high above the water, having climbed this precarious trail (if you could call it that... more like a foothold!) But it was too gorgeous to resist!

Green Canyon

Sept.05 Green Canyon, Pangandaran, Java. This picture doesn't give the place justice! Tall rock faces covered in moss tower over running water. You can only get so far by boat... this bit involved me swimming 20-30 meters deeper into the canyon. While it took a whole day to get to this place from Jakarta, there's no denying I would do it all over again!

Ujung Genteng

April 05. I think this is Lee's photo. Anyhow, slightly overcast day but still a gorgeous beach. The two specks in the background are Kelly and Steve!

Gili Trawangan

Feb 05. Gili Trawangan off the coast of Lombok. More isolated beaches, yes, that's me (I do have hips for those of you who think I'm just a stick!), and bike rides around the island.

I love to snorkel!

April 05. Snorkeling off Bunaken, Sulawesi with bungalow neighbor, Kai. The mere thought of snorkeling there makes me sad... beautiful beyond words!

In the village

Villagers living near Gunung Rinjani. The man is sucking on beetlenut... very disgusting stimulant of some kind that makes your teeth and lips red!

first of many waterfalls

Feb '05. North Lombok. Close to Gunung Rinjani, Lee and I hiked a good 2 hours to this waterfall with the help of a guide. Pretty gorgeous, ya?

Pool fun

Jan '05. Omigosh how many memories does this one bring back? I think Kelly and I laughed our asses off for at least 10 minutes after Lee's whole flailing legs incident. Aggghhhhh good times, good times

Relaxing

Jan 05. Kirsten (visiting from CA), Kelly, and Harriet relaxing in our favorite Pelabuhanratu beach hut. Countless days/nights of fun have taken place in this hut!

I get around!

One of many methods of transportation through Indonesia- motorbike- and perhaps my most favorite. I know, no helmet... but it was a super-short distance.......

Bromo and setting sun

We left Bromo via horseback just as the sun was setting. It was hard to focus on riding because all we wanted to do was turn around and take pictures! (all Bromo photos courtesy of Lee, BTW.)

The valley below

Riding horses across the valley to Gunung Bromo. Note to self- horses DO NOT like me!!! Almost got thrown off yet another one this trip.

Morning yoga overlooking Bromo (Java, Indonesia)

This is one of my favorite pics (taken by Lee)... It's taken from the look-out point, which we started walking to before sunrise. The day before, we rode horses across the valley below to the small volcano on the left (with the wide rim)... also known as Gunung Bromo. The tall volcano in the background still has minor eruptions and emits smoke a few times every hour. Dec 04.