Photography and writing through the eyes of an American living in Java, Indonesia.
My employer is currently seeking to hire someone as soon as possible.
I believe it’s preferable to have an expat, or an Indonesian fluent in English. The package is good, salary good, and many perks. It’s a great place to work; but I believe they’re keen to fill the position this week. I will remove this post after the position is filled.
Please contact me directly for more information if interested.
Back in Jakarta. Clear head. Stress reduced. Repackaged.
Despite rolling into Jakarta’s smog and absurd traffic within minutes of landing on Saturday, I was surprisingly able to maintain a positive outlook. The summer away was the perfect drug for starting fresh. I’m going to try my best to view Jakarta with the fresh eyes that I had over six years ago, and ‘go with the flow’ to the best of my ability. I used to be able to observe even the frustrating scenarios with interest and acceptance; that changed over the years. I’m working on getting back to that frame of mind.
This will be a year of change, self-improvement, future planning, and appreciation. Or so I say.
Finally got back in the gym last night after a four month hiatus, and ow, I’m feeling it. Tomorrow will feel even worse - but in a good way. Four months is far too long to allow yourself to drop out of a workout routine, and this is the farthest out of shape I’ve been; not a good feeling. Conversely, allowing myself to fall out of shape to this extent has suddenly triggered that obsessive side of myself that will push me to succeed in my fitness goals. I’m looking for one of those Garmin fitness watches that track distance, heart rate, etc. If anyone knows where to find one in Jakarta, please let me know.
I’ve also decided to take up Muay Thai boxing. I’d like to be more efficient in throwing around my 100kg, rather than always grinding away with the iron and treadmills. Will update once I get going.
Back at work, I’m wading through 1484 messages in my inbox. Drowning may be a more appropriate term. Many of my good friends have left in a mass exodus that occurred last year; it’s not the same place without them, but I’ll make the best of things.
Oh, and happy birthday to me; my seventh celebrated in this city, and sixth celebrated with Novita. 
In little more than 12 hours, we’ll be departing for Jakarta once again after having spent 2 months in the States, traveling around six states. It’s been a wonderful summer; a much needed respite from the craziness and speed of Jakarta. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every day, and fortunately, were able to visit much of the extended family.
Brief summary:
Our first two weeks were spent in Michigan, followed by over a month on a gorgeous lake in Eastern Tennessee near the Smoky Mountains. We were able to take some nice jaunts into the mountains and came away with some photos that will be posted as I find the time. A couple weeks ago we headed to Nashville for a few days; had a great time and really felt comfortable with the city. It’s definitely on our list of places to consider for when I decide to ‘pulang kampung’ (return home). After leaving Tennessee we headed to Chicago - had a really great time with friends who used to live in Jakarta, going around Chicago. A few days ago we returned to Michigan, where we’ll fly out of in the wee hours of the morning.
Finally, I feel that I’d be ready to entertain the idea of returning to the States. Thus far I’ve enjoyed living overseas, and will always consider Indonesia my second home, but in another year, perhaps it will be time to think about moving on to another destination and heading down an alternate career course as well. Next year will have been seven years spent in Jakarta; much longer than the year or two I initially planned for. This will be a year for contemplation and tremendous decision making.
I’m behind on emails for the moment; please know that I’ve read those that have arrived and will get back to you as soon as possible; probably in the next two weeks after I resume working and jet lag has surrendered itself to time.
Hope all is well with you and yours.
This is how we’ve spent much of the summer. Relaxing on the lake, taking boat rides, being with family, and touring around some of the U.S. Unfortunately, it’s all coming to a close in about 10 more days when we return to Jakarta for yet another year.
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM @f/1.4
Novita and I visited the Smoky Mountains today, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
She’s been enjoying the 40D that I surprised her with last month almost as much as I’m enjoying my new 35mm 1.4L. I very well may turn into a bokeh whore soon with this new glass. Absolutely loving it.
Canon 5D | 35mm f/1.4L | @f/1.4 | 1/125
Brandon Hoover - an American guy makin his way from the exotic island of Java, Indonesia. For those of you geographically challenged, it's next to Bali. Contact me: thejavajive (at) gmail (dot) com. Still curious?
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