It’s crazy how quickly time can pass. I left America in July of 2002 and haven’t returned yet. I called my dad last night for the first time in a year and a half (it was his birthday). Even though my family is pretty close, we’re physically all very distant. There’s something much more personal about a phone call than instant messaging or emailing. It’s funny how technology can move us closer, and yet distance us in so many ways.Read more
Posts filed in: Expat Experiences
Matahari
You’ve probably heard that word before. “Eye of the Dayâ€, in Bahasa Indonesia, the language here, it’s quite the understatement. I’ve been here for 10 months now, and guess how many times it has rained? . . . 8 . . . No, that’s not a drenching, all day, can’t go outside and play, wet t-shirt contest, this sucks, type of rainy day. That’s only a couple of hours out of 8 days in over 300 total days. Before comingRead more
Fear Factor, Brain Food, and the Roommate's Girlfriend
Let’s talk about food. Everyone has to eat. But our cuisine choices seem to differ around the planet. I’ve traveled a bit, I’ve seen some strange food, but let me tell you… Indonesia has some of the strangest choices I’ve ever seen, smelled, and had the audacity to sample. When I am feeling ambitious, I let my maid chill and I go shopping for groceries… it’s quite the experience. First of all, when you walk into the grocery store, youRead more
American Tourists and SARS
Now that I’m completely off point… let me wander back. From what I’ve seen, Asia is a land that all of the world should devote time towards learning about. From any standpoint: travel, education, investing, militarily, arts, and culturally, Asia has a tremendous offering that many people will never learn about. If Americans have a holiday, we tend to visit beautiful places within our country, or those nearby. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s simply a part ofRead more
People Are People – the World Over
Well, anyone who is reading this may notice that I haven’t written in almost 5 months! It’s not because I’m lazy, bored, or losing creativity. I simply needed to stand back and gain some perspectives in everything that is happening. It’s been a pretty amazing year with arriving, having the Bali bombing, traveling, experiencing the Iraq situation from a Muslim country, and even everyday life. I believe some of my views have changed, and my perspectives seem a bit moreRead more
Camps Bay, Cape Town
I guess part of what keeps me writing in here is the wonderful feedback I’ve received. I didn’t realize people were paying much attention until a few people were very disappointed that I had taken a break. I appreciate when people who read this give me a response… even if it’s negative. It motivates me to keep writing, and gives me a sense of purpose to know that I’m not shouting to the world upon deaf ears. If you haveRead more