Let me start by saying that this post isn’t meant to be condescending or written with an ironic tone. Having said that, what’s up with the coin rubbing for healing purposes here in Indonesia? After the gym last night, I dropped by the grocery store to pick up a few things. As I was going down the aisle, a maid (I believe) was blocking my way – before I politely asked if I may pass, I noticed massive red streaksRead more
Posts filed in: Rantings and Ramblings
Over-training or the Flu?
So my week went like this: Tuesday: I worked out at the gym having taken nearly a month off. I pushed myself to levels of which I knew I shouldn’t have attempted, but it felt good to be back in the gym again. See, I’m a bit abnormal in the fact that I love lifting weights and dislike doing cardio (indoors at least, cause I love mountain biking or hiking). Many of my friends are the other way around, andRead more
Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand? Help!
I’m staring at the calendar. I have three and a half weeks of vacation time coming up at Christmas. What to do? I am facing three options: America. Indonesia – most likely Bali (again) and possibly Lombok or other islands. Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand. Jakarta – absolutely not. The first and last option are much more expensive propositions, but have serious advantages. America – I haven’t been back to the States in a year and a half and am feeling likeRead more
Bus Ride From Hell
I had a chance today to wander around some of Jakarta’s more “gritty” areas. Raw, visceral, and brimming with textures, I rarely tire of simply hitting the streets with my camera. I do, however, grow increasingly annoyed with the act of getting to these places. Since I don’t use a driver, I punish myself with the traffic on a daily basis. There’s hardly a day that passes when I truly believe my chances of getting hit and/or hitting someone elseRead more
A Day in the Life of a Bajaj Driver
The Bajaj is a three wheeled vehicle made in India and used throughout Jakarta. They can technically fit two adults in the backseat, although I’d consider it punishment to attempt three. For about 50 cents you can get around for a couple of kilometers – the distance many people need throughout the day, or grabbing some groceries. Cheap, exceedingly noisy, and completely uncomfortable, they’re the staple of many people’s transportation – or at least those that cannot pay for aRead more