10 Comments

From Above

I went on the most fascinating bike ride yesterday. It’s so odd how you can live in a place for years and never venture into some of the hidden corners of your surroundings. I entered a gated complex and felt as if I’d been dropped through the rabbit hole. The extremes in poverty and wealth were astounding – not that I haven’t been surrounded by it for three years, but generally not in quite a concentrated area as this. GenerallyRead more
15 Comments

Broadband for Brandon and Other Miscellaneous Ramblings

Finally. For the first time in 3 long years I’ll return to having broadband internet at home once again. Am I leaving Indonesia? Nope – just forking out the cash to succumb to the painfully slow and expensive internet service for my home here in Jakarta. Ironically, I work with computers all day and yet don’t even have access to the web from my house. I’m like the ass-cracked plumber who’s own basement is flooded. This is the primary reasonRead more
4 Comments

Great Way to Start the Day

The U.S. Embassy informs American citizens in Indonesia that the Embassy has learned that as of June 1, 2005, there were plans by extremists to conduct bomb attacks targeting the lobbies of hotels frequented by westerners in Jakarta. The attacks were to occur circa noon on an unspecified date. There is no additional information on the timing for the attack(s), or the method of attack. Notice how I received this today – JUNE 3 – yeah, thanks for being onRead more
5 Comments

Letter to the Editor

I received this letter in the forum, and since it’s been asked numerous times since I started javajive in 2002, I thought I’d address it on the main page rather than in the forum. Often when people email me similar questions, I write them back instead of posting anything here. These are simply my opinions and don’t necessarily reflect a reality felt by other expats. 😉 Hi Brandon, I just arrived on your site and Indonesia looks so beautiful. SinceRead more