When I Used To Think Worms Were Disgusting

After no free weekends and monotony that is Term 2, I was happy to spend whatever necessary to get the hell out of Jakarta and have an enjoyable trip. So I chose Kuala Lumpur....psyche! Jakarta 2.0 was just a pit stop on the way to my true destination: New Zealand. I touched down and fell in love. It's 70 degrees? Heaven.

I wasted little time in Auckland (though it seemed to be an awesome city) before heading down to the famous Waitomo Caves. Thankfully, this is one time my lack of research paid off. In my haste to book things last minute, I reserved a tour which I thought was run of the mill. However, we bypassed the touriest-filled caves and explored two caves with a small group of ten. Spellbound Tours did not disappoint, as the glow worms lit up the underground river cavern more beautifully than anything I've ever seen. The top half of the picture is what my camera caught (get your shit together, Nikon) versus what it ACTUALLY looked like. Surely the trip could only go downhill from here, right? As a wise man once said (for you, Nate), "Not so fast, my friend!" 

I traveled further south and strapped on my trainers to take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Through most of the first 4k of the hike, a stream flowed steadily within ten feet of the path. The tranquility of it cannot be described, only experienced. Then....whack! Once you cross Apline country, you get smacked with 30-40 minutes of a relatively steep incline and steps. After reaching the south crater, I paused prior to starting the final ascent. While reaching the summit would lead to breathtaking views of the rear crater and the Blue Lake, I was ill-equipped to ascend to the already cloud-covered mountain top (only had a tee and shorts). Swallowing a small amount of disappointment, I made the surprisingly solitary descent back to bottom, back aching and dogs barkin'.

However, the boots didn't stay off for long. I spent the next two days at geothermal parks: Orakei Korapo and Wai-O-Tapu (trying saying those three times fast). As I walked through both parks, I could only think to myself that this is unfair. It's unfair that one country is THIS beautiful. Why can't some place like...I don't know...Jakarta have just ONE thing this beautiful. It'd make life more tolerable. Alas, I had to be content with New Zealand in the now. Though it certainly hasn't disappointed thus far.

....and this was just the first leg! Tune in soon for the stories of the second half of my trip: hobbit holes, natural cathedrals and the happiest of campers!

The Most Bromantic of Honeymoons

After a slew of Singaporeans spent the majority of the night with them questioning our heterosexuality, I figured I'd just own it and make it the title. Of course, it's bound to happen after my former roommate and I ventured to the Maldives for our term break. 

While our friends would make jokes about couples' massages and honeymoon suites, we were able to reflect on what our trip really entailed: beautiful islands, sharks, stingrays and all-inclusive drinks (a policy in which they're reconsidering after we were through there).  

After a questionable landing coming in Male, we touched down and were immediately surrounded by beautiful, teal-colored water around the airport's island. After spotting our speedboat, we made our way to Bandos Island Resort. This resort had it's own island, house reef and nearby shark-breeding point. It cost a pretty penny to stay there, but we were incredibly well fed, had a variety of activities to choose from and never lacked an adult beverage. 

Just renting gear and snorkeling around the house reef was a treat in itself. While the reef lacked the color we had envisioned, we were able to see reef sharks, sea turtles and weird species of fish (that followed us all around the island, strangely enough). 

After stretching out with a couple drinks at the over water bar, we were able to just relax and stargaze until bed time (9:00 PM sharp!). Some of my friends might scoff at the latter, but spend years in a city like Jakarta and the simple things like fresh air and stars are not taken for granted.

I'm enjoying my job here, but in the time it's taken to write this blog I've received two emails from parents, feedback's been given on my graduate project and two of my hairs have turned grey. 

While my time in the Maldives was great, I'm truly looking forward to being home with family and friends in December. Surely I can adjust quickly to an Iowa winter after two years in a subtropical climate, right?

....bring my sweatpants to O'Hare, Mommy. 

Another One Bites The Dust...

'I should have stuck with baseball,' I thought to myself as I was sliding across the pavement. That was my only thought as I crashed my motorbike on the way back from Tomohon. As is tradition with Indonesian drivers: No turn signal.  No checking of the mirrors. No look over the shoulder. With any motorbike spill, the whole town stopped to check the situation. After picking up my bike and bleeding from the majority of my right side, one local knows enough English to say "drive slowly." Because there's no way to convince them that it was NOT the bule's fault, I start my bike and take off.

Alright, enough complaining from me. Let me not mask the fact that the spill was after visiting Tomohon Market. This famous market (signs entering translate to "Extreme Market")  is known for having some...unique goodies. What you see pictured on the right are vampire bats. Yes, bats. Wingless, died-screaming-while-being-cooked vampire bats. You couldn't pay me to eat bat, so I moved on....when I really should have left. Walking past the severed pig's head, anaconda and skewered jungle rats, I find the dogs. If only they had been cats...I'd be okay with that. But a charred, wild dog on a spit for sale almost did me in. Surely that's the worst of it, yes? False. The cooked dog was facing the still living dogs in a cage, just waiting. For all those PETA peeps and avid dog lovers, probably not the place for you.

After a couple days in Manado, I hopped a long-awaited boat to Bunaken Island.  This is still a relatively remote island, even though Bunaken is starting to gain a reputation as a world-class diving destination. Our day trip was led by our fantastic guide who was decked out in an orange polo, pink/green board shorts and a blue fishing hat (which looked more like a bonnet). I'd feel bad for the guy if he wasn't wearing the biggest of smiles. Classic Indonesia. I'm not a huge diver, but snorkeling was as you'd expect in Indonesia: fantastic.  High levels of visibility, great walls of reef and...turtles! Suck it, Andrew.

This trip came on the heels of my trip back to the states. As busy as I was, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and was thrilled to see so many people.  Wedding season was in full swing and I was proud to welcome Anne to my family. My brother did something right, finally. My congrats also to Kellen and Caitlin, Jamie and Allison, Jimmy and Megan, Alex and Naomi, Kenny and Whitney (name your son Josh and I'll bring you more poop coffee!). What a mouthful. That's all I can muster right now as the large Bintang on my right calls my name. It's no diesel, but it will do as I lay on the beach looking at this...



'Til next time, folks!

Let us rejoice! Marking is complete!

I’ve had an extended leave of absence from this blog in recent months.  While many are happy about that fact, some will be joyed to see it resume. By some, I mean my mom.  Who says still says I’m special on the inside. Thanks, mom.

Kidding aside, there is a lot of catch up on.  While I’ve been blazing through these last five months, things are about to slow down substantially as I prepare to end my tenure at my current school and visit ‘Merica after a year of imported Diesel.  My football (Yes, football. Not soccer) team decided to go undefeated in divisional play and make it to the semi-finals of our Cup. One of the top four teams in all of Jakarta, I’m okay with that. Proud of them all and that will be one of the toughest things to swallow when I leave.

For the travel junkies that may read this to hear about my grand adventures, my school breaks have been pretty tame.  My spring break was a three-day excursion to Singapore (to fill up on booze, mixers and peanut butter M&Ms) only to return here and give extra classes to my graduating class. Great use of my limited time here in Asia, I know.  But alas, we have to do what’s best for the kids. My teacher friends understand what I mean, unfortunately.

However, my roommate and I were able to visit Yogyakarta a couple weeks ago.  This historical city in Indonesia is home to some of its most famous temples and absolutely ridiculous amounts of batik (If you don’t know what batik is, look it up.  It’s amazing).  We had a jam-packed two days which included shopping, temples, shopping, Dunkin Donuts and more shopping. 

I can’t wait to be back stateside, folks. Really. Busting at the seams waiting for my brother’s wedding, visiting my family and friends, drinking good beer and breathing quality air.  Just a couple weeks away now, so mark your calendars and have that diesel on ice for me.  See y’all soon!

Yeah, I'll take a ping pong show and cliff jumping. Hold the food poisoning

There are a variety of ways that I could describe our most recent holiday in Thailand, but most are highly inappropriate. We'll gloss over some of the more risqué details and keep it PG13 (for my mother's sake).

Our adventures started in Krabi at a place called Railay Beach. A beautiful beach and surrounding area that is only accessible via longtail boat due to the limestone cliffs cutting off any road access. It would have been more beautiful had it not been rainy/cloudy the majority of our stay (a common theme throughout our travels). Anyone staying there should find Bang Bang Bar. Best cocktails I've had in Southeast Asia.

After three nights there, we took a ferry to Koh Lanta. Being much larger than the Railay area, we were able to rent motorbikes and explore the island. Unfortunately, my roommate/travel companion/life partner/sayang got sick and cut into our exploration time. However, we were still able to find some cool bars with even cooler owners who knew their shit about everything on the hidden menu.

Next stop was Koh Phi Phi: where douchie frat boys go when they just can't let go of the 'golden' years. Joe and I are all for drinking (sometimes one more than we should), but the beach club with buckets of alcohol just isn't our scene. We resigned to pubs, fire shows, and Muay Thai boxing. Still a pretty awesome experience. Though after snorkeling and cliff jumping, it was my turn to get sick. A case of food poisoning cost me a day of exploring and about 10 pounds, but we were both able to push through by the time we reached Patong.

Ah, Patong. Such bittersweet memories. Eh, Dingle? Phuket had some work to do to change my perception of the place, but it didn't disappoint. Bangla Road is an adult playground full of hawkers, ping pong shows and far too many ladyboys. We celebrated New Year's there and were doused with silly string as we watched fireworks, sky lanterns and celebrated with locals and expats alike.

Tired of reading? Because I'm tired of writing. This trip was jam packed with destinations and experiences that I could not fit into one blog post even if I tried, so I'm going to wrap it up.

The last stop on our trip was Bangkok, as we prepared for two job fairs. Both Joe and I had given our current school our intent to discontinue, so we were on the prowl for new jobs. While I won't spoil the surprise of Joe's employment situation, I have signed on to become the Athletic Director at another school here in Jakarta. It was an amazing opportunity that I had to take hold of. This is what I've wanted to do since I've entered teaching and to get the opportunity at 26 years old, couldn't pass that up. Thanks to all the support from my family and friends that I wasn't able to see over the holidays. June is coming quickly. No worries.

Here's the biggest question now: after signing for another two years in Indonesia, who's going to come visit? Food for thought as you drink a diesel for me. Stay warm, suckers! 'Til next time.

Sudah Pipis!

There could be better places to write this blog. I'm currently a sardine wedged in amongst my fellows on a boat back to Semarang.  Only this sardine is a different color and twice the size of nearly every other sardine on board. I suppose that's why they gave me such a spacious seat....on the floor.

My future back and neck problems aside, the long journey concluded a successful trip to Karimunjawa.  A small island north of Semarang, Karimunjawa is yet another relatively untouched gem in Indonesia.  Bright green water and white sand beaches are common and hosted some of the fish that our guides eventually caught and cooked. 

The highlight of our trip and Karimunjawa's claim to fame has to be its shark farm.  Docile white- and black-tipped reef sharks that swim around you when you enter the pool. Docile....how ridiculous. Possibly the greatest predator on planet Earth and we're going to domesticate it. Dumb. Dumber still:  we went in. As our Admiral would say: risk assessment.  If all five of us go in, there's less of a chance I would get bitten, right?

After utilizing the last in, first out method to its fullest extent, we continued our journey of beautiful coral, wonderfully colored fish and sea-locked sandbars. Three days was enough to see the majority of what Karimunjawa had to offer, so now we're returning to the Big Durian:  black lung, macet gila and toilets with seats.

 Kids are starting their first round of external exams today. Though my test isn't for another couple of weeks, the nerves are starting to build.  The graduating class teachers are having extra sessions on Saturdays and doing whatever they can to prepare. I also plan on sacrificing a chicken  while wearing a chain of rabbit feet around my neck. Whatever works, right?

Looking forward to the next round of job fairs in January.   Unfortunately, I won't be returning in December because of them. But don't fret. There will still be plenty of diesel upon my return in June. Until then, enjoy the beauty of autumn prior to the frostbite you'll most likely receive during the winter. I'll stick with 85 and sunny!

Clickity Schnar Schnar!

Eating good Mexican food, sipping margaritas and smoking a Cuban. I suppose there are worse ways to end a vacation.  I just concluded my two week excursion exploring the finer parts of Indonesia and I can safely say I'm much darker for it.

I spent the first leg of the trip in the beautiful Kuta, Lombok. Not only was it a beautiful place to travel, but I finally put the surfer lingo that Ike, Ben and I learned to good use. I couldn't bring myself to rent a board and try to surf though, so you guys won't be hearing of any neptune cocktails in this blog post. Sorry. Renting a motorbike and exploring the surrounding beaches was phenomenal though. Pictured is Mawan beach (above) and atop a hill at Seger beach (below).

After getting hosed by a taxi driver and a fast boat company, I made my way to Gili Air. The Gili Islands are a small string of three islands off the coast of Lombok and are growing tourist destinations. Evident by the ridiculous number of white people there. Gili Air, my first stop, is the second largest island with plenty of beach side cafes and small bungalows overlooking the water. Not the worst place to relax and read A Feast For Crows. So pumped for Season 5.

Gili Meno (below) is the smallest and most....intimate island. Not exactly the most exciting place for a single male traveling alone, I'll admit. But the cafes still had plenty of Bintang, the best friend of Indonesian travelers. After packing myself like a sardine in a public ferry, I exhaled to find myself on Gili Traganwan. Familiar faces were seen, the beer (Kilkenny, thankfully) flowed and laughs were shared. Gili Traganwan was the largest and most visited island, but international amenities are nice after a week of fried rice, Bintang and water. 

I rounded out the trip with three days in Bali. Making the trek from Ubud to Seminyak was long, expensive and worth it. Dressing up was a nice change of pace too. And by dressing up, I mean khaki shorts and a tee shirt. My sense of style remains unwavering, to the disappointment of many.

Ubud, the cultural hub of Bali, provided a couple days of temples, shopping and much needed rest from such a demanding journey prior. A crude jape to those who are heading to or are currently at work right now, sorry. 

I head back next week to the stress of preparing kids for their exams (yes, already). This year will have more interesting and intense challenges, but I look forward to the prospect of finding a new job and seeing everyone the next time I return. If you're reading, a shout out to the happy couple, Kenny and Whitney Lents. Already miss you guys and had a blast at your wedding. Many happy years ahead and please put down those ridiculous Rockstar orange juice/horse piss/energy drinks and have a diesel for me. 'Til next time.