For spring break, Marni and I decided that going somewhere 'home-like' would be a nice treat. We thought that heading to Australia would be a nice thing to do. When we realized how expensive it would be to find accommodations we then decided it would be a cool treat to rent a campervan (RV) and do some camping.
Getting there was uneventful. Although, the old lady behind me on the plane was really cranky about all the people who had to line up beside her to use the toilet. She was really pissy about the whole thing. Apparently, my size 10 feet are so grossly huge that I managed to step on her feet at least three times. It seems that it was the first time her big ass had been in a plane.
I could not believe the number of Aussie's that would fly from Bali to Perth. After spending a week in the area I have no idea why they would leave. The whole western coast is like the Okanogan with better beaches. It is absolutely stunning.
We rented the RV that we thought was going to be a small mini-van type for the four of us. Somehow, the paperwork confirmed us a 26-foot RV. That is all fine and good except it would really put a cramp in cruising around the city. Kind of like when Mom would lend me the K-Car for cruising chicks. Also, the fact that I had to drive on the left-side of the road also made it a tad tricky. Add to that the idea that I have not actually driven a car since the day we left for Jakarta would also put an interesting spin to the trip. All-in-all, everything went well. The driving was uneventful.
One of our first stops was the town of Bunbury. Nothing too exciting. I did snap a couple of cricket pics for the old man. Somebody heeds to show those kids how to throw a baseball, though. Then we walked across the street to the beach where we immediately saw a pod (Yes, a pod) of dolphins. I have pet them, had them do tricks and kissed them- but, to see them jumping on their own in the ocean was something special.
The next day we found a town called Yallingup. Really, it's like Jasper without a bar. It is nothing but a surfing town. Amazing beaches, tons of wineries and some other cool things to do. We stopped in at a sheep farm and quickly realized why all those Scottish/sheep jokes exist. Did you know that sheep have no upper teeth? I'll just let you put those last two sentences together in any way you like.
I did not get to shear a sheep (although I think one winked at me), but I did get volunteered to do a lot of the demonstration. Zoe got to be a Jackaroo. We were also given a brief description of the working dogs- "If a dog looks like that (man points at Boarder Collie), it herds the sheep!". "If it looks like that (points to some brown dog) it walks on sheep! Get it?" Very informative.
One of the children watching the show ate sheep shit.
One of the brilliant ideas adopted by the Aussie's are public BBQ's. They are not like the crappy hibachi's that we have in the Elks park, or something. These are propane BBQ's that are always full and clean. They are also used a lot. What a great idea! We need more parks with public BBQ's. Oh, and these people live up to the stereotype of 'shrimp on the barbee'.
After me swerving all over the road for five days we finally saw a kangaroo. We happened to stop at a random winery to let the kids stretch their legs and on the way back we spotted one in a farmers field. It made my trip. After that, I could focus on the road. Marni can work a GPS but spotting 'Roos is not a strength.
Caden met a girlfriend. He came running out of a playground with this little girl in tow and raced her to another part of the park. Her name was Grace. He spoke of her often.
Shamus has now seen another continent. Lucky little Leprechaun.
I am officially the proud owner of a 'Roo-skin hat.
We came home to a nice clean house that was spruced up by the hired help.
There, of course were many other highlights of the trip which we will share with you later. Right now, I am happy that we could smuggle in four bottles of wine.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Just some stuff....
Just a few things that have been happening, lately. To start, obviously the earthquake in Japan dod not effect us. We are still alive and I don't think that anything even happened to Jakarta. Our dinner plans were changed, though. Marni and I were planning on heading to downtown Jakarta but plans changed when the tsunami warning was given to Indonesia. We weren't scared- we just didn't want to get caught downtown in case there was flooding. Jakarta drivers are like Edmonton drivers. If there is a raindrop then everyone slows down.
There is some concern about the radiation, here. Not by rational people, but the students are worried about radioactive rain. I told them that living in Jakarta, whenever it does rain it is already polluted. A little radiation never killed anyone. At least you can't prove it.
I am still waiting to feel an earthquake. In fact, I am interested finding out what one feels like.
There has been no news regarding what will happen to the school, next year. Parents are looking for back-up plans for their kids- which they should. It seems truly unfair that our management is not honest with the parents. But, like life, if you don't talk about a problem it doesn't exist.
Many of the other teachers have lined up other jobs for next year. One is headed to Spain, two are going to Germany and another couple are headed to Cape Town. I must say I am a little jealous. We get to stay in this haven of beauty, Jakarta. But, if it is good for Barack Obama, it is good enough for me.
Marni, the kids and I are heading to Australia for spring break. Spring break is kind of a strange term, here because there is no spring. We have rented a campervan and will be doing some camping. It is no Boler but it will have to do. I am a little scared of driving there. For one, I haven't driven in eight months. And two, I will have to drive on the opposite side of the road. I am sure everything ill be fine. We are all excited to see kangaroos, wide-open spaces and white people. Marni is really excited about cheap wine.
Sorry for the lack of wittiness in this post. We had parent- teacher interviews this week and I used up all my good jokes on people who don't speak decent English.
There is some concern about the radiation, here. Not by rational people, but the students are worried about radioactive rain. I told them that living in Jakarta, whenever it does rain it is already polluted. A little radiation never killed anyone. At least you can't prove it.
I am still waiting to feel an earthquake. In fact, I am interested finding out what one feels like.
There has been no news regarding what will happen to the school, next year. Parents are looking for back-up plans for their kids- which they should. It seems truly unfair that our management is not honest with the parents. But, like life, if you don't talk about a problem it doesn't exist.
Many of the other teachers have lined up other jobs for next year. One is headed to Spain, two are going to Germany and another couple are headed to Cape Town. I must say I am a little jealous. We get to stay in this haven of beauty, Jakarta. But, if it is good for Barack Obama, it is good enough for me.
Marni, the kids and I are heading to Australia for spring break. Spring break is kind of a strange term, here because there is no spring. We have rented a campervan and will be doing some camping. It is no Boler but it will have to do. I am a little scared of driving there. For one, I haven't driven in eight months. And two, I will have to drive on the opposite side of the road. I am sure everything ill be fine. We are all excited to see kangaroos, wide-open spaces and white people. Marni is really excited about cheap wine.
Sorry for the lack of wittiness in this post. We had parent- teacher interviews this week and I used up all my good jokes on people who don't speak decent English.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thunder rolls....
Marni and I decided that a weekend was needed in our new favourite place- Lombok.
After catching a flight that was 1 hour late we were a bit on edge but "What the hell?". After flying through a thunderstorm I was really hoping that the pilot had a God to pray too. Everyone else on the plane was wiping tears and holding hand. Caden was laughing and yelling about how much fun he was having as the plane was falling out of the sky. But it was a controlled fall, thankfully.
Anyway, we arrived in Lombok and have been having a great time since.
A few things of note:
Just because they sell bikinis does not mean you should buy one. There are many Europeans here and lets just say there should be a weight restriction on bikinis. I saw one lady- sad, really- she needed a cane to walk, weighed about 250 lbs......BIKINI! Really? Like watching a car crash.
Of all the things that made Marni and I homesick, today...the smell of freshly cut grass. Both of us were walking through the hotel grounds and caught a whiff. Talk about something that we missed. Whoda thunk? Too bad you all have about 4 feet of snow and three months to worry about that.
The sound of crashing waves is really getting annoying. I know all of you are sitting in a deep freeze back home but think about this- would you really be missing me if you were sitting on a beach in Mexico? I thought so.
Zoe, Caden and I had a great time playing in the waves and beach out front of our hotel, today. We must have played for two hours. It was wonderful. We build a sand castle and had to protect it from the waves with a stone wall. My job was to fight the current to find rocks which was more difficult then one would assume.
I am currently looking at a Dutch lady who looks like a man. No, really, she is very......handsome?
Would that be an appropriate term. Also, I am in the hotel lounge doing my bit to get a deal (thanks, Kathleen). If I have two drinks I get two free hours of internet. Just trying to save a dollar. So far I have 12 hours free.
We all got to hold sea turtles, today. The hotel raises them and for $4, we can adopt on and release it into the wild. I am sure for another $5 you can buy the seagull to protect your investment. For the money, I am sure we will be releasing a couple of turtles by the end of the weekend. Just as a note, they do speak like Aussie surfer dudes similar to 'Finding Nemo'.
The Indonesian 'Mariachi Band' played 'Wonderful Tonight' by Clapton to us tonight. They did without request, too. It was special.
I have a bit of a sunburn and I hope you all feel sorry for me as the winter drags on.
With different forms and levels of love,
Cam
After catching a flight that was 1 hour late we were a bit on edge but "What the hell?". After flying through a thunderstorm I was really hoping that the pilot had a God to pray too. Everyone else on the plane was wiping tears and holding hand. Caden was laughing and yelling about how much fun he was having as the plane was falling out of the sky. But it was a controlled fall, thankfully.
Anyway, we arrived in Lombok and have been having a great time since.
A few things of note:
Just because they sell bikinis does not mean you should buy one. There are many Europeans here and lets just say there should be a weight restriction on bikinis. I saw one lady- sad, really- she needed a cane to walk, weighed about 250 lbs......BIKINI! Really? Like watching a car crash.
Of all the things that made Marni and I homesick, today...the smell of freshly cut grass. Both of us were walking through the hotel grounds and caught a whiff. Talk about something that we missed. Whoda thunk? Too bad you all have about 4 feet of snow and three months to worry about that.
The sound of crashing waves is really getting annoying. I know all of you are sitting in a deep freeze back home but think about this- would you really be missing me if you were sitting on a beach in Mexico? I thought so.
Zoe, Caden and I had a great time playing in the waves and beach out front of our hotel, today. We must have played for two hours. It was wonderful. We build a sand castle and had to protect it from the waves with a stone wall. My job was to fight the current to find rocks which was more difficult then one would assume.
I am currently looking at a Dutch lady who looks like a man. No, really, she is very......handsome?
Would that be an appropriate term. Also, I am in the hotel lounge doing my bit to get a deal (thanks, Kathleen). If I have two drinks I get two free hours of internet. Just trying to save a dollar. So far I have 12 hours free.
We all got to hold sea turtles, today. The hotel raises them and for $4, we can adopt on and release it into the wild. I am sure for another $5 you can buy the seagull to protect your investment. For the money, I am sure we will be releasing a couple of turtles by the end of the weekend. Just as a note, they do speak like Aussie surfer dudes similar to 'Finding Nemo'.
The Indonesian 'Mariachi Band' played 'Wonderful Tonight' by Clapton to us tonight. They did without request, too. It was special.
I have a bit of a sunburn and I hope you all feel sorry for me as the winter drags on.
With different forms and levels of love,
Cam
Friday, February 18, 2011
A new one
As I am sitting here watching Phineas and Ferb I thought I would update y'all with some new events.
Marni and I accepted positions with a New Zealand based school here in Jakarta. So far, Marni will be teaching grade 5 and I will be teaching grade 6. Obviously my sarcasm was not conveyed well enough throughout the interview process that the Principal felt I could be respectful of young children. Then, to top it all off they want me to be a Vice-Principal. Apparently, times are tough in New Zealand.
I went to see Iron Maiden last night. A couple things stand out. First, being a Bule and a non-Muslim is beautiful. There are no line-ups for the beer tent and I am taller then everyone else so I had a great view. I saw a guy that must have been 6'8" and he was the luckiest bastard in the place. Secondly, seeing guys absolutely rock out to some amazing songs is awesome. However, when you think of my father in spandex playing the drums the experience gets a little underwhelming.
I started going to the local gym. I figured for the $7 per month a guy could afford to get into some shape. It is quite the experience to see these strange, machines of malice that I have no idea about what body part they work out. Then, with all of the cheap labour you would think they could organize the weights. They are laying all over the floor and are a mix of Kg and lbs. You have to pick up a variety of dumbells in order to find a good weight.
Marni and I have been enjoying the 'Ojeks'. Those are the scooter-taxis around Jakarta. For a dollar we can get wherever we want in the area. Funny, though- the drivers always slow down around their friends when Marni is on the back. They are showing off their Bule passenger.
The students have been having their eyes glued to the canals around the streets because during the rain if they overflow, they all get to go home. It is sort of like a snow day back home. Apparently too, when they overflow you see fish swimming through the streets. We found a crab on campus and the most plausible explanation is that it crawled from the canal into the school.
I saw a guy walking around the area wearing, of all things- a Maple Leafs hat! Sadly, even he hanged is head in shame when I asked him how he felt about the Phaneuf trade.
Anyway, things are still going on. Life is just "normal" around here- if anything is normal, here.
Marni and I accepted positions with a New Zealand based school here in Jakarta. So far, Marni will be teaching grade 5 and I will be teaching grade 6. Obviously my sarcasm was not conveyed well enough throughout the interview process that the Principal felt I could be respectful of young children. Then, to top it all off they want me to be a Vice-Principal. Apparently, times are tough in New Zealand.
I went to see Iron Maiden last night. A couple things stand out. First, being a Bule and a non-Muslim is beautiful. There are no line-ups for the beer tent and I am taller then everyone else so I had a great view. I saw a guy that must have been 6'8" and he was the luckiest bastard in the place. Secondly, seeing guys absolutely rock out to some amazing songs is awesome. However, when you think of my father in spandex playing the drums the experience gets a little underwhelming.
I started going to the local gym. I figured for the $7 per month a guy could afford to get into some shape. It is quite the experience to see these strange, machines of malice that I have no idea about what body part they work out. Then, with all of the cheap labour you would think they could organize the weights. They are laying all over the floor and are a mix of Kg and lbs. You have to pick up a variety of dumbells in order to find a good weight.
Marni and I have been enjoying the 'Ojeks'. Those are the scooter-taxis around Jakarta. For a dollar we can get wherever we want in the area. Funny, though- the drivers always slow down around their friends when Marni is on the back. They are showing off their Bule passenger.
The students have been having their eyes glued to the canals around the streets because during the rain if they overflow, they all get to go home. It is sort of like a snow day back home. Apparently too, when they overflow you see fish swimming through the streets. We found a crab on campus and the most plausible explanation is that it crawled from the canal into the school.
I saw a guy walking around the area wearing, of all things- a Maple Leafs hat! Sadly, even he hanged is head in shame when I asked him how he felt about the Phaneuf trade.
Anyway, things are still going on. Life is just "normal" around here- if anything is normal, here.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Aaargh...the waiting
I know you must be checking daily to see if there is another fabulous, poignant entry into my blog. But, alas, life around here is simply normal. Normal?
If normal is seeing a family of five with only one set of teeth between them, then life is normal.
If normal is people trying to rip me off after I ask them any question, then life is normal. While Marni and I were in Lombok (the Island next to Bali which I would highly recommend) I was offered a taxi ride to the airport. When I asked the driver 'How much?', his answer was Rp 70 000. I told him it was only Rp 57 000 to get to the hotel from the airport. "Okay" he says, "I'll do it for that much." Turns out, it was actually only a Rp. 40 000 ride with the meter on. Bastards!!
However, it is nice becoming familiar with the local costs of things. When arriving in Jakarta I now know it is only a $12 cab ride from the airport to the school. The local cabbies will offer you a ride for $20.
It is amazing how protective of money you do get simply out of principle. I took an Ojek (scooter taxi) to the hospital. He charged me Rp 10 000 (about a buck). I tried to haggle him down to Rp 7000. What the hell am I thinking fighting over 30 cents? But is principle, dammit! I gave him the Rp 10 000 after he drove the wrong way down a one way road. I figured that was ballsy. Yes, Mom, I was wearing a helmet. I am sure I have lice, now.
If normal is teaching a class of three on a regular basis, then life is normal. We had to combine two grades together for gym class so the teacher could actually play a game of 4-on-4 basketball.
Anyway, I thought I would give you all a little sample of our life, here. People keep asking if I am getting homesick. The answer is no. I think I talk to many of you more then I did before. Of course, my daily dose of Kathleen keeps me going.
Love (or at least a strong like) to all.
If normal is seeing a family of five with only one set of teeth between them, then life is normal.
If normal is people trying to rip me off after I ask them any question, then life is normal. While Marni and I were in Lombok (the Island next to Bali which I would highly recommend) I was offered a taxi ride to the airport. When I asked the driver 'How much?', his answer was Rp 70 000. I told him it was only Rp 57 000 to get to the hotel from the airport. "Okay" he says, "I'll do it for that much." Turns out, it was actually only a Rp. 40 000 ride with the meter on. Bastards!!
However, it is nice becoming familiar with the local costs of things. When arriving in Jakarta I now know it is only a $12 cab ride from the airport to the school. The local cabbies will offer you a ride for $20.
It is amazing how protective of money you do get simply out of principle. I took an Ojek (scooter taxi) to the hospital. He charged me Rp 10 000 (about a buck). I tried to haggle him down to Rp 7000. What the hell am I thinking fighting over 30 cents? But is principle, dammit! I gave him the Rp 10 000 after he drove the wrong way down a one way road. I figured that was ballsy. Yes, Mom, I was wearing a helmet. I am sure I have lice, now.
If normal is teaching a class of three on a regular basis, then life is normal. We had to combine two grades together for gym class so the teacher could actually play a game of 4-on-4 basketball.
Anyway, I thought I would give you all a little sample of our life, here. People keep asking if I am getting homesick. The answer is no. I think I talk to many of you more then I did before. Of course, my daily dose of Kathleen keeps me going.
Love (or at least a strong like) to all.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Lies
It turns out I was quite the fat bastard back in Canada or I have picked up a parasite. In fact, both are probably true. Since arriving in August I have lost around 15 pounds. I guess sweating your bag off, eating nothing but chicken and rice and getting the shits weekly can really shed the pounds. With losing all of this weight comes a couple of things:
1) My golf clubs aare now metric. In Indonesia, golf distance is measured in metres. So, when my supple, saintly caddie whispers softly into my ear "Meester, you are 125 away.", I had to do some math in my head. But now that I am wasting away I have increased my distance and now don't have to do the math. That will suck when I return to Canada- unless I bring a caddie with me (which many of them would be happy to do).
2) All of my pants do not fit. But, be not concerned, my friends. Fifi and Lasmi hooked me up with a wonderful little tailor. In fact, he is so good he makes house calls....on his bike....with a foot powered sewing machine like Oma had. After some saavy negotiations (by Fifi) I had the tailor taking all of my shorts in for $2 a pair. Highway (or back alley) robbery, I tell you! I know have a new wardrobe for about $15. Yay me.
Here are some of the interesting observations that I made, however. Mr. Bike entrepeneur measured my waste at 36 inches. He then proceeded to take 3 1/2 inches off all of my shorts (Yes, ladies, it not all about pounds. Size does matter). The strange thing is that my shorts were sold to me at the size of 34 inches! What, the fashion industry is dishonest? How could I be three inches smaller and still measure a 36? Hmmmm. So, essentially, I am a 30-32 inch waist, at home. Sorry Dad....Mom is not shrinking your clothes.
1) My golf clubs aare now metric. In Indonesia, golf distance is measured in metres. So, when my supple, saintly caddie whispers softly into my ear "Meester, you are 125 away.", I had to do some math in my head. But now that I am wasting away I have increased my distance and now don't have to do the math. That will suck when I return to Canada- unless I bring a caddie with me (which many of them would be happy to do).
2) All of my pants do not fit. But, be not concerned, my friends. Fifi and Lasmi hooked me up with a wonderful little tailor. In fact, he is so good he makes house calls....on his bike....with a foot powered sewing machine like Oma had. After some saavy negotiations (by Fifi) I had the tailor taking all of my shorts in for $2 a pair. Highway (or back alley) robbery, I tell you! I know have a new wardrobe for about $15. Yay me.
Here are some of the interesting observations that I made, however. Mr. Bike entrepeneur measured my waste at 36 inches. He then proceeded to take 3 1/2 inches off all of my shorts (Yes, ladies, it not all about pounds. Size does matter). The strange thing is that my shorts were sold to me at the size of 34 inches! What, the fashion industry is dishonest? How could I be three inches smaller and still measure a 36? Hmmmm. So, essentially, I am a 30-32 inch waist, at home. Sorry Dad....Mom is not shrinking your clothes.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Holiday's end
We are winding down our Xmas holidays. We decided to take an impromptu trip to Yogyakarta. It is a city in central Java that is home to the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Just a pile of rocks, really. But, an impressive pile of rocks from the 8th century.
Some funny things that have been happening. Caden has started to have 'meetings' with Vic. It will start with Caden saying in the sweetest little voice "Boompa, could you tell me about Ironman?". Caden can remember every detail and he knows if you make a mistake. Boompa and I had to by Ironman 1 and 2 just to make sure we had the story correct.
Another story that has impressed Caden and will continue to impress the masses is when he says "Let me tell you about Baby Jesus." It is a very sad story where Jesus (who is a she) trips three times while carrying some wood. And, because the king hates Jesus they nail him (her) to the wood, lift her up and she dies. Kind of cute except that should not be an opening line of too many conversations.
Vic is a the look-alike to an Australian movie star. I am sure a very famous one. But, Indonesians do know who Kenny Rogers is, too.
One of the humbling experiences with our little trip was a tour around Mt. Merapi, the volcano that erupted in October. To see the amount of devastation and loss is quite a site to see. Strangely, what is happening now is their are companies digging up the volcanic sand and selling it to the people. There are scads of gravel trucks filled with the 'lehar' to create profit. To hell with people's homes, get the sand! It is sad to see people that had nothing have less than that after all this is done. It was good to see homes with large cisterns with American Red Cross stickers carrying fresh water in some of the areas. It shows that some of your donation money is put to good use. However, where most of that money goes is anyone's guess.
Some funny things that have been happening. Caden has started to have 'meetings' with Vic. It will start with Caden saying in the sweetest little voice "Boompa, could you tell me about Ironman?". Caden can remember every detail and he knows if you make a mistake. Boompa and I had to by Ironman 1 and 2 just to make sure we had the story correct.
Another story that has impressed Caden and will continue to impress the masses is when he says "Let me tell you about Baby Jesus." It is a very sad story where Jesus (who is a she) trips three times while carrying some wood. And, because the king hates Jesus they nail him (her) to the wood, lift her up and she dies. Kind of cute except that should not be an opening line of too many conversations.
Vic is a the look-alike to an Australian movie star. I am sure a very famous one. But, Indonesians do know who Kenny Rogers is, too.
One of the humbling experiences with our little trip was a tour around Mt. Merapi, the volcano that erupted in October. To see the amount of devastation and loss is quite a site to see. Strangely, what is happening now is their are companies digging up the volcanic sand and selling it to the people. There are scads of gravel trucks filled with the 'lehar' to create profit. To hell with people's homes, get the sand! It is sad to see people that had nothing have less than that after all this is done. It was good to see homes with large cisterns with American Red Cross stickers carrying fresh water in some of the areas. It shows that some of your donation money is put to good use. However, where most of that money goes is anyone's guess.
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