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.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year
Here I am, sitting in a hotel room with Marni and her parents. Here are some descriptions of the event.
Vic and Kathleen are both snoring at 10:00 while Vic has the TV remote on his lap. So, I am now watching CSI Sydney, or some terrible equivalent. That is okay seems how we get to finish the wine in their glasses.
Just a side note. There is an Asian equivalent to almost every TV show we have at home. I just saw the advertisement for 'Dicey Driving' which is the Siberian equivalent of Ice Road Truckers.
It is thundering outside and there is a great lightning show.
In the rain, some animals are hanging in the trees and honking like a flock of Canada Geese. It is really friggin' loud. I think they are frogs.
But, what did we do, today. Well, after waking up we get picked up at our hotel room by an elephant. Literally, the stairs up to our rooms are raised and the elephants walk right up. We got to bathe an elephant this morning. I actually touched the bottom of an elephant's foot. Tell me your thinking about what it feels like. Caden sprayed it in the eye and Zoe was really concerned about washing his tusks.
As we watched the baby elephants run around Zoe decided that she was 'bored'. What a shit!
Strange to think that I will celebrate the New Year a full 13 hours before you will. I will wake up and tell you how it looks.
Be safe!
All the best wishes for 2011. Marni and I miss you all. Not equally, but you are all missed in your own little way. It has been a strange Xmas due to the difference in weather and overall feel.
Vic and Kathleen are both snoring at 10:00 while Vic has the TV remote on his lap. So, I am now watching CSI Sydney, or some terrible equivalent. That is okay seems how we get to finish the wine in their glasses.
Just a side note. There is an Asian equivalent to almost every TV show we have at home. I just saw the advertisement for 'Dicey Driving' which is the Siberian equivalent of Ice Road Truckers.
It is thundering outside and there is a great lightning show.
In the rain, some animals are hanging in the trees and honking like a flock of Canada Geese. It is really friggin' loud. I think they are frogs.
But, what did we do, today. Well, after waking up we get picked up at our hotel room by an elephant. Literally, the stairs up to our rooms are raised and the elephants walk right up. We got to bathe an elephant this morning. I actually touched the bottom of an elephant's foot. Tell me your thinking about what it feels like. Caden sprayed it in the eye and Zoe was really concerned about washing his tusks.
As we watched the baby elephants run around Zoe decided that she was 'bored'. What a shit!
Strange to think that I will celebrate the New Year a full 13 hours before you will. I will wake up and tell you how it looks.
Be safe!
All the best wishes for 2011. Marni and I miss you all. Not equally, but you are all missed in your own little way. It has been a strange Xmas due to the difference in weather and overall feel.
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