My Frog

I am sitting here in my little bungalow tonight, having completed day six of school training, a three hour journey for groceries and now hanging with my frog friend who just hopped in to say hello. He doesn't seem to want to leave this time. He is sitting on my little bench/couch. So I am just sharing space.

Last week:  :(
Haven't spent too much time in the main nearby town, Ubud, where all the expats and tourists hang out, so we (Chad, Sarah and crew) visited friends on the way to dinner one night. We walked through the Monkey Forest to reach town. Balinese monkeys everywhere, curious and mischievous. Almost out of the forest, with the darkness settling in, we gathered to talk about where to go. And as we turned our backs the two kids, Ethan and Jaya (daughter of co-workers) ran to have one more look. And we heard a scream. Ethan got bit by a monkey. Poor guy was terrified as two monkeys were surrounding him. So he had to get rabies shots, with Sarah & Chad also getting them as well for support. A nice dinner turned into the local clinic panic with lots of tears. But the reality is that rabies are here. About 130 people a day get bit by dogs, and many don't get the shots, thinking there are no rabies. Not good. I have to say that after trying to run or walk around the neighborhood and having a few dogs chase, it is not relaxing. I might just get the vaccine as well and have decided that running on the streets is not at all fun/stress-free. So today we headed up to the school and ran laps around the little field at 6am. It is like running in a green fishbowl, but no dogs or traffic to battle. Good!

Weekend highlights:
Spent another weekend at a beach (Padangbai) with Sarah, Chad, Casey and the kids. This time we tried to be frugal. It was about two hours north, up into the more mountainous region. This one was the favorite by far. The rooms were simple, the ocean beautiful and the grounds with three pools were lovely. Casey and I shared a room for $20 each, and this time I brought a little cooler full with food and plates so we didn't have to buy lunch out. Split a great dinner and it was $16 total. Found the stunning white sands beach everyone talks about. Bought one thing on the beach from the local vendors and then laughed at myself. I was the target for the next hour, that silly "boleh" (white person) who will buy! I spent less than $8 on a sarong and wooden box. But all the vendors wanted my money. Or was it my charm?

School highlights:
It has been really exciting getting to know everyone at school. We had a few days of field trips around Bali to know where to get things we might need while living here. And then after conquering the bank, immigration, visas, phones, hardware store, school needs, etc. all are in better positions to set up a life. I actually bought a motorbike helmet, although my bike hasn't arrived yet. We had a motorbike practice on campus the other day with great instructors. Although I am terrified, it should be fine. It is the most convenient way to get around. (The bad statistic is that 758 people were in road accidents from March to June this year, up from 500 all last year. Damn!) So on another note, today was the first day the entire staff was present, with last week dedicated to us newbies. I had the opportunity, with the Green Camp leader Connor, to run an afternoon of team building activities. With about 40 people, it was fun, hot, hilarious, and entertaining. I felt like I was back at Outdoor School. Ohhh, nostalgia. The staff look solid, interesting, hardworking and fun. Now of course we all have lots of planning and organizing, more presenters, a few more outings but we should be ready to go when the kids arrive.

Village highlights:
My neighbor Ascher, asked the other day if any of us wanted a massage. Yes! So last week (and now scheduled for every week) a young woman will come to our little village and give one of the best massages I have ever had, in my bed. A very intense full body massage in my own house for about $12, including tip. I almost cried it was so good. And my pembantu (house helper) starts tomorrow to help clean, wash laundry, buy local vegetables, etc. I never thought I would hire someone to clean a 800 sq ft house, but I am. It is expected in some ways that every family that moves here, helps support another local family. So I am. And now I know that one more sweep, wipe down and cobweb clearing will help with the critters. Things move in fast here!

I am adjusting to my little house in the jungle. The other day, I ran home from school to grab something and saw this mile long trail of little red ants across my floor. Arrghh! I swept them out and put ant chalk everywhere all in about five minutes. My floor looks like a blackboard with a weird physics lesson in chalk all over it. But hey, it works. And last night I did a few crazy-looking swerves as a bat dodged my body doing figure eights around the house. I felt him as he glided by.

My house is cozy, and my neighbors are great. Sometimes I do feel like I might want to live closer to town, just for the convenience of it all. I have heard of music nights in town, literary night, game night, yoga classes, etc. But we'll see. For now, I am here and that's the best place to be.