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.

Ahhh. Missing home.

I'll keep this entry short and simple. I just had my first Skype chats from Bali with Angeline and her family vacationing on the East Coast and then the Fitzarnold family in Bend. It is so amazing to catch up in real time. I love it! But now I am a homesick. Don't get me wrong, I am so happy I made the leap to try something new. But seeing familiar faces and smiles, touches the heartstrings. And pulls and pulls and pulls. I just go back to the idea that this will take time to adjust to. It isn't a long trip, but a move. I have never lived outside of Oregon before, so Indonesia is just big jump. Leaving my job, friends, community, family, Fiji, etc. can be jarring all at once. But someday I will look back and say to myself, "wow, I did that!" Just at this exact moment, at almost midnight, sitting by myself in my little bungalow, I am homesick.

Today we had our first staff orientation and all is well. The new GS staff look great, diverse in all respects. I am excited to work with everyone. We met the admin, we chatted, we toured, we ate, we opened Bali bank accounts, we learned a little Bahasa Indonesia. Tomorrow we will meet the founder of GS, tour the bamboo factory (around the corner from where we live in the Bamboo Village), learn to ride motor bikes (how everyone gets around!), learn more Bahasa, learn how to purchase order for school, etc. And so on for the week. I am glad they put this orientation together. It is helpful and comforting. Next week I think the week involves curriculum development and planning. Thank goodness for a long training session. There is much to do.

Off to bed now.

School Starts Tomorrow!

Back in the Bamboo village tonight. It is nice to be home, sharing my space with a million critters. But the beach really was lovely. Today while waiting for our afternoon ride home, I walked down the beach and sat under a large wooden pagoda, on the edge of this rocky pier. The wind was whipping up fiercely and the waves were intense. Looking out into the ocean with the blue green swells, and islands in the horizon was spectacular. Later I just walked into the water and gazed out. I still have to pinch myself that I am here, in Indonesia. I think with a budget in mind, it is paramount to escape the jungle on the weekends and find a shore, white or black sand beaches. Crowds or none. All is good.

So as write now, my wall critters are chirping and a mouse just skirted through the kitchen. (I really need a cat). I went to the store with Chad right when we got home, since our driver was still available. If I could just whip over to the store, I would. But to get there takes about 30 minutes driving and in the dark, it can't be easy on a bike, let alone driving. So I take advantage of the opportunity to stock up on groceries when I can. I had no idea what the state of the bungalow would look like after being gone for two days and it wasn't so bad.

I left with a security guy fixing my two burner gas stove, as the ignition battery was out. He must have left the light on. And my laundry, that I sent away with a GS employee whose family owns a laundry (score!), was on my table when I walked in. Other than that, a few more poops on the floor dropped from the ceiling and random dead insects, a few spider webs around and all is well. At the store I did buy ant chalk and promptly put it around the counters and cupboards. When I was cooking the other night it was like playing dodgeball with the ants. I think they ended up in the salad. Oh well. They don't bite and I am sure are harmless to eat.

I also bought a movie, for the pure escape factor that I wanted tonight. So I opened a local Pilsner and watched my computer try to play the movie. You never know what you are getting when you buy a movie here or in any third world country for that movie. It could be pirated, filmed from a tripod in the theater, severely scratched up or just fine. Tonight I got the severely scratched. I did manage to watch at least half before my computer insisted on spitting it out. But as a Rachel (settled in Cambodia) advised me about living overseas,  have low expectations with a positive attitude. Or something like that. So I watched half a movie tonight? Great! That is more than I have watched in weeks. :)

Off to bed now, excited about our first day at the Green School. Tomorrow we meet each other and go over logistics, planning, language classes, bills, etc. Should be fun.

Bali Beaches

It has been about 10 days in Bali now. Hard to believe. There have been some quiet sleepy jungle days in the Bamboo Village with a few runs in the neighborhoods, bike rides, explorations on the GS campus turing in paperwork and meeting staff, meeting new village neighbors, having potluck dinners, taking language classes and such. But since school starts in a few days (Monday August 1) we decided to head to the beach. After a long search as to which resort, we opted for Melia Bali Resort & Villas. It is is Nusa Dua, south from our Bamboo Village about one driving hour, give or take. Now to do this requires a few things: 1. a car 2. a driver 3. sunscreen 4. willingness to beat the crowds (it is high season here now). And we are set to go!

The Durflowe clan and I headed south yesterday and walked into this incredibly beautiful five star hotel, where we are undoubtedly the only Americans. I have heard many people from Europe, Asia and Australian. Strangely enough I now feel like I am in Bali. We lounged on the beach, walked around the grounds, swam in the pool, went out for dinner, had a huge buffet breakfast and there is only more of that on the schedule for today. On a teacher's budget, especially having no pay check yet, it is quite a splurge but well worth it. So, if anyone comes to visit, I feel it is my duty to find these places before you arrive so all can be organized. Not so bad.

Casey (the Durflowe's friend/nanny) and I have decided to do this for the next few weekends while she is here, just to get a lay of the island. I am down with that. Maybe some surfing, more lounging and exploring. Although she is 28, thin, blond, bronze and beautiful I can go along as her sidekick. Last night we went out for drinks while the kids went to bed. We found a neon open-air bar, with locals playing acoustic guitar and sat at the bar. While sipping our colorful cocktails, I was asked if I was her mother by our nice, young bartender. I am sure he meant no harm, but I had to excuse myself and take a gasping moment in the corner. Really? And then later a beautiful french-speaking man with liquid brown eyes, sat by me, leaned over me actually, gave Casey a paper rose, and asked if he could buy her a drink. Again, really? Is it that bad? I mean I know I look like a red-headed poodle with my over-humidified hair, and slightly puffy skin but really? Oh, well. Such as life. So no, as everyone is asking, Javier Bardem has not made it into my life yet.

Cheers. I am off to the beach to sooth my ego and soak up some Bali sun, wearing spf 30 and a sun hat, of course.

Living in the Bamboo Village

Ahhh, living in the jungle.

After exploring the nearest town of Ubud on bikes yesterday with Chad (it took about 45 minutes to get there), I do feel lucky to come back home to our bamboo village. Although we are that far from a store for groceries, I have never seen so many scooters, tiny streets and traffic like in Ubud. It is high tourist season, but crowded and crowded. Here in the Bamboo Village, there are about nine houses of various sizes.  It is a village of teachers and families, about 10 minutes walking from the Green School campus. There is good security and a village manager, so little things are mostly attended too. But I have learned that we also take care of each other..."it takes a village" they say...I'll write more on that as I get to know the community.

My little bungalow sits on one end of the village, the closest to the path towards GS. There are a few glass windows, but everything else is open air. There are many things to get used to when living in the open air tropics. And many questions to ask. For example, "what is the green powder outside the perimeter of the bungalow?" Yes, that is very important. That is what keeps the snakes out. And who replenishes that after it rains and washes away? And the white chalk I need to buy will keep the ants form coming up on the counters/furniture. And if I get a cat, that will help with the rats. Go kitty! And is it okay to accidentally step on the little offering left by my door each morning? Oops.

Right now, as I write, the sounds outside are incredible. it is about 8pm and the world is alive outside (and inside as well). There is a cacophony of sounds...squawking, chirping, quacking, buzzing, humming, chanting (from the nearby temple) and my neighbor playing his trumpet about 10 ft away. It is not quiet. And last night the rain was so loud, and so powerful I got out of bed to look for leaks, which happen with an organic roof. And I found a few, not too bad since my computer was 5 centimeters away from a dripping puddle. I woke up a few hours later to a big spider web, right by my head. A busy spider to say the least. And after trying to attempt yoga tonight, I was thwarted by guano dropping from the ceiling onto my mat as the bats awoke for the night. And as I am writing, I just tried to stop a little black bug from going under the keyboard and into the computer. He beat me.

So, other than needing knowing where to dump my compost (they use it to feed the pigs), where to take laundry, how to refill my water jug, who to call in an emergency and where I might find a fire extinguisher, I think I am good. 

And already I have learned a few valuable lessons:

1. stay really calm and steady while biking on the road (no bike lanes). absolutely no sudden movements or you might get squashed. 

2. at night, walking to/from houses, use the path. there are biting ants and big spiders on the foliage.

3. bring warmth to the tropics, it gets cool at night.

4. don't panic if something drops out of the ceiling.
5. learn the language asap in case you get lost or need anything like a cell phone (i started classes today).
6. don't bother bringing a glass of water to bed. everything likes to crawl into a glass of water.
7. don't run at noon. you will be beat red and your head will feel like it will explode for about two hours afterwards.

That's it for now. Stay tuned!

Dinner in the Bamboo Village

Well, I feel a bit more seasoned after another day. Let me set the current scene:

My neighbor, Asher, is playing his french horn/sax (or something similar) to a latin/indian blend, as I sit here just having made my first salad on the island, waiting to meet my other neighbors for dinner. I met the 2nd grade teacher Mona, today as well as the newAustralian 4th grade teacher and his daughter. I invited them to dinner at Chad & Sarah's (place is bigger) but Mona said to come over there. Oh, and the evening chanting is happening now as well. it is at 6am and 6pm, at least that is what I hear form my bungalow.

So we will meet up in a few minutes there, a much nicer and larger open air bungalow. On my right is my new mountain bike (yeah!) and on my left in the kitchen is a frog that just hopped inside somehow. I am sipping a Bitang beer, and happy that I finally bought another layer for my bed. The frog is making his way to the open door, I think. I hope he isn't the poisonous kind. He made it to the bathroom. Good, he can escape out the shower. I finally bought the lovely multi-colored purple and white with shades of pink comforter, after seeing my options for two days. Not much, really. But I don't want to be cold again tonight. I feel better after the Australian, Shawn, said his wife also brought nothing for cold weather. Who knew I would need a layer 8 degrees below the equator?

And I found the proper cord for my computer so I can email without worry and I have come to the conclusion that my Ipod was taken out of my luggage. The earbuds are there in the ziplock, but no ipod. Oh well, I guess I didn't need it.

Tomorrow, Chad and I will explore on our bikes and skip trying to find a driver. today Asher, the neighbor playing the music, helped us find Agung to drive us to the stores. He was great! Taught me a little Indonesian and helped pick out the bike, as well as Chad, bike guru that he is. I feel blessed having such great folks around me. Oh, and Asher, super nice, is called the coffee guy, with Freak Coffee. He isn't a teacher but owes a few coffee shops in Ubud and also runs a kiosk at the Green School. Sweet!

Okay, have to run to dinner now.
Cheers.

Made it!

MAde it to Bali! I can't believe it still. It seems so surreal. As I write this I am laughing because the blogspot information is in Indonesian and I am just hoping I selecting the right buttons. That has been the theme of today: selecting the right "whatever". Literally, it has been fun just trying the find our way around. The language barrier is bigger than I thought. But now that I have my hands on a phrasebook, look out!

This next phase of my journey began when I arrived in Denpasar after about 36 hrs of travel. The transition from the airport was smooth due to the Green School (GS) support. But I was amazed that the ride to our bamboo village took almost two hours! Found my little bungalow and began unpacking. People have been extremely kind and helpful. Chad arrived a few hours later. We went to Ubud for a late dinner and were amazed at the noises, scooters and the people. It is the high season for tourists. Found myself tired, a bit overwhelmed, homesick (knowing it would be a long time) and really excited all at the same time.

Woke up to the sounds of the jungle, neighbors, and my own thoughts. Right now, it really isn't that hot, just slightly humid and warm. So was actually a bit chilly last night. And I left every stinking warm piece of clothing at home. Silly me. Who knew I might actually want a fleece? Chad and I had a great morning walking to campus, meeting folks, and eventually finding out way to the rental car and thankfully a driver. The traffic really is super busy, to say the least. And even though Bali isn't as chaotic and crazy as Kathmandu, the driving will be scary when I start trying out a scooter. But we spent most of the day buying cell phones, and shopping to stock up our kitchens with food, cooking utensils, etc. I just had a piece of toast in my new toaster, with jam and peanut butter, of all things. But a few setbacks remind me to be patient, and know that if I can't find it I don't really need it.

I would say that my bungalow is about 700 sq feet, with a small kitchen, a table, seating nook, bathroom (complete with a cool outdoor shower and compost toilets) and an upstairs bedroom. I am watching a few books and papers curl at the edges due to the humidity but it's all good. It is quaint and cozy. And when I want space to hang out in, I'll wander to Chad & Sarah's which is one bungalow over and a bit more spacious at three bedrooms. I asked for a desk today, hoping that might help with my school work. Other than that, I wish I could find my ipod or find a cord for my speakers to connect to my computer (which I can't charge at the moment) so I can have a little music.

I signed up for this adventure, and am glad I did. There will be some frustrations, like any other day. But as a fellow GS teacher said today, everyone who moves to Bali is adventurous, unusual, out of the norm, for some reason or another. So I will continue to be grateful, appreciative and patient. And open to this new chapter. I miss everyone though! I still feel like this is a vacation, not a move. I have never lived outside of my home state. And so why not move across the world for the first time? :)