Sunda

About a month ago, we took our first trip out of the city.  We went on an embassy trip to Bogor, which is another smaller city just outside of Jakarta.  We went on an organized tour of the traditional Sundanese culture geared towards kids.  It was perfect for us. 

First they got to play an angklung, and learn a song.

Then they got to make a traditional cake, and drink.

Then they dressed us all up in traditional clothing.

 They were having a good time.  I just told them to make serious faces.

Then we saw a huge spider.  That thing was about the size of my hand stretched out.  We thought it was just an old spider that waited for bugs to fly into its web, and slowly crawl over to get them.  We were so wrong!  As we were sitting there watching it, it shot down to the bottom of the web super quick to catch something to eat.  It freaked us out.  I learned my lesson about checking out big bugs up close.

Then we had a dance lesson.

Walking around the grounds.

Then we got to play with more instruments.  I don't know the names for these.

 They had a fun time banging on those things, but I can't say the music they produced was very pleasant.

 Then we had lunch.

They got a lesson on how to make a doll from stems.  The girls really wanted to do it right, but it was kind of hard.  The instructors didn't speak a lot of English, so they were mostly showing the kids and it was hard to follow along.  But it was still very interesting.

Walking over to the village...

These boys were delighted that I wanted to take their picture.

The kids got first hand experience on how to plant rice.

Last, they washed their feet off and gave the water buffalos a bath.

Do It National

Still playing catch-up.  Hopefully my blog will become interesting again when it's up to date.  I have real life internet in my own home now.  I left DC on May 4th, so it only took 2 days shy of 3 months.  I know, sucky.  But we have it now, and all is right in my world.

So this is my Extra...

Lazy summer days.

This is a shot of the street from our apartment.  We were on the 27th floor.  It was fascinating to watch the organized chaos down below.

I hate doing dishes.  So much so, that sometimes I plan meals around what dishes I don't want to do.

Best.  Dessert.  Ever.

And it's not even chocolate.

Another shot from our apartment window.

This is Nate and I at the July 4th party at the Ambassador's residence.  It was fun.  There were American flags, a band, speeches, food, and dancing.  I was so glad I got to go.

Bowling.  Z really loved holding BA's hand.

Love Mads' double arm pump.

 More dishes.  This time I got help.  Cue evil laugh.

Here's my house!  Just ignore all the scaffolding, and you get the idea.

Silver

Most families in Jakarta take off to their home of origin once school is out, and they don't return until right before school starts again.  On the last day before the PGs left for the summer, we had a girls day at the salon for mani-pedi session.  My girls were not so enthusiastic about the idea.  But they agreed, only with the manicure.  They thought it was weird having someone messing with their feet.  But I was able to talk them into it, and they loved it.

Looks like B.A. could get used to that kind of treatment.

And they looked great!

Far and Wide

I took my camera to church one day.

Total awesomeness that we have a pineapple growing on our church grounds.

Very cool.

One of the bishopric was taking a picture of the primary, so I joined in.  This is not all of them, but most.

Nate catching our after church taxi.

That little vehicle is called a bajaj.  I'll talk more about those later.

We find the shade to wait.

Outbondholic

We made it to Ancol!  Only because the PGs got us a car and driver for the day.  They are the coolest.

Kids, get by the funny monkey for a family shot...

 Rooftops, and greenery.

 This was June 18th, only 5 weeks after our arrival.  So, being the inexperienced Jakarta/Indonesia traveler that I was, I did not bring along tissues on our trip to Ancol.  And, of course, Dare had to visit the "toilet" as soon as we got there.  The parents of these kids were kind enough to let us have some of their tissues.  I think they thought it was fair to ask for a picture in return.  But then, I asked for a picture of them too.  I guess I owe them one.

I think she was embarrassed.  Her parents kept pushing her closer to us.

The big green beetle we saw.

Getting all harnessed up.

There is an area for the kids to climb around in the trees, and another one for the adults.  Since N had already done the grown-up obstacle course, he was kind enough to chill with the kids while the rest of the adults moved along.

 So, since I moved along, this was the last picture I took of the kids.  

It was just the beginning.

First zip line.

Climbing a wall.

The last test was swinging from a rope.  Basically you stood on a platform high in a tree, held on to a rope, and jumped.  It was not as easy as it sounds.  The rope was slack, so you had to trust that you wouldn't just flop straight onto the ground.  At the end of the swing, you were supposed to grab the thick rope net on the other side.

 Looking down...

I didn't grab the net.  I was afraid it would hurt my arm, so I just let go.  I had visions of my detached arm hanging from the net, while the rest of me kept swinging.  I felt like a loser, but I think I got a better ride.  I got to swing back and forth until I was slow enough for someone to help me off.

That's why I was able to take this picture of Nate while he was up on top...

                                                

It took everyone a minute or two to talk your body into actually jumping off that thing.

Us with the PGs.

G and C.

The whole group leaving.

All The Nights

B.A. has her own room.  But this is where she sleeps.