What's over there?
YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA – A couple weeks ago we paid a visit to Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
But apparently, they’re still building it…
Just kidding…
Continue reading “A visit to Borobudur is well worth the trip”
Last month we spent several days in Taiwan, sightseeing, shopping and taking care of a couple of important errands.
Most of our stay was spent in Taipei, but we did manage a day trip to the historic mining town of Jiufen, now a popular tourist destination in the mountains northeast of Taipei.
With scenic panoramic views, dozens of curious shops and galleries, and more eateries than any two people could sample in a month, the picturesque village provided a fascinating getaway from the urban bustle of Taipei.
Here are some of the colorful sights from our daylong adventure.
click on each thumbnail for more information about the image
BALI, INDONESIA – Galungan gets underway this week here in Bali.
A major holiday celebrated by Balinese Hindu people, Galungan marks the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). It’s a time when the spirits of the ancestors return to the Earth and are present among the living.
The ancestral spirits will return to the afterlife on Kuningan day, at the end of the 10-day holiday period.
Continue reading “Galungan-Kuningan: A feast for the eyes in Bali”
SAPARUA ISLAND, INDONESIA – A short caravan of funky minibuses hauled our group on a bumpy ride through the jungle. We were headed from our beachside landing to our morning destination in a rural island village.
The road had been paved with concrete sometime in the last century and was sorely in need of resurfacing. But the bouncy ride was all just part of the adventure.
We had come to watch our hostess, Oma Nelly (oma means grandma in the local language), demonstrate how she makes traditional sago cakes. Our guide, Leo, explained each step of the process.
Continue reading “Sago Cakes – a traditional Spice Island taste treat”