A group of friends and I took the long weekend holiday to visit Belitung, an island on the east coast of Sumatra (approx 1 hour by plane from Jakarta). The island lived up to its reputation for stunning white beaches and clear turquoise coloured waters. We were fortunate to see dolphins on our boat outing which took us to a few of the small islands and reef formations just off from the cottages we stayed at.
This was my 2nd trip to the same mine. See earlier post for the first trip.
After flying into Ternete from Gosowong where I was visiting a gold mine, I met with my colleague Dr Areswari, who was visiting local hospitals. Ternete is a town and island and was once the world’s single major producer of cloves. In the precolonial era, Ternate was the dominant political and economic power over most of the “Spice Islands” of Maluku.
As we had time before our chopper ride to WedaBay, we went for lunch at a great restaurant overlooking the sea and the cone shaped islands which are featured on the 1,000 rupiah note.
Lunch at Florida restaurant – A great view!
Our ride to Halmahera
Medical Team
Sunset at WedaBay
Bali is perhaps the default choice for most people living in Jakarta for the Christmas/New Years holiday break. I spent a short week there with a group of friends from Indonesia, Australia, India, USA, Canada and Saipan.
Sanur
La Lucciola
Rock Bar at Ayana Hotel
Mykonos Greek Restaurant – Seminyak
Jimbaran – Seafood on the beach
La Sal
I just renewed my house lease for a further 2 years, so I decided to make the house feel more like a home. After a paint job to the interiors, I contacted a photographer (Warren Goldswain), whose work I have admired for sometime. After purchasing an initial piece, I asked for him and his partner Gill, to visit my home and give some suggestions for sizes, styles and shots for the different areas of my house. Warren prepared these mock ups below which were a great way to visualise how his work would look.
Living room
Dining Room
Outdoor/Poolside
Boys room
Guest room
Master bedroom
Hallway
Guest Room #2
Stairway:
I love this time of the year because I start planning and booking my travel itinerary for the following year. My work schedule for Jan-Mar is getting filled with some of the remaining spots I want to see in Indonesia being booked. For my personal travel I just booked my discounted flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in March 2010. AirAsia airlines is running a promotion at the moment and my return tickets cost me less than US$75. A great deal!
Some of my colleagues were posted in Vietnam and have given me some tips on where to see. If you have any of your own, please let me know by posting a comment or emailing me. I’d appreciate it.
Johan and his hair salon is an institution amongst expats and locals alike in Cipete, Jakarta. Aside from his hair cutting skills, he’s the man to go to for just about anything you need – wine and liquor, antiques, art, furniture, carpets, old Mercedes cars and if you want to meet other people. I always enjoy popping in during lunch to meet some of the characters that are there.
Jacque, Johan, Sanjev & Me
I attended a private party for the launch of an art exhibition of a close friend of mine, Shaun Parker at Kemang Villange. It was a great night of interesting people and striking artwork.
Shaun’s work has gained a solid following of collectors. You can check them out here: http://www.chrisandshaun.com/
Marc, Adele & Me
OctoberFest was held at Die Stube, a local German pub in Jakarta. Another good excuse to drink beer and eat food with good friends. Beer wasn’t German (as advertised), but the food was authentic.
German Expats doing their thing
Myself, Kristiana, Marc & Adele
There’s almost always an excuse for a party in Jakarta. With Indian friends celebrating Diwali (the festival of lights), who could resist getting dressed up for another festive night.
An Introduction
Indonesia is full of adventure. From the abundant sights to see across the thousands of cities, towns and villages; to navigating entrepreneurial opportunities that require creativity, grit and perseverance. Indonesia has become my new home.
If you are interested in non-conformity, emerging markets, entrepreneurship, health, travel, scuba diving and adventure, I hope you’ll find this blog of interest. Do drop me a line, I do my best to respond to every message.
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Posted by Indonesia on November 26, 2009 in Bali, Lombok & Gillis, Belitung, Commentary, Crisis Situations, Diving, Family & Friends, International SOS Jakarta, Life In Jakarta, Medical Services, Out in the Jungles, Projects, Travel for Fun, Vietnam, Weddings
Tags: Indonesia, Work Overseas