Monkey Business

Written by Karen.

We were on the fence about going to visit the monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in downtown Ubud.  We had heard from other travelers that the monkeys could be a bit impulsive and jump on your head, or tear apart your back pack or unzip zippers in search of food or something shiny.  In both of these cases, you could get scratched or bitten, and immediately our fertile imaginations conceived of all sorts of bad diseases that we could get from a monkey scratch or bite.  

Bali - The Island of the Gods

Written by Karen.

There are certain places on this planet that I have long dreamed of visiting.  Bali - The Island of the Gods - is one of those places.  I have long lusted over colorful pictures of swaying palm trees, rippling green rice fields, tropical birds and monkeys, exquisite foods, elaborate dance and friendly-looking people.  I have watched - and re-watched to the point of memorization - travel shows that featured Bali and the oft-considered conclusion that once you have arrived…that people decide to just never leave.   To simply “Go bamboo.”  That Bali is - could be - the end of the line for those who wander by slowly traveling, just like us.   

Exploring Jakarta, Indonesia

Written by Karen.

Several hundred years ago, Batavia was a walled settlement for the Dutch East India Company that became their dominant hub of a thriving shipping spice trade for centuries to come.  The wooden ships of their day, full of spices as well as other cash crops of coffee, silk, perfume, opium, slaves and tobacco docked in the nearby port of Sunda Kelopa Harbor and were subsequently unloaded for sale.  

Virtual Normality

Written by Adam

“With more than one billion permutations available—from unique textures to clothing, accessories, and more—you can build something that truly represents your own style,” the firm said.

Wow.  I guess the inevitable future has finally arrived, at least according to the firm.

What Oculus (the firm) announced are the initial steps towards people participating in virtual reality, and the major concepts and potential of the burgeoning technology.

Maple Park Tower B, Jakarta, Indonesia

Written by Karen.

The gray clouds are rolling in fairly quickly from the south.  It has been a cooler day today, likely due to the rainstorm yesterday which also seemed to knock down some of the air pollution.  The Java Sea is a few miles from our apartment, but I haven’t been able to see the water for the past few days.  The air pollution is still thick, heavy and impenetrable.  I hear thunder grumbling off in the distance.  Surely, we will have another rainstorm tonight. I welcome the thought of a cleansing rainstorm and another cool day tomorrow.  

Street Food, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Written by Karen 

It was Saturday night and we were headed to the Chiang Mai Gate in the Old City of Chiang Mai.  On our agenda tonight was to walk around a bit and pick up some of the evening ambience.  Also high on my list was to eat some street food. 

Neighborhoods - Bangkok, Chiang Mai

Written by Karen.

We have been in Bangkok for several days now and are ready to settle down in our own space for a bit.  Our first impressions of Thailand are still holding strong: very friendly people, excellent food, and lots to see/do.  In short, we like Bangkok very much.  

Grocery Store Shopping in Bangkok

Written by Adam

Since I am avoiding a prolonged life of gastronomical austerity, I was compelled to visit the Thai version of a grocery store in search of some free range kale, among other things.  In some ways the offerings presented there are quite familiar to all of us, so I will not burden you with those.  I was more interested in the sheer variety of heretofore unknown groceries available in Thailand, and the subtle marketing used to move them off the aisles and directly towards the checkout counters.  

Exploring Bangkok

Written by Karen.

For such a big city, Bangkok awakens slowly.  Perhaps because it is so hot and humid here people take a more chill approach to starting their day.  We’ve been here for a few days exploring our neighborhood, walking the streets, poking into tiny alleys, wandering into markets and shops and only finding respite in the shade or air-conditioned cafes.

Waking Up in Bangkok, Thailand

Written by Karen.

The room was quiet.  It was blessedly cool due to an efficient air conditioner.  The bed was comfortable.  I had awakened just a few moments earlier and instantly wondered what time it was.  I knew it was still early in the morning as the thin wispy curtains that covered the single-paned windows were starting to shimmer with the faintest promise of daylight.