Tommy Hilfiger, Apples and Lemons…
I love colognes. I have used a few over the years, from Calvin Klein’s Eternity to Aigner Black (my recent fav), and I still love them all, but decided to try something new. So, I got a very nice Hugo Boss, and a yummy Tommy Hilfiger scent! I will let The Evil Twin’s sister, Princess Blackstar, be the judge of these new ones.
Ok, enough about how I smell. I have a funny (maybe tragic, but funny) story to share. And it is a REAL true story! As you know, China and Hong Kong are known for their pirated items. For example, you may see a very cool Snoopy T-shirt, but when you get closer to it, it says “SHOOPY” instead, and the dog looks slightly “different.” This is a story about such a thing: A friend’s father is in China, and doing some shopping. He made a purchase, and is so happy he calls the his daughter…
- Dewi: “Hello?”
- Dad: “Hi! I got a new laptop!”
- Dewi: “Wow! That is great! What kind is it?”
- Dad: “It’s that popular one that you see a lot of in Jakarta, with that Apple logo”
- Dewi: “Wow, you got a MacBook! Can I have it?”
- Dad: “No way! It’s mine! I love how that apple glows. That full apple looks like a full moon glowing and….”
- Dewi: “Wait….. A full apple? Apple’s logo has a bite take out of its side! You must have bought a fake MacBook!”
*~ Wow wow wow ~*
Maybe the Logo looked like: 
instead of 
I wonder what the box looked like??? Anyway, the moral of the story is be careful what you buy!
Smack! Bam! Pow!!!
Today’s blog is Movie Themed hehehe:
Unbreakable:
No, “Smack! Bam! Pow!!!” is not the opening scene to the 1960’s TV show “Batman.” This was the sound I heard yesterday when going to work! My taxi was broad-sided by an Orang Gila (crazy person)!
I was in my taxi (Blue Bird) and we were about 10 minutes from my office. It was heavy traffic (macet) and we were inching along at a snail’s pace. to my left is the off-ramp of the highway (Interstate, for my fellow Americans). The guy, driving a black SUV came flying out of the exit toll, and ran directly into my car door!
The door was smashed in, I was covered in glass. But, I was ok: I’m UnBreakable! (See the Bruce Willis movie hahahahaha). The driver, and his wife, of the SUV, got out screaming at the the taxi driver, who was clearly innocent! *~ Kyaaa ~*
To make a long story longer (hahaha) I had to get out using the other side’s door, and flag down another taxi, in a place that has very few of them (they are always full of other people going to work). I’m just glad no one was hurt, but that taxi driver was cursing. Ok, I don’t know any Indonesian curse words, but whatever he said, it really really REALLY pissed the baka (Japanese for “idiot”) SUV driver off.
Batman
Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Batman! It is playing as of today in Jakarta! I’m so excited! I also get homesick, because Jackie, my BFF (best friend forever) and I used to go to celebrate my birthday. (did you know, every Batman movie is released 1 week before my birthday? how coolllllll is that?). I especially love this new series of Batman movies with Nolan as the director and Bale as the dark knight.
The Evil Us’s (X-tine, The Evil Twin, and I making up the voting members) were planning to see it this weekend, but we are worried about the exceptional crowds. The twin and I outvote X-tine 2 to 1 to want to see it tonight instead LOL BUT X-tine has more cell phone numbers than cell phones! I’m still trying to contact her. Maybe I’ll call her bf to relay the msg.
Anyway, I’ve seen trailer after trailer, spoiler after spoiler (which I do not mind). I just look forward to a great time, new bat-gadgets, and some artery-clogging movie popcorn with fake, butter-flavored oil!
The Matrix
Laptop Update: I should get it today, but only from sheer will power on my part! I was told “Sorry, will be 4 weeks for it.” I wanted to scream!
Rodney: “why 4 weeks? Every mall has an iBox or eStore, and all of them have that laptop in stock!”
Purchasing: “you wanted the 4GB installed, that is special order.”
Rodney: *~ kyaaaa ~* “just get the 2GB model, and buy the 2GB upgrade kit, lor! You can get it at XYZ Mall!” (xyz mall is very close to my office, and i wont say the mall, cos I dont want my stalker to know where I work–yes I have a stalker)
Purchasing: “can u call and see if it is in stock?”
WHAT? ME???????? OK! you’ll pay! I get the monster machine: 17in, 2.6Ghz!
so, I ordered the 17in instead of the 15.4in MacBook Pro, and the 2GB upgrade kit (giving me 4GB total) and i even getting a free wireless MightyMouse! I will get it in about 2 hours!
*~ Imitating South Park’s Cartman: SWEEEEEEEEET. Kick Ass! ~*
So in honor of the Dark Knight, I will use my new tech gadget to improve the lives of many through my photography (which will be processed on this yummy MacBook Pro), do my office work, and play SimCity 4 to create my own version of The Matrix (bet you were wondering “how does The Matrix fit in?” right? hahaha)
Bahasa Indonesia Lesson for Today:
Macet: traffic jam (you had this word before)
Orang: person/human
Gila: crazy
Take care!
SARA, Europe Travel Plans & MacDaddy Status…
Hi Hi,
It’s 4:15AM, Wednesday. I know I promised to publish on Tuesday, but I simply could not because I could not think how to begin to talk about SARA.
I said I would talk about SARA (ethnic/race, religion, and racism) but it seems to be extremely complex (too complex for my brain, anyway) and VERY sensitive. Better I leave that topic alone!
Letter to Rod:
Christi Wrote: ”Hi. I’m a photographer. I am traveling to Bali in August, and thought to go to Java and see Borobudur. Have you been there? Do you think it is worth the extra money to see the place?”
Rodney: I’ve been asked by a number of people this. Actually, I have been to Borobudur! If you have the money, I’d definitely go to visit it. I went with a friend and her family during Lebaran Holiday (Idul Fitri). I was very worried about how to properly photograph the place, as there are just so many wonderful photos already. I did manage to get two that I’ve not seen before. here’s one now, with the temples in silhouette and the setting sun directly behind the temples.
I loved the place, and extremely grateful for my friend’s brother taking the time to drive us there to see it! It is majestic, and fascinating. You will be glad you visited!
But, strangely, my biggest memory of Borobudur is not the temple, but the escape from there! When leaving, you must walk for over 20min through a maze of tiny shacks and shops trying to sell tourist trinkets! There is only one exit, and you are forced to walk through the maze which twisted and turned left or right every 10 or 20 meters. The entire time, you are pressure sold to by the vendors. Also it is extremely hot and sun is beating down on your head (this is intentional, and this the drinks are almost 3x the normal price!). It was a horrible end.
I climbed up, down, and back up Borobudur two times, and was not as tired as I was during that long walk through that tourist-trap maze of shops! After we finally got out, we had to get drinks (and shock, they were only 1/3 the price of the drinks in the maze-o-death! :p
Mac Daddy:
My office is giving me a MacBook Pro, Max’ed out (meaning, the highest available processor, max amount of RAM, etc). I only opted for the 15.4in instead of the 17in (which only has a larger screen, and 1 extra USB port, but also extra weight). Niceeee…. The Evil Twin will purchase my current MacBook, named Merlin.
*~ Hmm, What To Name The New MacBook Pro? ~*
Maybe I will keep the name Merlin for the new laptop, and make her give the old MacBook a new name of her own choosing. I can’t wait to get the new laptop! I will be sure to bring it to Singapore at the end of the month. (I’ve a presentation to prepare). A friend said “you’re becoming a MacHead, you’re a MacDaddy!”
I’m not sure if this is true or not, or good or not… hmmm
I’m bugging the purchasing dept to please get it by end of the week, and to get it at IBox or E-Store, so I get the free wireless mouse (the Apple MightyMouse). I already have a wireless MightMouse, but if I get the free one, The Evil Twin gets to have one. She also gets all my MacBook Accessories (the cases, etc) because they wont fit the new laptop (which is slightly wider and longer in size). Maybe her sis will steal some of them. :p
Travel:
Speaking of work, I am leading a team of 5 to Amsterdam and London in September! I can’t wait to see what Singapore Airline’s Business Class is like. I heard it is very very good! I can use the frequent flyer miles to hehehe.
Projects:
I’m stuck. I am thinking I need a translator to go with me for this project. Hoping The Evil Twin’s brother is still interested in working with me.
Also, I am stilllll writing that paper for the Health Dept. I need to give more priority to it so it gets done before my birthday this month!
Ok, that is all for now. Please take care!
Good News, Buddhist Monks, and Cambodian Kiddies…
Hello, everyone. I’ve a lot to share!
Good News:
I have some interesting news to share! It seems I will be a participant in a 3 day photography gallery from May 9-11. The competition I entered focus on the development goals within Indonesia (fighting poverty, empowering women, etc). I entered 8 (or is it 10) photographs into the competition’s 8 categories. The field has been narrowed to 96 photos, including my own. The public will have 3 days to view and vote on the best photo. Now, that is the bad news part: public always goes for the bright shinny vibrant color stuff, not the dim, murky Black and White photography. So I am sure I won’t win, but still, good to be in the gallery showing.
If you are in Jakarta between May 9 – 11, and want to visit the gallery, the address is:
Museum Bank Mandiri
Art Center Lantai 2 (lantai=floor)
Jl. Lapangan Stasiun No. 1
Jakarta, 11110
10 AM – 8 PM
Please do attend if you can, and please vote for me (if you feel my images are worth the votes).
Another great news is a photography organization I previously contacted has asked for more samples of my work. I will send that off when I return to Jakarta. I would have sent the portfolios this weekend, had it not been for the HORRIFIC discovery of my gamma 1.8 issue (See the Mac vs. PC portion of the previous blog for details).
I feel pretty confident I’ve solved the gamma issues. Tell me if you feel this blog’s photographs seem “ok” to you. I’m now running on Gamma 2.2, with Daylight setting of 6500K. If you do not know what this means, just assume it is a good thing. I am curious though: If you are a Mac user, and a photographer, what settings do you use for your Monitor calibration?
Buddhist Monks:
I can say I learned a great deal about Angkor Wat, and the neighboring temples. One thing I learned was very few of the monks famous for being at Angkor Wat actually live there! the great majority live in the surrounding areas, or travel from further away to make the once-in-a-life-time journey to see Angkor Wat. So, a lot of photos of those monks are photos of visitors who do love to be photographed! It’s fun to see, because the monks have modern cell phones, and are also shooting photos of the temples, right along with the other tourists.
But I do love how the monks will sit and pose for people. Well, not really pose: they are just sitting and being themselves. When people (such as me) ask for photo, they just nod their head, and give you the “thousand-mile-stare.” If u do the proper bow beforehand, they may even give u a partial hint of a smile! Oh, and if you are allowed to capture their image, please do take a moment to thank them properly. So many tourist would just snap a photo, then run off. Some tourist even would stand over top of the guy below (who gave that partial hint of a smile) and get photos made by their friends, and not even as much as a “thanks!”
Cambodian Kiddies (a.k.a. Naked Toddlers and above):
Ok, some of you have emailed asking to see the naked babies. So, here are a couple of images I hope are tastefully photographed, while not showing their little private parts (afterall, how many of you want your naked baby pictures shown on the Internet?)
*~ Kyaaa, Sorry I chopped your foot off, kid! ~*
Little kids would cry when they see my camera pointing at them. The little girl, above, was the only naked baby to not cry, although she did make a scared face when she heard the “click click click!” of the shutter. The girl below could not hold back her fright, which won over her curiosity and her mom tried to comfort her.
Still, there were many other kids, besides naked babies, to be seen. It seems to me the older they get, the more clothing they wear, but always are topless at young ages. Then again, it’s hard to tell boys from girls at very young ages, except for the long hair, so I guess it is ok… I guess. *~ Perplexed ~*
Still, I do not want to show half naked little girls! My mom would raise from the grave and smack me! So, out of ethical consideration, the girls are either fully clothed, or you can’t see anything.
Still, there are many boys too. The kids, even though they are from different families, are very close to each other. It seems to me the Cambodian communities (I visited) live the motto “it takes a village to raise a kid”
Reminds me of my friend Edward and me at their age. We were super close growing up, but strangely we not stay in contact much after a few years out of high school. I hope these guys remain friends after becomes adult
I should mention something about the above image. The baby is not a natural blond, but suffering partly from malnutrition. The hair turns light color from lack of proper nutrients. But on a lighter (no blond pun intended) note, I noticed kids love those big-wheel rabbit tricycles!
OK enough photos for now! Please take care, and I hope these look ok (but I notice flickr–who houses the photos–dulls the colors, yuck).
Tomorrow morning I fly back to Jakarta.
Take care
Naked Babies, Mac vs. PC, and Gator-ade(less)…
HiHi,
I’m still in Cambodia. I can say while I highly dislike Saigon, Vietnam, I LOVE Cambodia! I love every aspect of this place so far. The people are beautiful and friendly, even to me (who can be scary to little Asians, at first sight, given my Sumo-build and dark skin hahaha). Remember what I said about my theory on there being different types of “poor?” Well Cambodia is definitely in the Indonesia category. A lot of these wonderful people are seriously poor. But, one thing stands out, and I find it quite alarming, yet humorous:
Naked Babies:
OMG, there are so many naked toddlers running around! I am fully aware it is very hot and humid here. Still, I can only think “oh dear, her baby-soft skin will turn to sun-dried leather without a good SPF sunscreen!” Everywhere there are naked babies.
- Running around on the row boats with their banana-selling moms: Naked Babies
- At the street vendor stands selling drinks, running around playing: Naked Babies
- Next to the way-too-innocent 12 year old girls begging you to buy their postcards: Naked Babies
- In the kampung villiage areas, in the streets, grass, and chasing dogs: Naked Babies
Everywhere are Naked Babies laughing, giggling, staring (at me), pointing (at me again) and smiling and waving “Hello!”– Naked Babies!
*~ Can’t their parents at least let them wear underwear? ~*
Mac vs. PC:
I have so many photos of Cambodia, but I noticed on the PCs at the Internet Cafe my recent pics are very dark! I then looked back at older posts to see the black and white images also are very dark! *~ Kyaaa! ~*
Why do my pictures show up too dark and/or over-saturated with color on PCs, yet look wonderful on Mac? My god, I wanted to scream when I saw my color photos on PC. My first thought was ”omg, people are seeing these photos?”
I did some google searches and found out why! Gamma! Macs use Gamma 1.8 and PCs use 2.2. This means, everything on mac will show up darker on PC. So I need to reset my Gamma to 2.2 (to match most of the free world…maybe…i’m google searching still)? Strange strange strange. I just had a thought: does this mean photos processed on PC will appear too light/undersaturated color on Mac? Let me check.
Checking… nothing. I forgot, I’m on a pc right now at Internet Cafe grrrr. Will check tomorrow when back in Vietnam….
I made photos for portfolios! I made photos for contests! So what happens if they view on PC? Hmm…
So, I wont post more pics this day, until I find out more. Maybe tuesday I will post, as I want them to seem great to you! But I can say I have some amazing finds to share with you all.
Gator-ade(less):
Today, my buddy, Janet, and I agreed we all needed Gator-ade before heading to the mountains, to help us perform better on the long trek ahead. I pointed out one place that had Gator-ade (the place across the street) but the driver went past it, then said “oh, I know anther place” NO Gator-ade, but some sports-aid stuff.
There is no replacement for Gator-ade: That sports-ade gave me heartburn all day! *~ Cry ~*
*~ Breaking News ~*
I’ve heard back from an organization I find to be very interesting and produce wonderful photographic work. They’ve requested to see my portfolios!
*~ Doing the Happy Snoopy Dance ~*
BUT, see above about Mac vs. PC! Now, 90% of the Photographic (and artistic world) use Mac (as the rest of the world should) but I can’t risk sending portfolios to them without knowing they really do use Mac or PC! I have to reply and ask them (safest thing to do I think).
Anyway, I’m going back to my room. Tonight was not fun at all actually. I will work on my photos some more, and am curious what will happen if I chage the Gamma to 2.2 (will every photos I’ve worked on need to be reprocessed, OMG…)
*~ P.S. ~*
I’ve found the answer. I need to change my Gamma to 2.2 grrr. And Apple even recommends it Here. Now. why did they ship the bloody machine with 1.8 when they recommend to update it to 2.2 for artisitc work? Grrr. Ok. Fine. I at least know Mac machines are smart enough to auto-switch (I hope) between the two gamma settings, as I sent my portfolio via DHL International Express (at the cost of 1/2 a month’s rent!) with 1.8 gamma images to “The-Photo-Gods” (who happen to use Mac systems…thank god). I praying the images I sent will appear properly! *~ pls Lord pls ~*
Ok, I’m going back to my room (again, for real!) to update my Gamma and see what happens (scared my other photos will change…)
Take care!
Demo Gods and Runaway Freight Trains…
Ok, I’m typing fast: don’t cringe at my typos, bad grammar or composition (you should be used to these by now hahaha). I am dead tired, and I am fighting a cold (so far it’s a 50/50 battle).
These last few days have been VERY BUSY. Reviewing photos, reworking photos, resizing photos, new sharpening routines for optimal results for various visual media. I also bought anew low-tech tech toy: a Mini DVI to VGA cable that allows my hyper-sexy MacBook to use a 2nd visual graphics device like a 2nd monitor.
I’ve been VERY BUSY because my photographic career has been gathering more and more momentum. If my photographic career has energy, that energy is changing from potential to kinetic energy!
Even more, my photographic work is turning into a perpetual energy machine; fueling itself with the energy needed to continue. My Photographic work and efforts have taken on the exponentially increasing momentum of a runaway freight train! I feel like an engineer trying to keep my train on the tracks, despite the twists and turns.
*~ And So Far I Am Successfully Keeping My Train On Track! ~*
Today I gave a presentation to the Indonesian Government. Running a slide show to display photographs using an InFocus projector, I turned into what Bill Gates (of Microsoft, of course!) calls “The Demo God:” a person who knows his product, and the needs of his client so well, failure is impossible.
For days, I narrowed thousands of photos down to a very select body of work, specific to their project needs. The presentation went *~ extremely ~* well. The directors seemed highly impressed, and (even better) seemed to like every photo presented to them for their use. Not only are they going to purchase far more photos than I had thought, they asked for additional photos for a separate project as well!
*~ AND THEY ACCEPTED MY PRICE! Hmmm, maybe I should have asked for more? ~*
Now now, do not bother to ask my price. I tailored the price based on a number of factors: rarity of the photos (as no other photographer has them, that I am aware of) the time and effort to obtain the photographs (going to Kalimantan, to remote areas of the island, including to Dayak tribes), the fact the photos are being used for books, brochures, government reports and web, etc., etc. Anyway, I can say this: I should more than double my salary for Jan 2008 (based on my teacher’s salary), even more depending on how many other photos they want from the next set (see below).
The director also inquired about a possible exhibition… (more to come about this later…)
Anyway, I’m alive and well. I need to thank my friend, KiKi, for helping me narrow down the selection to a razor sharp group. We spent days editing and reworking the photos.
*~ Hmmm, maybe I should pay her an assistant’s fee? NO WAY! Silly me! (j/k) ~*
Time to get back to work. I must finish another batch of photos (showing samples of housing in poor areas). I tried to finish this batch today at StarBucks, but some files were on the backup drive, so I was forced to wait to be home. fun fun fun
*~ YES I do backups of EVERY digital asset! ~*
Bahasa Indonesia Lesson for Today: none. too busy to learn more *~ cry ~*
Take care, and wish me further luck. So far 2008 is starting off good.
*~ Rodney ~*
Ice Cream With a Toxic Waste Chaser…
Today started like a typical Rodney Saturday during a holiday. I woke up late, after a night of watching pirated DVDs, took a shower and went to Starbucks.
*~ And thank “you” for the free Fappuccino and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie! ~*
Strange… in America, I never really liked oatmeal raisin cookies, opting for choc chip instead. But here, I LOVE the oatmeal raisin cookies at ‘Bucks! Anyway…
After a few hours of web surfing and research. Yup, I’m “working” on the research for photo projects even on a holiday Saturday. *~ cryyy ~* I met up with The-Twin-Who-Is-No-Longer-Evil and went to Pondok Indah Mall for some special shopping. While there we decided to take in a movie: National Treasure. It turned out to be very fun! I love the action, and I liked that guy, Riley, the tech geek, who used a wonderful hybrid mixture of pocket pc + Apple MacBook, wireless headset and iPod, all networked with Bluetooth (except for the iPod) to do his tech wizardry!
*~ Ahhh, reminds me of the days when Ed and I used to do similar tech pranks ~*
I also LOVED teasing the Twin as all the latest movies (e.g., National Treasure and I Am Legend) showed the heroes using Apple desktop computers and Apple MacBooks! The Twin has been mulling over the idea of getting a MacBook for months. I have one, her sister, Princess, has one, half the people in the cafes had them, and now she’s beginning to feel left out. *~ hahaha ~*
One of the things that surprised me was the price of tickets, only 25,000 Rupiah! PIM is a very high-class mall in a very exclusive area of Jakarta, yet their tickets are lower price than most of the rest of the city (and half the price of Studio XXI at EX Plaza, my favorite place). If PIM was not an 1hr drive away, it could become the favorite movie theater of mine.
After shopping for the special items, and getting the Twin’s evil cat some premium cat-food at a grocery store, we went for dinner, then McD for some soda and ice cream.
*~ No wonder that evil cat is still alive, she keeps feeding it quality food, Kyaaa! ~*
I inhaled the ice cream and reached behind my seat for the mini trashcan she keeps in the back of the car. I opened it, reached in to push papers down, and EWE! My fingers go into some yucky liquid that’s been stewing and fermenting in her hot car for days! It was like some toxic soup of bacteria and viruses! *~ YUCK! ~*
I screamed like a banshee at her! She laughing so hard that I wanted to get revenge, so I tried to wipe that mix of toxic chemicals off my hand by using her shirt or hair, but she scream at me! Then she squirt my hand with hand sanitizer!
*~ OMG! Now I have a sick mix of man-made chemicals on my chubby fingers. *~ Cryyy! ~*
Photography is coming along as planned. I am finding the research I am doing is leading to more and more questions as I dig deeper and deeper. I received news the Ministry of Health would like to see some of the Kalimantan photos for possible use in their documents and maybe a book. Seems like a cool opportunity, so I accept. I’m sending my contact copies by email. The Ministry can pick and choose the ones they wish to use.
About 2 months ago I encountered a “wet market” full of activity. It was so packed and busy and SMELLY. When I think back on how the chicken was being processed, with literally dozens of flies buzzing about the raw meat sitting on a wood log in the sun, I am shocked I’m so addicted to Ayam Bakar (grilled/bbq chicken).
At that time, I only wanted to escape that place, as the smells of raw fish, chicken and veggies (and lets not forget that toxic water flowing down the middle in a dug-out trench covered with wood boards so people could walk). But, today I think that place was pretty interesting. I am thinking of returning during the week to check it out, with camera in hand. After the Twin’s toxic soup encounter, chicken sampled by flies is not too hard to stomach!
Bahasa Indonesia Lesson for Today:
Soup: Sop
Canister: Teromol (I think)
For: Untuk
Toxic: Mengandung Racun
Chemicals: Bahan KimiaTeromol untuk Sop Bahan Kimia Mengandung Racun = Twin’s car trashcan!
I’m tired. I’m going to watch more episodes of Heroes (on pirated DVD of cos–I love pirated stuff!) until I drift off into ZZZ
Take Care!
PS: X-tine, get well soon! *~ Smile ~*
Smack Down! …
I’m about to smack the evil twin! We are moving at a snail’s pace in “macet” (heavy traffic jam) during a heavy rain…
*~ Oh great… Lightning ~*
So, I begin to blog! We start to drive, and she is hitting EVERY pot-hole she can find!
Rodney: “Hey, you missed one. Can you try harder to hit EVERY SINGLE HOLE??? GRRR!”
Twin: “SORRY! hahahahahahahahaaaaaa!”
Rodney: !@#$
This has happened over and over and OVER! I told her I’m going to put NickNick (her evil cat) in a specially-designed-by-Yendor torture chamber if she not stop!
Ok, we are moving more normally now. We’re heading to SinCity (a.k.a. Senayan City–a mall) to eat yummy munchies and see a movie (which one is still under debate). Today is the last day of classes until…..sdfasdf[asdf
*~ She just ran over more holes while I’m typing! Kyaaa! ~*
Ok, let me try again… Today is the last day of classes until Early January 2008! I am sooo happy! I need the break. I’m seriously burnt out! These last couple of weeks has been nuts, crazy, insane, but also productive!
There are a number of teachers on holiday already, extending the already long holiday. So, some teachers may need to cover other classes. I just want to get out after my kid class! So, I tell her asfasdfaewev *~ more bumps! ~*
GRRR Ok, retry this way:
Rodney: “Meet me at 6! Don’t be late! They looking for teachers!”
Twin: “Ok Ok, I’m leaving now (5 PM)!”
Rodney: *~ thinking: she’s always late…sigh, I’ll get asked to cover another class!~*
6:00 PM
Twin: *~ SMS: “I’m sooo close, but macet!” ~*
Rodney: sms-reply “Hurry! They already asked “Is Rod avail to cover blahblahblah!”
Twin: “ok! Ok! stand outside”
Rodney: “It’s raining!!!!!!!!!!”
I go stand outside up the side stairs, in the rain and lightning, to hide from the office staff who are now looking out the door asking people “Have you seen Rodney?” Kyaaa!
*~ SCREAMMMM we almost get hit by some stupid driver! ~*
How can she see out of the windows of this car? Her windshield wipers are like 3yrs old. That’s 21 in dog years! (I won’t mention the blue warning light that always is on when she starts the car… )
Anyway, We are almost there now. I’m just looking forward to a fun two weeks resting, shooting, shooting, shooting, movies, and shooting and resting.
Just remembered: I’ve been missing beef ribs soooo badly. Sure, there is Hard Rock Cafe and Chilis here, but their beef ribs are beyond expensive, even by american prices, and they are not that good! But, I’ve come across a place, Ayam Bakar, that has intensely, orgasmic beef ribs. OMG!
*~ I sucked on the sauce-covered bone as if the antidote was in it! ~*
And cheap! Only 15,000 rupiah for a huge portion. I’ve had this for the last couple days for my lunch. I’m drunk off the ribs. So tender, they fell off the bone. I wish I still had Cassie, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, because she loves the bones. But this time I sucked the bone until my teeth marks made long vertical lines up and down the thing hahaha!
I will tell more about it later. My Twin (no longer called “evil”… I’m being ‘nice,’ damn it) is complaining “write something nice about meeeee”. OMG, does she not realize she is driving!?!? And she constantly turning her head to me to see what I’m typing. *~ Kyaaa! ~*
Anyway, back to more important things: RIBS! They are dirt cheap, as I mentioned. They are like restaurant food at street vendor cheap in price. I will write more about the food I’m encountering as I avoid more and more western places to eat, adding more Indonesian items to my diet.
*~ A street vendor is dancing w/peanuts in one hand & money clinched in the other ~*
Ok, more about food another time.
Bahasa Indonesia Lesson for Today:
Kaki: Leg
Lima: Five
Harga: PriceKaki Lima: Street Vendor
I’m told Kaki Lima means Street Vendor because they move around so much and fast, as if they have five legs Hahaha.
Take care! There’s A LOT more to tell, but we are almost at SinCity (I’m starving: for food and movies)! I will post tomorrow.
*~ OMG! 2hrs in macet. She wants the A/C off cos she’s cold. CRYYYY ~*
*~ Rodney ~*
The Shell Game…
Today was another day of JiFFest, or was it?
The Evil Twin, her sister, Princess, and I met today at Blitz MegaPlex (a new mall, which I hate) for a free international movie. But instead of a fun day of movies, we ended up playing The Shell Game!
We met at Starbucks (of course) and proceeded to the theater. We got in line, got our tickets and and sat in comfortable chairs at a nice big table. Surfed the internet on Merlin (my MacBook) and watched some movie trailers. Soon I grab some popcorn and drinks…
*~ Bare with me, All this info makes sense soon hahaha ~*
I got an sms from X-tine saying she saw I Am Legend, and that Will Smith was great. Hmmm I have to see that!
Soon it’s time to queue to rush in for seats (free JiFFest movies do not have pre-assigned seats. It’s like being back in USA hahaha).
Suddenly the evil twin says “This is not the right queue!” and we had to go to the other door behind a LONG line! I had just walked past that new door when coming from the men’s room, and it was only a queue of 1 at that time. Now it was a double line of dozens of “me-first” thinking people! *~ Kyaaa! ~*
But, what choice is there? We get in the long-ass line, and stand there and stand there and stand there. 25 minutes later she says “These tickets are for the wrong movie! Let me check… “ *~ WHAT??? GRRR! ~*
She checks with the theater people. She discovers…
*~ We’re at the wrong theater! Kyaaaa! ~*
We waited in this long line, left our yummy, soft seats, standing with constantly-growing-stale popcorn, warning drinks FOR NOTHING!
We were at the wrong theater?!!!!!? What is that about?? Princess and I try to strangle the evil twin! DIE, as you deserve to!
*~ Evil: I’m sorryyyyyyyyy! ~*
So, do we stay in queue for what turns out to be an Indian documentary, with Indonesian subtitles. Worse is the fact that it will only last 15 minutes ! Should we stay or go?
*~ YES, we stood in line for longer than the documentary would’ve lasted! ~*
*~ You did the math properly! TEN Points to Gryffindor! ~*
Then the evil twin tries to take her sister’s hotdog while we debated staying or leaving, kyaaa!
Evil: “Let’s go to food court…”
Rodney: “What?! I’ve all this popcorn and Tea! I want a movie!”
Princess: chomping on her hotdog
R: “Does she always make a mess like this of plans?”
P: “Always!”
E: *~ Tries to take princess’ hotdog ~*
P: “Heyyyyy!”
R: *~ Smacks evil’s grasping claws away ~*
E: “Errummmmm!”
R: “Stop that! God, you always taking her food! I surprised she’s not dead from starvation or dis-formed from malnutrition!”
E: *~ Whining ~* “It smells good! I want to try ittttttt!”
P: “She always taking my food! She is just like her lazy cat!”
R: “I believe it! Lazy to move, unless food is involved!”
P: “Hahaha, ya!”
E: “Grrr! Come on, lets go!”
R: “I want a movie! Let’s see Legend! YOU PAY! YOU OWE US!”
E: “GRRR!”
So, the princess and I DEMANDED our free movie! We decided to take X-tine’s advice and watch I Am Legend.
*~ Evil: I not bring much cash. Can I borrow? ~*
I want to scream! But she promised to go to ATM right after movie to give the money back… Hmmm… OK!.
We watch the movie. It turned out to be a good movie, except for the gas-filled man sitting next to Princess, who kept staring at her legs and BURP-ing ever few minutes between talking to his friends.
*~ Luckily I’m not next to him: I’ve ugly legs! ~*
*~ Waiting Waiting Waiting… I’m hungry! ~*
DRIP DRIP DRIP! There’s water dripping on my head! GRRR!
I move to another table, princess joins me, and the evil twin joins us….
DRIP! WHAT!? AGAIN???? More water?! It’s like Chinese Water Torture!
So, we had a shell game with movies, a shell game with theaters, and a shell game with tables. All is well and fine
Bahasa Indonesia Lesson for the Day:
Drip: Tetesan
Shell: Kulit
Game: Permainan
Take Care!
PS: I forgot to mention I’ve turned on an option where all comments must be approved by me before they appear on the blog.
Well, on “your” web browser it will seem it’s posted, so you know the submit was successful, but in fact it’s waiting for me to approve it.
I did this because several people, who I not even know, were sending rude comments. While I do allow negative comments, it does not mean I “have” to, especially when it’s rude comments about people I know, or friends or former friends (Yes, I defend even the former friends).
I’m writing a software update which adds functionality where you will only need one ‘approval’ from me and then all future comments from you will be auto-approved (pls be patient!). -
- Rodney
Paradoxes and Parasites
Hello,
Yes, I’m still alive. Over the last few weeks I’ve survived fungus spores and parasites! I need to tell this country’s street vendors they need to try harder if they want to kill me!
*~ Dear Street Vendors: I’m bullet proof. Next time bring Kryptonite! — Superman ~*
I spent a good part of the last few weeks (and $) going to SOS clinic (a VERY good place ran by Western medical standards). I’m pretty much normal now.
I’m writing this blog from in the un-air conditioned lobby of a new hotel (just opened today!) in Yogyakarta, central Java.
The holiday is Lebaran (Idul Fitri). I am traveling in Yogakarta and Semin to explore the kampungs here, and to add to my current photographic projects. So far I’m off to a very slow start, but I think I will gain back some lost ground (sorry for all the American slang) starting Saturday morning. We lost a full day because of HUGE traffic jams. The driver has driven in past years during Idul Fitri, so he was aware of the traffic conditions, but this year (according to him) is the worst it has ever been. It took us 6 (YES SIX) hours to travel the distance normally requiring only one hour. We were to arrive in Yogyakarta at about 10AM Thursday (we left 10PM Wednesday night) to end a 12 hour journey. Instead, we arrive at about 1:45AM FRIDAYYYY.
So Friday is a lost day. We also had to change hotels to find better one with lower rate. I will go to Semin tomorrow, after an early morning of making photos in Yogyakarta kampungs. I do more photo creating in Semin on Sunday morning. Monday is pegged for Borobudur. Tuesday purely for making photos. We drive back to Jakarta Wednesday morning.
*~ Update: I won’t shoot Saturday. I injured my foot during the 27 (YES 27!) hour car ride. Pain Pain Pain. It hurts to bend the toes. I will use Sat to plan more for Semin. So, for 7 days, only shooting 2 cryyyyy. ~*
I’ve been to East Java (Malang and Lawang) and Jakarta is in the West. Now that I am in Central Java, I can say I have had a ‘taste’ of what Javanese people are like. There are some big differences, in my opinion, between the 3 regions’ peoples. I won’t go into it here, but I will tell some of you in private. *~ smile ~*
Anyway, I now need your help and advice:
I have two photos of two adorable little girls, I’m not sure which I like best. Please tell me what you like in each. The first is so innocent, and represent a vision of how I see kampungs: harsh environments with sweet, sometimes innocent people. The 2nd photo represents how innocence can cloud one’s judgment, leaving one vulnerable and at the mercy of others (as can be seen from that ominous hand reaching out of nowhere in picture #2).
*~ Anyway, which do you like more, and why ~*
The Kampung Paradox
Jakarta, Indonesia
Quite often kampungs (neighborhood villiages) are a paradox: Hard, unyielding rock walls,
old cracked brick and layered grounds of broken slate, razor sharp glass and sharp pebbles
Vs.
The soft, tender, innocent smiles of curious children
The Buddy System
Jakarta, Indonesia
Little children raised in the West are taught to always swim with a buddy because unseen, life threatening dangers can exist in even the most familiar places. If one buddy is in danger the other could provide help. The buddy system does not always work; sometimes both buddies will lose their lives.
The two innocent girls—the smaller one bravely leading her bigger, more apprehensive buddy—may know every corner of their kampung, but do not recognize the very real danger of following a stranger into a dark, isolated corner of jagged, sound-proofing rock and stone. Evil could strike like a hidden snake to grab one or both of them. The only frail evidence would be their unheard screams which would quickly disappear without a trace against uncaring stone.
Bahasa Indonesia Lesson For Today:
Macet: Traffic Jam!!!!
Ok, Take care and be good