Well it’s been a while since I’ve written anything, must have been busy! Doing what, I wonder?
Soon after we got back from Europe we headed out to our island retreat Pulau Macan which is one of the thousand islands which make up Pulau Seribu, just off the coast of Jakarta. The great thing about the P. Macan resort (well there are many great things but one that springs to mind,) is that even if you go with a group of friends you always end up meeting new people. The island is small and can accommodate around 20 people. The accommodation is built out of driftwood, bamboo and some brick and timber to hold it all together. It’s a great place to escape Jakarta, chill out with old friends and meet new ones. We took the inflatable kayak – it was brilliant for heading over to neighbouring beaches and islands and for going for a snorkel on the reef.
Neil was in Australia for a few weeks earlier in October, he went over to catch up with his Dad and visit his Mum. The trip was planned to coincide with Maya’s school holidays so she flew over to join them. It was good to have an opportunity for everybody to be together again and it was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all. Not to miss out on the party I arranged a surprise and flew over for a long weekend. Hee hee – it was fun!
We’ve also had a few weekends away visiting old friends in the region. We had lots of fun with Juliet in KL a couple of months ago. An old Brunei mate who moved to Jakarta a few months ago came too. On the Friday night three other Brunei buddies crawled out of the woodwork so it was really a bit of a get together. On the Sunday I had a disasterous game of golf with Neil and Richie and haven’t played since. I’m not giving up – just keeping away from golf courses! Lessons and driving range might help, some skill and patience wouldn’t go amiss either!
A couple of weeks ago we went back to Bangkok to stay with Barbara and Udo. We also caught up with an old friend Mod who we haven’t seen since we left Thailand four years ago. It’s great when you see friends and the time in between meetings just disappears. We also caught up with some other old faces at a birthday party for Annie. . . . and I almost forgot the”HIGH” light of the weekend – a cycle up Khao Yai, and it really was high. Neil and I took it easy on the lower slopes but the rest of the gang made it to the top. Good on them!
Probably the most significant thing that’s happened on the work front is that my boss resigned. It was a bit of a shock (for everyone, I think). Haryo was a great guy to work for and with and he’s being sorely missed. Currently we’re trying to find a replacement but in the meantime muggins here is taking up most of the slack, with very good support from the team I might add. But it is keeping me busy (smile . . .)
Last weekend we went on a trek in Baduy country. The Baduy are a sub-group of the Sundanese and have managed to remain relatively isolated from the ravages of the 20th century (let alone the 21st). They don’t use technology (electricity, cars/motorbikes, phones or radios/TVs) and their plumbing leaves a lot to be desired. We had the opportunity to stay in the house of one of the villagers and it was fascinating. Their houses are built of bamboo, rotan and thatched with palms. They cook over a wood fire in the house and the bathroom is pretty much the riverbank. We trekked through their reserve area and visited several villages. The women and children spend a lot of time weaving and the Baduy scarves and batik are quite well known. They’re an industrious bunch and quite welcoming in a quiet low key way (no “hello misters” for two whole days – bliss!) Thanks for the opportunity, Evie and Goz, it was a great trip . . . and thanks for the photos too!
Suzy and Neil