Vignettes of the World
Writing on Indonesia
By Andrea Hirata Laskar Pelangi, meaning the Rainbow Troops in Indonesian, is a title that conveys hope. In this autobiographical novel, Andrea Hirata tells readers about a childhood in the struggling village school of Muhammadiyah Elementary in Beilitong, an island province in Indonesia that had …
Dieng might not be a prime destination in Indonesia for foreign tourists. It may have to do more so with its smell than any other reason, as the mountainous region is known for its naturally occurring sulfur lakes. On our way we met many savoring …
We went to the Ketep pass for a view of Mount Merapi. The Merapi is still active today and we were advised not to climb it. The last eruption took place two years ago. The driver took us to see the face of the volcano …
The Borobodur temple complex is recognized as a world heritage by the UNESCO. Built in the 7th century (AD750-850), it is a Buddhist temple made wholly of stones. The complex is shaped in a square, with four levels and stone carved bas relief depicting each …
In Yogyakarta (known locally as Jogja) we decided to see the Taman Sari (the Water Castle) first. We entered the Castle through the local bird market. It used to sell exotic and illegal birds. There we climbed an old and decrepit wall. When we climbed …
Jakarta greeted us with that distinctive character of Southeast Asia, a dampened air mixed with the exhaust of diesel, a metropolis set in the tropical. Tee and Add came with their driver and we decided to go to Kota Dua first. We saw a lot …