Unsung Heroes of Indonesia
The 10th of November is Heroes Day in Indonesia, to remember those who fought and risked everything to get the...
Observations
Culinary Delight in Fiction
Fiction and food are bound physically and culturally. While the former is seen through how the characters in fiction consume...
Ramadan and “Being” Mode
Ramadan, the holy fasting month for Muslims, is back to greet Muslims now around the globe. For Indonesian Muslims, this...
A Letter from an American Who Loves to Retire in Bali
Indonesia is seeking to boost its tourism since the growling pandemic is set aside. Indeed, astounding enthusiasm is visible in...
Indo-Indian Food Connections
Language is the essence of culture. This saying has been around us from time immemorial. Ever since the birth of...
Learning Indonesian
Have you mastered the Indonesian language? Or did you give up? When I first came here as a teacher about...
Be My Valentine
Lonely in a foreign country? I was. When I was hired by Cita Hati Sekolah in Surabaya thirteen years ago,...
The Greatest Love(s) of All
Turn on the radio or switch on the television set and it is fairly certain that within a couple of...
New Year’s Resolution: The Journey Inside
Are we in need of a New Year’s resolution? Yes, because at the end of the year, we need something...
Covid, the Blessings in Disguise
But what a disguise! COVID has been one of the most deadly plagues to ever hit the world, killing millions...
Fanning the Flames of Fame
It wasn’t exactly Beatlemania, but when I came to Indonesia twenty years ago, I had a taste of fame. Or...
Expatriation
Standing on the edge of the highway I held a sign that said “London”. It was cold, early spring, and...
Top Unusual Traditions You Can Only Find in Indonesia
Besides its breathtaking nature, like beaches, mountains, and historical sites, Indonesia is also well-known for its richness of cultural traditions....
Makan Bajamba, Minangnese Dining Tradition
Almost all regions have a communal dining tradition in Indonesia, including West Sumatra. For Minangnese people living in West Sumatra,...
Beat the Bulge and Enjoy Holiday Foods, Guilt-Free!
Here’s to a New Year, and a New YOU! 2023 is just around the corner. Happy December! That time of...
Bali’s Heavenly Hidden Spots
Bali has always satisfied its many tourists with its beautiful panoramas. Some natural spots such as the beaches, waterfalls, and...
Expat in Surabaya – Indonesia the Tenth Year
“Everyone is good at the honeymoon.” Have you ever heard of that? Recently some friends in the states moved to...
Crank Up the Holiday Season
As we approach the end of the year and the onset of the festive period once more, I have to...
Ten Biggest Indonesian News Stories of 2022
Ten Biggest Indonesian News Stories of 2022 – They’re not all entirely negative. 1. Regent’s slavery and lethal torture On...
Indonesia’s Riches – Too Precious To Export
To the Europeans and before them the Arabs and Indians, the lure of the archipelago was resources and trade. That’s...
The Curse of Corruption
“From education and business to sport, the government and the judiciary, corruption remains a curse in Indonesia, as indicated by...