Terima Kasih*, Indonesia! (Jakarta 2)

In my mind of minds, a visit to Borobudur would not have been complete if I didn't pose the way I did above. Then again, Borobudur, located about 41 kms north of Yogyakarta in Central Java (which is about 50mins by plane from Jakarta), is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in the world- and the contortion above evokes a more Hindu-related imagery, doesn't it? I ought to have just sat down, lotus position, THEN my pose would have been more appropriate- bulges and yellow shirt and all...

--==+==--

That I guess summarizes my 10-day stay in Indonesia. It was a learning experience for me in so many levels, especially with regard to my profession, my faith, my sense of nationalism, and about humanity in general, as i sort through then debunk pre-conceived notions, biases, misconceptions, and misinformation. I acquired life-changing information, among which are: that 1 out of every 25 human beings on this planet is devastated each year by a disaster and that the lingua franca is neither English nor Chinese, but haggling (especially in the shops along Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta). My parents would be proud.

--==+==--

Indonesia exudes charm unimaginable that no culturati can resist. It has a mix of the old and the new, the modern and the mystical. In so many aspects it is so much like the Philippines, in some aspects it does appear to fare better. Nevertheless, I am glad- SO GLAD- to be home.

This is my own independence day. From chili.

--==+==--

*Thank you, Indonesia! More thoughts and pics to be posted next time.