Our first year is nearly over, which means we will be regaining our hobo status next weekend when we fly home and fill our days with kayaking, reading and general lounging around! We will throw in trips to Nags Head and Iowa as well as a few weekend visits with friends. It will be a much deserved rest after the busy year we have had! I, however, won't be on full rest mode because I am still chipping away at my master's degree. Between taking two classes online, I am certain I will still be able to find plenty of time to unwind.
To help you appreciate the transition we have made into life in Jakarta, I have snapped some photos of our house and put together a before/after album.
http://picasaweb.google.com/lizhaske/BintaroHomeBeforeAndAfter?authkey=Gv1sRgCOGMgKK-2P_MDg#
Enjoy!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
No Longer an "It"
We switched doctors after realizing that the lady we had been seeing wasn't going to be able to deliver at the hospital we want to use. Instead she was an hour and a half away - and that is in "good traffic." Really, the traffic in Jakarta never really falls into that category! So of course we had to have another scan (how terrible, right!) when we met with our new doctor and this time we were able to confirm the sex of Baby Haske...it's a GIRL! The doctor did a very through check and everything looks healthy.
She is starting to do amazing things like kick, which later on I am sure won't seem as amazing, but for now is pretty magical! Jim was able to feel the movement today, which was really exciting for him.
So, to answer the most popular question, "How are you feeling?" I feel fantastic! Even during the first trimester, I rarely felt sick and never vomited. I learned when I needed a snack so that my blood sugar didn't drop and I didn't have to experience too much nausea. I was tired beyond anything I have ever experienced, but that passed in a few weeks. I also learned that if I drug myself out the door and got my heart rate up I felt a lot better. I am nearly five months now and so the worst should be behind me, well at least until the uncomfortable stage at the end.
I am in full "nesting" mode, trying to get as much done as possible before we leave for summer holidays. The room was painted a beautiful calming green at the beginning of the year and will stay that way. We picked up a crib from a family who was selling it and sheets are being stitched as you read this. I am consumed with researching cloth diapers, strollers and other necessary things online. As Jim said, having a baby opens up a whole new market he never thought about before. Lots of things are available locally, but you just don't have the selection or the quality control. So anyone that is up for a little baby shopping this summer, give us a call!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Hobos and a Half...
By now most of you have either given up on our blog, because we have been so hopeless about updating it, or you already know our news. But, for those that don't...we are expecting our first baby in October. The babe is due on 10.10.10, which falls during our 10th years of teaching. (With all of those tens you would hope that is a good sign for ten fingers and toes!)
We had our four month check up today and the baby is healthy and the development looks good. Unfortunately we had a view of the back and weren't able to see the face. We did get to watch the little thing touch it's head and kick around a bit. Each visit proves to be magical and leaves us wanting more. Below is a glimpse of what we saw today.
We had our four month check up today and the baby is healthy and the development looks good. Unfortunately we had a view of the back and weren't able to see the face. We did get to watch the little thing touch it's head and kick around a bit. Each visit proves to be magical and leaves us wanting more. Below is a glimpse of what we saw today.
More to come soon...we promise!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Better Late than Never...New Zealand
So it's been over a month since we returned from New Zealand and most have you have probably given up on an update by now! But considering that we are spending less than half of our time as hobos this year, we hope you'll understand.
Spending Christmas in New Zealand was simply amazing. The pictures from our trip speak more than any update could. We got to do what we love: camp, hike and enjoy nature. What more can you really ask for? Take a look for yourself and maybe if you are lucky we will post a few stories from our adventure here very soon!
http://picasaweb.google.com/lizhaske/NewZealand?authkey=Gv1sRgCPOIhJuEqoCNVg#
Spending Christmas in New Zealand was simply amazing. The pictures from our trip speak more than any update could. We got to do what we love: camp, hike and enjoy nature. What more can you really ask for? Take a look for yourself and maybe if you are lucky we will post a few stories from our adventure here very soon!
http://picasaweb.google.com/lizhaske/NewZealand?authkey=Gv1sRgCPOIhJuEqoCNVg#
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Crashes, strikes, screams and volcanoes - all in one form or another
Recently, we along with our friends Brian and Jen, decided to make a weekend getaway to Bandung about 100 miles east of Jakarta. We had heard good reviews about the train that runs to Bandung and decided to travel by rail. The four hour train ride was a refreshing experience on what Java has to offer considering that most of our experiences are limited to the chaos of Jakarta. For me, as a geography teacher, it was exciting to see the transition the city made as we left the CBD and made our way through the various urban zones until finally reaching the surrounding rice terraces.
Bandung was established by the Dutch and at one time was called the 'Paris of Java'. Although charming with its Art Deco buildings and green space it was clear the city had lost this label. Bandung, however, is 750 meters above sea level so the cooler climate was welcomed and appreciated.
We were only going to be away for a little more than 24 hours so we wanted to make the best of our time. So what was first on our agenda (well the girls' agenda at least)? Shopping! Bandung is known for its factory outlets and that's what a lot of people come for. Wasn't top on my list of things to do and by the second hour I was ready to throw a tantrum. Reciprocation is important in a relationship and after going into 4 or so outlets Brian and I stumbled across a bowling alley and went bowling along with Liz and Jen. He won the first match and I the second with a 189 I believe. 244 is my high score but I do not consider myself a bowler. The Big Lebowski just happened to make an impression.
Bowling was followed by a trip to the movies to see Paranormal Activity. Yes, we were having quite the cultural getaway. Why did we leave Jakarta again? I am not a big fan of fright films but I was actually entertained by this film. Seeing almost any film in the theater enhances the overall picture but it was fun to hear everyone's reactions to the film as it progressed. I was also impressed by the fact that the makers of the film were able to produce the picture for just over $10,000. Pretty inspiring if you ask me. After agreeing not to scare one another that night we headed back to our hotel to get some needed sleep.
The next day we got up and with the aid of a driver headed to Tangkuban Prahu, a volcano that collapsed from a build up of ash. Volcanoes always fascinate me and it was an interesting site to take in despite that fact that the surrounding parking area was a major tourist trap. After inhaling sulfur for a bit we made our way down a slippery trail to Kawah Domas, another volcanic area that is on the side of Tangkuban Prahu. We watched people wading in the sulfur geysers, spreading mud on their bodies, and some were even boiling eggs. While scrambling over rocks we could hear thunder approaching and decided it was time to head for the car just to play it safe. About a quarter of a mile on the trail the skies opened up and lightning began striking 3 - 4 miles away. I had to shake my head at the families (both western and local) heading toward Kawah Domas with no rain gear, flip flops on and little children. Not the safest or wisest decision in my opinion. After having to take shelter twice along the trail we made it back to the van but were all in need of a change of clothes.
Our final stop before getting back on the train was to be a visit to the Museum Konperensi. A colleague told me it was a must see. Basically it was where the Asia-Africa conference of 1955 was held. This conference was attended by such figures as Sukarno, Ho Chi Minh, Nasser and other Third World leaders of that time. Unfortunately we made it there 15 minutes after closing so I had to get my history fix by peering through the windows of the auditorium.
Despite being a short visit it was a needed refresher. We'll definitely have to make it back so we can get to the museum and some of the surrounding tea plantations. Next stop is New Zealand which we are embarking to tomorrow. Look out for an update from there. We'll be talking our camping gear with us and plan to hit the trails as hard as we did when down in South America. Happy Holidays to any and all that might be reading this.
Bandung was established by the Dutch and at one time was called the 'Paris of Java'. Although charming with its Art Deco buildings and green space it was clear the city had lost this label. Bandung, however, is 750 meters above sea level so the cooler climate was welcomed and appreciated.
We were only going to be away for a little more than 24 hours so we wanted to make the best of our time. So what was first on our agenda (well the girls' agenda at least)? Shopping! Bandung is known for its factory outlets and that's what a lot of people come for. Wasn't top on my list of things to do and by the second hour I was ready to throw a tantrum. Reciprocation is important in a relationship and after going into 4 or so outlets Brian and I stumbled across a bowling alley and went bowling along with Liz and Jen. He won the first match and I the second with a 189 I believe. 244 is my high score but I do not consider myself a bowler. The Big Lebowski just happened to make an impression.
Bowling was followed by a trip to the movies to see Paranormal Activity. Yes, we were having quite the cultural getaway. Why did we leave Jakarta again? I am not a big fan of fright films but I was actually entertained by this film. Seeing almost any film in the theater enhances the overall picture but it was fun to hear everyone's reactions to the film as it progressed. I was also impressed by the fact that the makers of the film were able to produce the picture for just over $10,000. Pretty inspiring if you ask me. After agreeing not to scare one another that night we headed back to our hotel to get some needed sleep.
The next day we got up and with the aid of a driver headed to Tangkuban Prahu, a volcano that collapsed from a build up of ash. Volcanoes always fascinate me and it was an interesting site to take in despite that fact that the surrounding parking area was a major tourist trap. After inhaling sulfur for a bit we made our way down a slippery trail to Kawah Domas, another volcanic area that is on the side of Tangkuban Prahu. We watched people wading in the sulfur geysers, spreading mud on their bodies, and some were even boiling eggs. While scrambling over rocks we could hear thunder approaching and decided it was time to head for the car just to play it safe. About a quarter of a mile on the trail the skies opened up and lightning began striking 3 - 4 miles away. I had to shake my head at the families (both western and local) heading toward Kawah Domas with no rain gear, flip flops on and little children. Not the safest or wisest decision in my opinion. After having to take shelter twice along the trail we made it back to the van but were all in need of a change of clothes.
Our final stop before getting back on the train was to be a visit to the Museum Konperensi. A colleague told me it was a must see. Basically it was where the Asia-Africa conference of 1955 was held. This conference was attended by such figures as Sukarno, Ho Chi Minh, Nasser and other Third World leaders of that time. Unfortunately we made it there 15 minutes after closing so I had to get my history fix by peering through the windows of the auditorium.
Despite being a short visit it was a needed refresher. We'll definitely have to make it back so we can get to the museum and some of the surrounding tea plantations. Next stop is New Zealand which we are embarking to tomorrow. Look out for an update from there. We'll be talking our camping gear with us and plan to hit the trails as hard as we did when down in South America. Happy Holidays to any and all that might be reading this.
Rice terraces as seen from our train
Wood worker stripping bark that creates natural design
Kawah Ratu
Kawah Domas
Bubbling geyser
Jen and Liz near geyser
Sulfur vents
Waders, bathers and egg boilers
Liz and Jim at Kawah Domas Saturday, November 14, 2009
Ahh...Bali
All smiles after our first diving trip in four yearsAsk anyone who has been to Indonesia, and they say "Ahhhh...Bali." So, as our first school holiday approached we decided the best place to start exploring the country would be in the famed location of "Ahhhh...Bali." Why wait any longer to see what all the hype was about?
With only a week to explore, we decided to spend most of our time in the northwest corner of the island in a village called Pemuteran. Pemuteran is a quiet little place with black sand beaches and abundant coral reefs. We stayed at the bungalows our dive center offered and couldn't have been happier. We spent four wonderful days diving and snorkeling. The diversity we experienced was incredible. The different varieties of coral alone were unbelievable, not to mention the life swimming around it! We watched sea turtles with remoras on their backs, pygmy sea horses hiding in fan coral, and puffer fish parades. It was simply stunning. At night we played games and had laughs while we enjoyed the sound of the crashing waves. It was paradise after a hectic few months of settling in.
To round off our Bali week, we finished up in Ubud. Interestingly enough Julia Roberts had been in town the day prior to our arrival shooting for her upcoming movie Eat, Pray, Love based on the book by Elizabeth Gilbert. We hoped to get cast as extras, but there were no crews in sight. We went to lunch followed with a fright at the Sacred Monkey Forest. We had been warned by our friends that the monkey forest was pretty intense, but we didn't fully understand this until we saw it for ourselves. We watched aggressive monkeys attack each other, jump on onlookers’ backs, and snag food out of visitors’ hands. The entire time Jen and I pretty much clung to each other while Jim and Brian took photos and laughed. When I watched a large man with three monkeys on his back fling from side to side, I knew it was time to go. We returned to our Balinese induced state of calm after a little window shopping, which is endless in Ubud.
With only two days in Ubud, we didn't get a complete view of everything to experience, but we did join a cooking class, which gave us an interesting window into Balinese culture. We went on a tour of the local market to learn about the common spices and ingredients used in Balinese cuisine. After that we returned for what was more of a demonstration with tasting than a cooking course. This was the first time Jim and I had ever done anything like this and we really enjoyed the experience. After the cooking class, Jen and I spent the afternoon at the spa. We had massages, body scrubs and then hair conditioning crème bathes. It was four fantastic hours of pampering. A must while in Bali!
A week in Bali was certainly not enough, but it did help us understand why people refer to it as, "Ahhhh...Bali." The people have a calm and warmth you don't experience in other places in Indonesia. The food is incredible and every where you look you are surrounded by beauty. It really is paradise...and we are going again in February!
With only a week to explore, we decided to spend most of our time in the northwest corner of the island in a village called Pemuteran. Pemuteran is a quiet little place with black sand beaches and abundant coral reefs. We stayed at the bungalows our dive center offered and couldn't have been happier. We spent four wonderful days diving and snorkeling. The diversity we experienced was incredible. The different varieties of coral alone were unbelievable, not to mention the life swimming around it! We watched sea turtles with remoras on their backs, pygmy sea horses hiding in fan coral, and puffer fish parades. It was simply stunning. At night we played games and had laughs while we enjoyed the sound of the crashing waves. It was paradise after a hectic few months of settling in.
To round off our Bali week, we finished up in Ubud. Interestingly enough Julia Roberts had been in town the day prior to our arrival shooting for her upcoming movie Eat, Pray, Love based on the book by Elizabeth Gilbert. We hoped to get cast as extras, but there were no crews in sight. We went to lunch followed with a fright at the Sacred Monkey Forest. We had been warned by our friends that the monkey forest was pretty intense, but we didn't fully understand this until we saw it for ourselves. We watched aggressive monkeys attack each other, jump on onlookers’ backs, and snag food out of visitors’ hands. The entire time Jen and I pretty much clung to each other while Jim and Brian took photos and laughed. When I watched a large man with three monkeys on his back fling from side to side, I knew it was time to go. We returned to our Balinese induced state of calm after a little window shopping, which is endless in Ubud.
With only two days in Ubud, we didn't get a complete view of everything to experience, but we did join a cooking class, which gave us an interesting window into Balinese culture. We went on a tour of the local market to learn about the common spices and ingredients used in Balinese cuisine. After that we returned for what was more of a demonstration with tasting than a cooking course. This was the first time Jim and I had ever done anything like this and we really enjoyed the experience. After the cooking class, Jen and I spent the afternoon at the spa. We had massages, body scrubs and then hair conditioning crème bathes. It was four fantastic hours of pampering. A must while in Bali!
A week in Bali was certainly not enough, but it did help us understand why people refer to it as, "Ahhhh...Bali." The people have a calm and warmth you don't experience in other places in Indonesia. The food is incredible and every where you look you are surrounded by beauty. It really is paradise...and we are going again in February!
Our vacay crew...Jen, Brian, Liz and Jim
My jump shot is really improving! Must be the yoga:)
Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest...enter at your own risk!
This fiesty little monkey was ready take on Jim because he had his hands in his pocket and the monkey thought he was hiding food.
Ubud Market
Jim pulled out his bandanna for his turn to marinate the meat...as always he got the group laughing!
Making pork skewers...yum!
Rice paddy in UbudMore photos can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lizhaske/OurFirstTripToBali?authkey=Gv1sRgCNGgq-HbsLDUPw#
Introducing Lola and Minke
We are proud to introduce the newest additions to the Haske family...Lola and Minke. They were found about fifteen minutes from our house while I was out for a walk. I could hear their little kitten cries over my i-pod. How could I even think about walking away? After working with a security guard to get their brother, who has been placed in a home, out of a nearby canal I toted them home in an old plastic pail. Jim was a little more than surprised when I returned from my walk with a bucketful of kittens who I convincingly explained needed to come inside. After trying to socialize them so they would be ready for a home, Jim started to warm up to the idea of having another pet. And so here we are with two little kitties who are as cute as can be. Lola is mostly black, but has bronze colored stripes and a dusted face. Minke is a bouncer, he pounces around and when he finally tires out comes for a cuddle. Lola was definitely weened too early and when she is really sleepy, tries to milk Minke's tummy. It is quite funny to see! They both have curled tails, which is very common in Indonesia. Although we can never replace Zoey and Estevez, who back in Syria living with a new owner, they do bring a sense of home into our big house here in Indonesia.
Lola
Minke
Their brother who has been placed in a home.(Behind us is our wonderful cook, Iboh.)
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