Fulbright Specialist – Assignment – Panama
September 8, 2012
Being a firm believer in how we can create and/or select specific experiences to help shape our perceptions and lives, I started this Travel Blog as a way to chronicle the journey as well as share it with others. My new experience came unexpectedly; however, I’ll embrace it all the same. This time though, the experience will be both cultural immersion and work 🙂 I’ll be working in Ciudad de Panama, Panama working on a project that is a partnership between the U.S. State Department and the Municipality of Panama through the Fulbright Specialists Program. As always, I’ll use this experience to bring me closer to being able to see reality 🙂 …. however, I will be working. The following serves as the project description – a bit technical I know, but here we go…..
This project is designed to promote sustainable development for the City of Panama by supporting the institutional strengthening of the Municipality as it proceeds through a public administration decentralization process. This will be facilitated by producing a Strategic Action Plan for the development of a prototype geographic information system. The system will provide support for the public administration process as well as planning and territorial management throughout the municipality.
Project activities involve integrating municipal and local level context and priorities, identifying critical paths for plan development, supporting personnel identification and development as well as coordinating the integration of multiple sectors. Along with providing training to public personnel on the research findings, additional project objectives include:
- Recommending a program for human resources selection, recruitment and training of additional personnel, exploring potential training collaborations and agreements between the Municipality, the University of Panama and the experts home institution in the United States,
- Advising on specific training, technical assistance, infrastructure and technological requirements of the Strategic Action Plan, and
- Proposing financing options for the formulation and implementation of the Strategic Action Plan.
I will keep you posted! Hope you can follow along! 🙂
New Assignment – Central America
July 9, 2012
Within the context of continuously capturing experiences that facilitate shaping a global perspective, my next assignment has come through. I’ll be working for los Municipia de Panama here soon. The opportunity is phenomenal and exciting. Central America here we go….I’ll keep you updated!
Live the Dream
How Do We Define Real?
November 6, 2011
Ironically, when I left the Island of Bali, and also when I left Jakarta it rained. I absolutely love the rain. As Ray Charles sang, “It’s a rainy night in Georgia, feels like its raining all over the world.” Living in Georgia, I know the truth of that song. For me, the smell, the sound, the presence of rain brings out the contemplative….
As magnificent this experience has been, my good fortune is not lost on me. To have opportunities such as this to expand my breast….I am most grateful for….
To say the least, having the immersive experience of not only being in various countries on the other side of the world, but seeing first hand Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Confucionist culture first hand….is, well to say the least, a life-time type of experience….not to mention that South Korea has the largest Christian church in the world (1 million plus). When I make these trips…learning is the most important goal, experiencing cultures is a goal, but getting to know the people….the human side….that is what is most important!
So often when we discuss other countries and societies, the human factor gets lost in the term used to describe them. We hear about Hindu’s, but not the people. We hear about Muslims, but not the people. We see pictures of monks, but what about the people…what about their humanity….even on the other side of the world, each person has a story….a human story…
And so, it was amazing to hear their stories….to hear about their parents, their families, their questions about life, their quests to develop their lives….and come to find out…we are all not that different….even when it comes to War. With my travels, I often wonder, who is actually at War…what is at War…people, ideas, desires for power….in all of this…where is our humanity…do we take the steps to develop it…or do we just leave it to be haphazardly developed through the processes of socialization dominate in each of our countries….or do we take an active approach to as my friend Consuela says…”to improve our literacy, through unlearning….
While there are many things I could touch on that I’ve learned throughout this trip, I wouldn’t want the most significant points to become lost in the volume of experiences. And so, be mindful of just obtaining your information from one source.
Bali is indeed a paradise….but it is only a paradise for some. Ubud, the coast and some aspects of the mountains are a haven…other parts not so much. In some areas, you would think that you are in Haiti…in particular the “bidon-villes”…homes built on top of each other. Definitely when you leave the western world or at the least the United States, the concept of personal space departs. Just like in many other places I’ve visited, people in this area seem to be stacked upon each other. Not quite a slum, but not luxury. On the other hand, on the way to the airport, we drove by a river…full of trash/waste. People were wading and swimming through it…collecting items. It may be similar to some South American countries where people mine the trash to find items of value to sell…I don’t know….
All is not fine….but, poverty is relative. However, there is a stark contrast between poverty in the United States and global poverty. And as we become encompassed in our excesses and in our convenience….or even the exceptional view we have of ourselves, it is easy to allow the narrowness of our thinking to make us a trite bit self-important…making absolutely no contribution to the world or those around us…yet, consumed with our own exceptionalism. Considering the quest for food, the attempt to find a dry place in the house when it rains, attempting to keep the water out so that the dirt floors don’t get muddy…so many things faced every day without pause…but, in our exceptionalism…what do we pray for? What are the challenges we bemoan every day? And if the God is privy to our prayers just as God is privy to the prayers of the woman sleeping with her children in the street, then how trite must many of us appear.
If the attitude is that we are exceptional and they are not, thus we all reap what we deserve…well, what can be said about the perspective of the asinine mind. But, with some humility, if we can place all of these considerations in the balance, then what type of person do we become. As human beings, are we improving…are we becoming better, or are we following a course of stagnation and insignificance…setting up our children to make war with the implications of such?
Considering this extensive experience along with those in other countries that I have had, coming back to the United States requires a bit of re-orientation, at times. Oddly enough, for some of you movie buffs….coming back put me right in line with Neo from the Matrix…figuratively, I could hear Morpheus saying,
“What is real? How do you define real? If you are talking about what you can feel, what you can smell, what you can taste and see, then real is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain….”
Check it out:
And so, over the years when I was in a contemplative mode in West Africa or recently during a visit to a temple, the contemplative mind suggests we ask ourselves, are we responding to and contributing to something that is real in this world. That perception could be shaped by the broadness or narrowness of our views. Of course, this also impacts the depth of insight we have into multiple realities. Never-the-less, this is a question we should ask ourselves…and it is an answer we must produce for ourselves.
Either way….I am profoundly grateful for the friends I have made in all walks of life. And, trips such as this drive home the point for me that it is critical to make travel, immerse yourself in literature or engage in a vehicle that can transport our minds across the globe…in fact, it is imperative…particularly since we are going to be required to improve our literacy to become better global citizens. Hope you enjoyed…and see you on the next trip…
Visit us at www.takingownership.org
Seoul by Night
November 1, 2011
There are many things about Seoul that captures your mind during the day….but, I must say that this city is absolutely beautiful by night….again, even order is present at night…. Like any city, problems exist…one impressive item regarding Seoul, is that while they embrace their traditions…they have no problem trying something new. Between the naturally occurring and manufactured rivers/streams significantly numbered groups of people gather around them each night.
Ridiculous view…those walkways next to the water…absolutely beautiful!
This is one of the sources of the man-made rivers running through downtown…..
Along the river, there are certain places where they have mist machines in place. And, so…as you walk around…the mist begins to shoot out…the colored lights come on and start moving in synch to a particular tune…thus the light show begins 🙂
When you turn off of the main roads and walk through what we would call an ally….that is where you find an innumerable amount of stores, restaurants and shops….each has a sign lined up on the streets…makes for a really interesting sight….
This is where I roamed when it was time to eat…unlike some other places I’ve been….you do find English signs here and there…but for the most part everything is in Korean….signs, menus…everything…and so my first stop I came across an:
If you click on the picture….or look closely…you will see a tank full of Octopus…..how do you like your octopus? 🙂 Now if it is sliced in a certain way, or cooked a certain way I may try it….and I’m the guy who demands local food when I travel abroad…with this exception in place…it is one thing to have some octopus in a dish….an entirely different issue to watch it swim around and them pick out the unlucky fellow…needless to say…”No Thank you” is the word for today 🙂
Fish tank in/outside restaurants are common place….they really emphasize freshness…and so you will generally see a fish tank where they store the fish until you come buy it 🙂
ok!!!! Finally found something to eat. Do you see that plate setting, ridiculous….in the middle where you see the meat….is a grill with coals in it….that way customers can cook their own food. Let me say…that was just amazing….went back the next night also….very fresh and delicious 🙂
Stomach is full….so back to strolling and the first thing I come upon is this building…so indicative of how beautiful this place is…and peaceful even….
Another beautiful sight….
Several shops like this one exist….it is your “Ginsing” shop….and man do they have a lot of it 🙂 ….
Ok, guess I am forced to talk about the shopping….there were so many stores, seriously though, if you come here…you better have either saved some money….or have the credit cards ready….make sure you are planning for the expenses….because the chain stores, luxury shops, and street vendors are all jammed into the same place 🙂
Sights such as this are quite common…especially when there is money to spend….and there are things to spend it on 🙂 This is the sight by day….where there are a lot of shops where you don’t necessarily have to negotiate each price…
Shoppers are all over the place at night also….and there is some of everything to purchase these evenings….
It was interesting to find out, though, that as much space there is for shopping above ground….there is just as much, maybe even more shopping underground….when you go into the tunnels (labeled for the subway) we find there is another world underneath the streets….it seems like it goes on forever….signs, stores, streets…all underground…People sure can be serious about shopping….and if you go…you had better be prepared 🙂
As mentioned previously, I have a huge number of photo’s but just posted these so that this trip could be followed. Particularly understanding my own fortune in being able to gain these experiences, this is my way of sharing experiences that others may not have the opportunity to enjoy. In each country, I showed some of the experiences. Some were more in depth and some less. If you have some specific questions, you can always send me a note….tomorrow morning I head back to the States….I’ll miss these experiences….but I also miss my dirt road 🙂
More observations to come 🙂
Seoul…is Back
November 1, 2011
Although I’ve only been abroad just over a week….it feels like its been a life time….because in large part…in just this short amount of time, I’ve had a life time of experiences….I am, indeed, taking it all in…reflecting now….and to reflect up further later on….
Back at the airport to leave Bali, I’m just laying back and reading a book. Up comes our flight crew. Normally, I wouldn’t mention it as it probably would not register. In this case, most of my flights have been on Korea Airlines….and let me say it is better than the commercial. Very thorough, very polite…and definitely about the business. Soooo….they are having a team meeting before the flight….and you can tell they take everything they do very seriously….most impressive 🙂 Ironically, “Outliers” has a section on Korean Airlines. I hate flying….the chapter talks about their turnaround into one of the excellent airlines, including safety…I am a bit more comfortable now….Thumbs-up for Korea Airlines 🙂
Landing at the Seoul/Incheon airport, I must admit….once you leave the airport for the drive into the city…it is easy to wonder…ehhhhh…..what’s up with this….dreary or smoggy….with all the wonderful things I had heard about Seoul, what I’ve seen thus far gave me pause….
Quite a bit open space, buildings off in the distance, all of them appear to be made out of the same materials….they all have the same color and the same architectural style….
All of a sudden you get to Seoul, and then your eyes open up…in a sort of “wow” kind of way….
I’ve seen my share of cities….and of course, since city planning is my field…I’ve studied more than my share of municipalities….but, Seoul provided quite the different experience….such beautiful buildings, both day and night, the city is extremely clean….
UNESCO, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization is very involved in this city and Seoul and received several awards and plenty of recognition for their uniquely advanced governance practices….most Impressive. One this that stands out, is that everything is in its place….everything is in order. When standing on a corner, you very rarely hear a horn. In a city with over 10 million people in it, that is a complete anomaly….it is rare to hear someone talking loud on a cell phone, or even in conversation amongst each other….the volume is only high enough for the person participating in the conversation to hear….in fact…even during rush hour….the only sound you hear is the sound of the bus engines driving by….another main point….is that it can be in the late hours of the night….60 people may be standing at a cross walk waiting for the green light to come on that lets you know it is proper to cross the road. Even when no cars are coming….imagine…every single person standing there waiting for the light to indicate it is proper to walk….imagine that…that is so prevalent…that once I stepped out into the street….yes…like an American Guygen :)….and no one else moved….it felt so strange that I easily slid myself back up into the crowd…and waited like everyone else…powerful feeling that was….and amazing city 🙂
My home for the week – the Koreana Hotel…very nice….learned some Korean in that place 🙂
Koreans are highly involved in governance. In fact, every night I was there…I witnessed a protest…a political rally….informational sessions on certain issues with North Korea….every night you could hear the bull horn sounding off 🙂
The first day I walked the downtown area, I came across several groups protesting the free-trade agreement between the United States and South Korea….they were also in the process of electing a new mayor….you could hear music and bull horn every night…although My Korean is a bit rusty…ok…non-existent…you could feel the energy…made you want to join in…. 🙂
Right in the middle of the city, there is a striking display on a historical component of Korean history. The first statue is of Admiral Yi, in the foreground, a golden image of King Seonjo is the background…both sitting in front of one of the royal palaces – Gwanghwamun.
Took a stroll down to the Imperial Palace –
Had a “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” “Curse of the Golden Flower” “Hero” and “Red Cliff” kind of moment 🙂 The meticulous nature of the design and the colors were absolutely brilliant….
Absolutely Beautiful….
The royal reading error for the Emperor….
areas for members of the royal family and their staff….
Beautiful to see the seasons change….water is full of fish…nice….
Pots storing the royal rice…and other palatial goodies 🙂
Deoksugung, another palace, where we witnessed the changing of the guards…
Not uncommon to see a monk walking the street….I enjoyed that….really made the environment even more eclectic….
Yes, I am in Seoul….Yes, on the other side of the world…just proves that everybody has at least one of them…. 🙂
Ubud, Bali – Around Town
October 27, 2011
Bali is most certainly an amazing place….but, keep in mind…quality and characteristics to vary. So, if you are looking for something specific in mind, then do your research. Many people tend to stay around the area call “Ubud”….if you go here you will find plenty of Australians, and other tourists….there is a certain style you will find with the accommodations that you may find very appealing 🙂
Right from the get go…you will find that it is quite the relaxed environment….have you ever seen a dog more “chilled” than this one…I mean, laying on the road…right next to a scooter…not a care in the world…middle of the day….”siesta” time…Bali style… 🙂
Now, what is interesting…is that all over the Island…it looks like you are looking at the same dog…I’m sure there are variations…but, pictures suggest they are all related 🙂 I saw so many of them, with that chilled out way of doing things, that they must be included in the photo array 🙂
One big attraction is the Monkey forest….where the monkeys roam freely and you can tell they are used to being around humans and having their way….
Look at this little fella…of course he was by the gate….no problem with Monkeys….ehhhh….but, think I’ll pass…..No Jungle Book this time…later…little fella….
Plenty of Arts shops for the those so inclined…..good works also…if you like the Balinese style….
Shopping is ‘Market Style’…so there are plenty of locally made items…quite exotic actually and if you are the bargaining type, then this is your place….watch yourself though….these folks drive a hard bargain….
Let’s not forget the ever present scooters….
Very nice boutique shopping also…bring your cash…plenty of exotic items….
There are plenty of pictures I could of included regarding the shopping. However, the fact of the matter is….I hate shopping….so I didn’t go shopping….and I am going to use this moment to actualize the grudge I hold against shoppers! So on behalf of all the men who have been dragged around the shopping centers, malls, boutiques, and markets around the world….”Take That”….How do you like us now… 🙂
In my Elvis Presley Voice…”Thank You….Thank You Very Much”….bowing….
Temple – Tanah Lot
October 27, 2011
On the coast of the Indonesian Island of Bali, just two hours away from the “Land Down Under – Australia”, is located one of the most amazing temples – Tanah Lot! Parts of this temple sits along the coastal ridges and also sits in the ocean. Very quiet…as you walk through the area, the wind rushes through…fresh..misty…just the sound of a few tourists talking…the water hitting the rocks…and the wind making a slight howl as it twirls…. Very easy to get lost in your thoughts here. But, eventually those thoughts dissipate and are replaced by what nature leaves in your mind. When the tide is low, it is a fairly easy walk. However, when the tide is high…well, you get the picture. Amazing places such as this really don’t require much, in terms of words. Thus, as in the previous post…I may comment slightly, but, for the most part, will allow the pictures to speak for themselves. I believe that if you click on the pictures, they will enlarge for you….enjoy….
Most fortunate to have had this experience…as you can see, each one keeps building upon the other…isn’t that what life is…cumulative experiences affirming the directions we have taken….hopefully for the better….
Historic Hindu Temple – Gunung Kawi
October 25, 2011
Learning about rice cultivation is practically tantamount to illustrating the characteristics of cultural depth. and those cultures that have perfected rice cultivation also have roots that stem deep into ancient traditions. Rice cultivation is one of the most intensive agricultural practices utilized across the globe….this is particularly the case in areas such as this. Thus, it is fitting to find so many expertly crafted rice paddies existing symbiotically around and within a temple. Both giving more abstract and practical meaning to the existence of the other. Combining rice cultivation with deep religious/spiritual practice and you create an immensely deep living experience. Ironically, while visiting this area, I was finishing the book “Outliers” written by Malcolm Gladwell….he has a fairly large section on the practices of rice cultivation and what it implies about specific cultures. Recommended reading if you want to get a deeper view of the following:
On this day, we visited the approximately 1,000 year old temple – Gunung Kawi. This historic Hindu temple was built into the side of a mountain and is full of rice fields/paddies and fulfilled constantly by streams. There are times when it is best to allow a moment to speak for itself; thus, I only comment briefly…please consider the following beauty and richness….
Respect the Tradition
This is what rice looks like while growing….
Fish swim in the same water that feeds the rice paddies….
After the fairly strenuous walk to get to the temple, I paused here by this stream….a stream, by which I am sure, that many have paused and reflected. In Taking Ownership….I thought of those that have gone before us….parents, family, friends….the “Giants” in the land….not by color, race or gender…just those who have made a contribution to our living presence….tradition…where we now need to go…why we think the way we do…what information do we use to drive our thinking and make our decisions….this place has feeling….
Hot, humid, long steep walk…emotionally and spiritually replenishing….just what the dr. ordered…now for a nice fresh juicy young coconut… 🙂
They steer the naturally occurring streams in a manner that constantly replenishes the rice paddy fields….absolutely amazing to see…
Always a Chicken near-by….:)
What a day….this will take a bit to process…if you went through the pictures slowly and did a bit of reflecting, I’m sure you know exactly what I mean….
On up the mountain a bit further….
What a view….
over lunch…
with a mountain view and no wall or glass…nothing in between me and the mountain…the mountain is the place-mat…I guess reading all those books, delayed gratification and commitment do add up to something nice…friendships in all walks of life….today is a great day….
Grateful indeed….heading back to relax….
Just a few more rice paddy fields to close the day…
So much beauty, refinement, and perfection….tradition…history….contemporary marvels….much to say about nature…but also human nature…again….I will be pulling on these experiences for many years to come…
More later…
Island of the Gods – Bali
October 25, 2011
Again, this morning…the adhan sounds off…however, this time I am up packing for the next stop. The cultural immersion of have experienced in Tulungagung has been provided some self-awareness that I will pull upon for many years to come. After the adhan, I feel the urge to hear a bit of music…of which I have not listened to since being gone. However, nothing is really matching the moment…until I stumble upon some Sade….and R. Carlos Nakai….Nakai is an expert on indigenous types of music…and well, if you understand Sade…then you can understand this moment…somewhat missing this place already…at the same time I am in learning mode…forward I go….
I am told that Bali is called the Island of the Gods. When I first heard this I was looking out the window at this mountain…thinking about the relationship between Gods and Mountains. Then it was said that it is referred to as that because everything and everyone has a God to represent it. I was now shifting from an Islamic culture to one based on Hinduism. Exciting…to say the least….inspiring the inquiring mind….
Landing in Bali, outside of the weather 🙂 , one of the first things that jumps out at you is the unique nature of the amazing statues
Of course, there are plenty of scooters!
These are common sights all over the Island of Bali:
All over this island, you tend to see a lot of these spread out. These are offerings made each day….
Much of the architecture/statues reflect one of the God’s or associated beliefs in Hinduism….
And, many of the homes, public areas, and temples will have a statue of a god placed in front of it. You will also find structures that represent the beliefs of ancestors/family members. This allows for respect to be given to a particular god on location without having to travel to a distant area. The elephant represents: Lord Ganesha…Hindu symbolism, rituals, and meanings are extremely extensive and deep…thus, I won’t go into that here…if you want a primer…then check out one of the primary texts.
While I am being immersed in the cultures associated with multiple religions, I’m not going to dig down into each of them to explore their efficacy. This is strictly educational. However, I will post some extensive pictures of the temples….those are definitely worth seeing.
These last several days have left me full!!!! So, admittedly I am looking forward to some down time…ok…down time in Bali…Back up fool….don’t hate 🙂 laughing…
the pool is exceptional, I might add…
The statues on the side of the engravings on the wall are meant to protect the water bearers overlooking the pool….I enjoyed their company indeed…
This beautiful hand engraving sat next to the door and was part of the view during morning coffee….exceptionally skilled artisans….
The same can be said about the skill needed to construct the doors. Ok…and admission…I have scars all over the top of my head because of misjudging the height of the entrance…you would think that after all these years of being this tall…I would have that figured out…I grew frustrated after a bit, because my head was bleeding….and all noted up….other than that…my Dr. would be proud…stress and blood pressure down… 🙂
ok….a friend of mine back in college…his nickname was “Chill”…I’m gonna borrow his nickname for a few days…you can call me Malik in a few days…for now…just call me “Chill” 🙂 later….
Roosters and the “Adhan”
October 25, 2011
Because of the climate in the United States regarding Islam these days, some people may find this post discomforting. However, when we cease to learn from all that is around us, we epitomize ignorance! I haven’t come all this way to leave ignorant….with that said…
In many countries where chickens are readily found in residences and their yards, the morning greeting of the local Rooster is no surprise. Across the globe, for those who are up and at it at an early time, it’s as frequent as the sun rise each morning. Serving as a reminder that this is a Muslim country, sometimes after but often times right before the Rooster calls a unique sound is heard.
if you have some time, click this link for an example (Sheik Ahmad Tijani) and listen to it while you read:
It starts of in the distance with the sound “Allah-u-Akbar, Allah-u-Akbar” in the language of Islam, the caller is saying “God is Great” “God is Great”. Yet they are saying it in a very melodic manner the most “unique” of melodic manners…in Arabic, the caller says several statements including (I’m summarizing): “Come to Prayer, Come to Success” “There is but one God” “Prayer is better than sleep” and a litany of other phrases…it is quite beautiful and lasts for several minutes…I am not doing it justice here…but, it sets the complete tone of the day….
Reminiscent of being in West Africa during the Rainy Season where the clouds block out the light from the moon and stars, and there is no secondary light pitching a shadow or a glow….during those months in West Africa you can’t see your hand in front of your face until you adapt. At night you are not in shadows…you are in the absence of light. Yet, your other senses are called because in the distance you can hear it…the sound of the drum…as steady, consistent and powerful as your own heartbeat signifies life in your body, that West African drum brings life together.
And so in Tulungagung at 4:30 a.m….in the dark of night…the “Call to Prayer” proceeds. I get up and head outside to sit, so that I can have the sight that goes along with the feel of this morning. It is a quaint neighborhood, so all is easy to see. A Masjid is just down the street. As I sit here watching, feeling…honing my insight…doors begin to open…people walk into the street…many things catch my eye…but this one in particular stands out. A man has walked out of his house…he looks as if he had just awakened, most likely washed himself to prepare and headed out to the prayer in moments…walking next to him, but slightly behind him, was his little boy. His small hand wrapped in Daddy’s hand, the other hand rubbing his eyes…as if he was still fighting sleep and they were both heading to prayer. By the time 5:00 a.m. came, the streets were busy. People heading to prayer and also getting their day started.
Out of respect for them, there are no pictures included here. However, here is a picture of the mosque where the “Adhan” was called from. Yes, it is dark….it was 5:00 a..m., including it just so you get my drift….
It made me think, for all the discussion that go on about being Christian and having Christian values in the United States, how many communities really pattern every single day based upon their belief. Not just Sunday…not just Bible Study…but an actual community or in this case…an Umma…of belief. Anyway, not to spend too much time on that…but the irony SCREAMS!
After getting some coffee, I went for another stroll. Not to far away, I came up upon the largest Masjid in Tulangagung. Where after prayer, the Imam gave a short sermon (15-20 min or so)…based upon the translation, none of it had anything to do with the United States (what do you know 🙂 Something else really stood out here though…By the time 7:00 a.m. arrived, the streets were teaming with people. Women, Men and plenty of children.
There is a park that sits in front of the Masjid and also in front of a local public school and the residence where the Mayor lives. Hundreds of people were walking in circles…exercising, some jogging, riding bikes, food was being sold, some were exercising the music, others were viewing animals at the petting zoo…no fire, no hatred, no animosity…but plenty of laughs, community interaction…it was family time for the community…
Of course, I could claim that the following picture is a result of my fantastic photographic and photo shop skills…however, truth is…I accidentally breathed all over the lens and was fortunate that the target of the photo still came through 🙂
And of course, we can’t forget the scooters…riding by at the community get-together….if you look close enough, you can see mama and daddy on the scooter, and standing in front of daddy…is the baby with a tiger hat on…. 🙂 family…gotta love it….
of course I am sticking out the entire time like a sore thumb.
All of these people doing their thing, and here I come 6’5” 240…big Black man who is obviously American walking through….they stared at me, the way I would stare at someone, in this case an Asian fella, walking through my yard at 7:00 a.m. in the morning wondering “who in the hell is that?” and as they stared, I smiled…and they smiled too…”big smiles”….pleasantly and in a very nice manner as if wondering…”who is the “Giant.”
Being in an Islamic state has been quite the experience. It is amazing to see the intermix of Asian/Indonesian culture with Islam. Instead of becoming Arabs, these people are deeply tied to their own roots. While this may surprise many in the States, opponents and proponents alike, who think they know all there is about Islam, it is quite a sight to see and it is beautiful to behold!
Wonderful people…and I am fortunate to have made their acquaintance 🙂
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