Archive for August, 2007
The first Art Summit Indonesia (ASI I/1995), was organized in the year 1995, coinciding with the commemoration of the Golden Year of Indonesian Independence, together with various special programs organized by the community to celebrate the 50 years of independence.
The philosophy reflected from specially packaged programs presenting works of contemporary arts in the field of music and dance of international level, contain expectation that through the media of art, the people could show their existence and contribution to the world in line with advancement and achievements reached during its 50 years of existence.
THEME: To Join The Diversity
In most social contexts of life in the many parts of the world cultural diversity is very likely to be found. Diversity is already there, in the factual life of peoples that to a greater or lesser degree have made encounters with others, be it to meet social, economic, or political ends.
The intensity of the diversity may, however, vary. It might be diversity amongst different cultures, or with a lesser degree of difference, it might also be diversity among variants of one culture. Artistic expressions, consequently, could vary in line with cultural diversity.
Nevertheless, there are creations of art that aspire to transgress cultural boundaries. This is indeed the sphere of contemporary art. Within this aspiration, references to traditions, or a manifold of traditions, may give certain colouring to a contemporary work of art.
Date:
Art Summit Indonesia V, 2007: International Festival on Contemporary Arts will be held from the 1st ” 30th of November 2007.
Venues:
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Teater Kecil, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta
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Teater Terbuka, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta
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Teater Besar, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta
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Teater Luwes, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta
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Gedung Kesenian Jakarta
More Information, see http://www.artsummitindonesia.com/
Source: http://my-indonesia.info/
August 22nd, 2007
Hidden Paradise on the Equator. There are just so many things that make Gorontalo perfect for holiday, the beauty of its nature, the culture and not forget to mention, the friendly people. General information about Gorontalo, stated at North Sulawesi. Mountains, hills, shore line are the main characteristic of Gorontalo and it makes the island perfect for marine tourism.
Most of diving site take you just a few minute from town, Diving in Gorontalo mean diving within the richness of biodiversity, health and unique coral and reef
Lot of beautiful place could be found here, Tomini Bay-famous for under water habitat and undefined creatures. There is several number of unsettled small islands. Tomini Bay is a heaven for divers, because the geographic position of Tomini Bay itself, which is crossed by the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.
Desa Olele or Olele Village is well known as the wild diving spot among world class diver. Olele beach is a gate to underwater paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been recognize and proofed by the enthusiasm of the divers who come to Olele beach. The divers called Olele as Traffic Jam dive spot.
In Tomini Bay and Olele Beach, you can find some or maybe the most amazing and diver creature such as:
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Lumba-Lumba hidung botol (torsiops trancatus)
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Giant Reef (Petrosia Sp.)
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Angkutan Kota (City Transport ” small car) also available
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School of Gobi Fish (Bryaninops erythrops)
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Salvador Dali reef (Petrosia lignose)
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Kipas Laut Biru (Acanthogorgia Sp.). There are only 3 acanthogorgia Sp. In Gorontalo
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Anemon Koralimorf (Discosoma Sp.)
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Nemo
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Ikan Behang (plectorhinchus chaetodonoides), some people call it cha-cha fish caused they dance and swim around the coral.
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Blenni (Escenius Caeruliventris)
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Cardinal Fish, damsel, platax pinnatus, scorpaenopsis, oxycephala, goropa fish, butterfly fish, pusillus, cockatoo fish, Randal fish, parapterois hetururus, Bothus Sp ” half face fish, frog fish, celebes
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Not forget to mention that Gorontalo is the Kingdom of Nudibrancia
- Seahorse and pigmy seahorse
There are just too many creatures to be named in Gorontalo, Just come, wear your suit and experience the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator.
In your spare time, go cruise with the fisherman and catch/fishing your own fishes.
Getting There
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Jallaludin airport is the entrance for the visitors who use the airplane service (located approximately 15 km from the town of Gorontalo)
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Flight from Sukarno Hatta Air Port-Jakarta ” Jallaludin Air Port, Gorontalo (Filght served every day, please check the exact schedule to your airline services)
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For visitors who use sea service, Gorontalo has 3 harbors, Anggrek Harbor, Kwandang Harbor and Crossing Harbor
Where to Stay
During your diving, you can stay at Gorontalo Resort
If you stay within the town, these hotels might be fit your requirements:
* Quality Hotel Gorontalo
Jl. A. Yani Kota Gorontalo
Phone: (0435) 822222, Fax (+62435) 821111, www.choicehotelsindonesia.co.id
* Saronde Hotel
Walanda Marmis Street
Phone: (0435) 824144
* Yulia Hotel
Ahmad Yani Street
Phone: (0435) 828395
* Wisata Hotel
23 Januari Street
Phone: (0435) 821736
* City Hotel
Basuki Rahmat Street
Phone: (0435) 822437
* Krawang City Hotel
Basuki Rahmat Street
Phone: (0435) 822437
* Citra Hotel
Merdeka Street
Phone: (0435) 821249
* NUDIBRANCIA
Melati Hotel
Gajah Mada Street
Phone: (0435) 821853
* Wisata Leato Hotel
Leato Street
Phone: (0435) 824144
* Sumber Ria
Budi Utomo Street
Phone: (0435) 23888
* Budi Utomo Hotel
Budi Utomo Street
Phone: (0435) 821564
* Mutiara Hotel
Andalas Street
Phone: (0435) 825778
* Imam Bonjol Hotel
Imam Bonjol Street
Phone: (0435) 826240
Moving Around
* Within the town, Trans Sulawesi is a land acces that connected the province in Sulawesi
* Mini bus
* To access the diving spot you can use rented car/bike, then take a boat toward your spot preferences
* For those who use dive companys services, they’ll arrange your activities (transport, meals, lodging) the moment you arrived at Gorontalo
* Take a ride with Bentor, support by motor bike machine, for one or two passenger only. Dont worry with the rain, cause Bentor installed with veil
Dining Guide
* Within the city, its easy to find any kind of food you want to have for your meal, international menu and traditional menu are available. Make your order, and youll find your meal rich in spices.
* Seafood lover will be pleased here
* Perkedel ikan nike (nike fish). Mashed nike fish mix with flour and spices, then fried
* Pepes Ikan Nike. Fresh nike fish mixed with certain spices, wrapped with banana leaf then baked or some prefer it grilled.
Souvenir Tips
* Kerawang: one of Gorontalos traditional cloth materials, which made by hand (man cloth and woman cloth for all ages). Althought Kerawang made by hand but is doesnt look like a hand made at all. Its a Must to buy and make sure its on your list
* Ornaments of intricate carved wood are common in all the district
Other Things to See or Do
* Wreck of Japanese Cargo, Tjendrawasih Ship
* Sail with the fisherman
* Sentinels: Best of the Best in Diving
* Fishing
* Potanga Pool with natural cool and fresh water-directly comes from the mountain spring
* Otanaha Castle was the protection and defense of the Kings of Gorontalo
* White sand of Leato
* Limboto Lake
* Ayuhulalo Waterfall
* Boalemo Beach
* Bolihutuo Beach
* Bajos Tribe Village
Travel Tips
* The best diving season runs from November to April
* You can experienced the encounter with dolphin (torsiops truncates) around February to April
Tourist Office:
Jl. Diponegoro No. 1
Gorontalo 96115 Phone:
(0435) 821763 Fax: (0401) 821763
Source: http://my-indonesia.info/
August 21st, 2007
Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd, has selected the paradise island of Bali as this month’s “Chan’s Pick” destination, and has lined up some enticing special offers at top hotels and resorts.
Singapore (PRWEB) August 19, 2007 — Singapore’s most established travel specialist, Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd, has selected Indonesia’s paradise island of Bali as this month’s “Chan’s Pick” destination, and has lined up some enticing special offers at top hotels and resorts.
Just mention Bali and images of enchanting Balinese culture, beautiful beaches and tranquil resorts come to your mind. Bali is a truly magical place and no matter where you end up, you most probably will be mesmerized by the friendliness of Balinese people and natural attractions.
Bali enjoys tropical weather, being only a few degrees south of the equator. The sun rises at 6 a.m. in the morning and sets at 6 p.m. in the afternoon, every day of the year. Temperature variation is very small, averaging around 26-30 Celsius, and Bali does not have four seasons. Bali only has a wet season, typically from September to February, and a dry season for the other half of the year. But the difference is marginal; at the peak of the wet season you will see about a half-hour to an hour of serious downpour in the afternoon, about perfect for a siesta. The rest of the time it’s a nice, warm temperature, especially with a twist of sea breeze on the beaches.
The first of Chan Brothers’ special Bali deals is at Sofitel Seminyak Bali, where modern French luxury combines with innovative design and Balinese elegance on the classic golden sand of Seminyak beach. The resort covers over 4.5 hectare of beachfront property amidst luxurious and unique landscaping.
Chan Brothers also has a special deal for vacationers at All Seasons Legian Bali, which is centrally located in this popular resort area, within easy walk to markets, shops, restaurants and Legian’s famous beach. The hotel features quality fittings in a contemporary design. The resort is styled around a landscaped swimming pool, with its own bar and a spa area. An additional bar and modern restaurant are located near the lobby.
Chan Brothers’ third special deal in Bali is at Novotel Nusa Dua Hotel & Residence. Located in the heart of the gated resort community of Nusa Dua, the hotel is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course and has 188 luxuriously appointed rooms and apartments.
For more information on Chan’s Pick, please visit: http://www.chanbrothers.com/hotel/
About Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd:
Chan Brothers Travel Pte. Ltd. has the strongest foothold and most established travel operations of any travel agency in Singapore. Chan Brothers serves a broad spectrum of customers, from leisure to corporate. Leisure customers include families looking for wholesome fun and quality experiences that promote togetherness, honeymooners or couples in search of romantic getaways, PMEBs wanting to break free from the stresses of life, adventurers seeking unforgettable escapades, and students on budget travels. Corporate customers include small and medium-sized enterprises and multinational corporations.
Chan Brothers was recently named the Winner for Outstanding Branding Effort (Local). Chan Brothers was also named the Best Travel Agency (Singapore) in 2005, Singapore’s Top 100 Brands & Number 1 Online Travel Agency in 2004 and Tourism Host of the Year (Travel Agency) in 2003.
Source: http://www.prweb.com/
August 20th, 2007
JAKARTA, Aug 16 (Bernama) — Indonesia wants to tap more Malaysian tourists and has set a target of 1 million arrivals from Malaysia under its Visit Indonesia Year (VIY) 2008 programme.
Thamrin B. Bachri, Director-General of Marketing of the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said that to realise the objective, the first initiative was to put up more advertisements and focus on border arrival strategy.
“We know that Malaysia and Singapore have contributed a lot to our tourism industry since 15 years back but there is little effort from our side so far. There is only one billboard promoting our country in Kuala Lumpur.
“It’s not even doing proper marketing in Malaysia. So, after we had talks with Tourism Malaysia, we think we should do something about this,” he told Bernama after receiving 12 journalists from Asia Pacific for the Journalist Visit Programme (JVP) organised by the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry here.
Thamrin hoped that the Indonesian government would support such a move because it involved a huge amount of money.
For this year, Indonesia expected some 800,000 Malaysians to visit its shores, he said, adding that the highest figure so far was only about 680,000 in 2004.
Last year there were 4.87 million foreign tourist arrivals compared with 5.32 million in 2004, which was the highest in 10 years.
Thamrin said Bali was still the best product they could offer, apart from Jogjakarta, West Java, East Java and West Sumatra.
Malaysia had a total of 9.6 million visitors to Indonesia since 1992.
Source: http://www.bernama.com/
August 20th, 2007
Lakey Peak in Dompu regency, Sumbawa island, West Nusa Tenggara, will host the six-star Dompu Indonesian Open surfing competition — offering prize money of Rp 60 million (US$6,594).
“We feel that surfing has the potential to open up more opportunities for the Dompu region,” Abdul Harris, head of the Dompu Tourism Board, said in a press release.
“This event will no doubt generate both excitement and awareness about the area as a recreational destination.”
The competition is sponsored by Quiksilver and will run from Aug. 13-15.
The last major professional surf competition at Lakey Peak was held 10 years ago. National surfer Rizal Tanjung won the event and will return to defend his title. He will face tough competition, not only from fellow Indonesian surfers but also from international challengers.
“I’m really excited that the government has taken notice of surfing in our country and become more involved in the sport. It should be a great event,” he said.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com
August 16th, 2007
THE relationship between Australia and Indonesia is longer than most people realise. Hundreds of years ago sailors from what is now Sulawesi, the Macassans, were coming ashore in northern Australia, socialising with the Aborigines during their expeditions in the season for gathering trepang (sea-cucumber).
During World War II, Australia at first sided with conservative and old established colonial ideas, so when the Japanese invaded Indonesia and the Dutch colonial masters had to flee, Australia allowed a Dutch “government in exile” at Wacol, in Brisbane’s southwest. Even now, just south of Brisbane, the suburb Tanah Merah (it means Red Earth, in Bahasa Indonesia) provides a reminder of the times when the Indonesians, who were in the Dutch service, were located in Queensland.
Tanah Merah was the name of the prison camp far upstream on the Digul River in West Papua (now Irian Jaya) – a malarial hell-hole, also known as Boven Digul – the camp where the Dutch held their political prisoners. In 1943 they were brought to Australia on a ship named The Both and at first were held in prison camps at Cowra and Liverpool, in NSW. They included 500 men, women and children.
Dockside workers and railway staff had found desperate notes explaining their predicament, thrown from portholes and trains by the Indonesian prisoners, at the time of their arrival.
Some time later Australia supported Indonesia’s application for entry into the United Nations.
After Ngurah Rai International Airport opened in Bali in 1972, that island soon became Australia’s “own back yard” holiday destination. It coincided with the rise of surfing as an international sport, and Bali had first class surf, so was popular for this, as well as for its unique cultural identity. It was also a first stop on the “hippie trail” through Asia to Europe. Many Aussies formed strong bonds with the Balinese, which have lasted to the present day. Bali became one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Little by little it surrendered its old way of life to accommodate tourism, all the time steadfastly maintaining its Balinese/Hindu traditions.
Then came the darkest day – the tragic Bali bombing of October 12, 2002. This shocked and horrified everyone – Balinese, other Indonesians and Australians alike. Bali was the epitome of a tropical paradise, and all who loved it were traumatised.
Tourism plummeted, especially from Australia, the primary tourism market, and the Balinese suffered deeply since their culture had become so dependent on tourism.
Two years later, when a recovery was beginning, a second bombing occurred and then there were drug busts of Australians. These foolhardy Aussies came with their forbidden baggage, at a time when there was a crackdown on “narkoba” – the Indonesian word for narcotics.
Laws were tough, because of concerns for the explosion of drug use within the nation. Marijuana was included in this definition. These drug busts provoked a media frenzy which caused further damage to tourism in Bali and wider Indonesia.
On the diplomatic front, Australia and Indonesia have had a companion roller-coaster ride for a long time – since the December 1975 East Timor invasion, which Australia chose to support (or at least not protest) until the time of East Timor’s fight for independence, when we switched sides, until more recent, disagreements regarding refugees from Irian Jaya.
Both sides assume postures, issue statements, attempt to score points against the other to gain political advantage, while the ordinary people struggle to understand one another’s motivations and policies.
But the most positive thing has always been the unshakeable bond that exists between the ordinary people of these two neighbouring nations, which transcends politics. As neighbours, we have communicated, we have befriended one another, we have married one another, forging unbreakable bonds.
Whatever the politicians do or say, there are many people on both sides of the Arafura Sea who know that we are all good people – friends and neighbours – and that as neighbours we must get along and support each other for mutual benefit. In every country there is a small minority of fanatics, our own included.
Indonesians are a very friendly and welcoming people. The history, art and culture of the Indonesian archipelago is certainly an eye opener and an education for Australians, who will gain much from exploring a culture that is older and richer than modern Australian history.
Indonesia is still a young nation and has been through very difficult times, so understanding and co-operation with its more fortunate southern neighbour is crucial – for both sides.
Because of the history of struggle, quite a lot of contemporary art of Indonesia has featured political and social themes.
Festival Nusantara, now on at The Brisbane Powerhouse, provides Australia’s first major arts festival celebrating Indonesian culture.
Cynthia Webb is a Gold Coast writer.
Source: http://www.news.com.au/
August 15th, 2007
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
Thousands of children are set to benefit from The Westin Resort Nusa Dua’s latest fundraising event which runs until September 2007. The vital funds will be raised for UNICEF immunisation projects in the Asia Pacific region.
The event will be held as part of UNICEF’s Check Out for Children Challenge.
Beautiful traditional Balinese Egg Painting is being sold in the resort. By purchasing one of these skillfully painted eggs guest are able to help children around the world to have a better future, with 30% of the profits contributed to UNICEF.
Another event that Westin Bali will hold in conjunction with this charity program is The Annual Westin Bali Charity Tennis Tournament for children on Saturday, 1st September and Sunday, 2nd September 2007. This tournament is open for children from age 6 years old until 14 years old. The winner of the tournament will have the chance to personally meet with an International Woman Tennis player in the brunch party that the resort will throw for the players in conjunction with WTA tour tennis tournament in early September.
Now in its fourth year, the UNICEF Check Out for Children Challenge is an annual fundraising challenge among staff at Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Each year the challenge goes from strength to strength and this year the fundraising target for the Asia Pacific region is US$90,000.
The theme of the 2007 Challenge will be celebrating 18 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In 1989 governments around the world united to sign the Convention on the Rights of the Child and demonstrate their commitment to children. 18 years later a generation of children have been protected by this Convention.
Funds raised by The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali will assist UNICEF to immunise thousands of children in the Asia Pacific region. More than 30,000 children die every day, mostly from preventable diseases.
Source: http://www.asiatraveltips.com/
August 15th, 2007
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Officers with the Jakarta tourism police brush off criticisms they lack the English language skills needed in the tourism sector.
“To be frank, I can’t speak English. But there’s no shame in that,” said tourism policewoman Sr. Brig. Nani R.
“I get by because I never feel embarrassed when speaking to tourists.”
“Most foreign tourists in Jakarta can speak Indonesian. If they can’t, we resort to gestures,” 41-year-old Nani said recently.
Nani, who has been assigned to the Jakarta Police’s tourism unit since it was established in 1996, said she found it easy to communicate with most people.
“However, Japanese tourists pose a challenge. They keep saying haik, which sounds to us like they are assuming a karate attack position,” she said.
Nani’s colleague, Sr. Brig. Ni Putu Swasti, 31, said sometimes new recruits avoided coming into contact with foreign tourists altogether.
According to Putu, who has also served in the division for 11 years, being a tourism police officer requires no special skills and certainly not a high score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
There are only eight women in the division.
Putu said she hoped the division would offer an English conversation program as real use of the language was important for the job.
“Speaking English is hard because we are not familiar with the language.
“Officers with superior foreign language abilities used to teach the others, but not anymore,” Putu said, adding that only some 20 percent of officers in the division were fluent in English.
The tourism division aims to promote Jakarta as a city friendly to both domestic and foreign tourists.
The division has 57 personnel and 15 patrol cars, which are painted maroon with the words “Tourism Police” on the sides.
Tourism police officers are tasked with monitoring tourist attractions city-wide, including Ragunan Zoo, South Jakarta; Ancol Dreamland, North Jakarta; Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta; heritage sites and museums.
In addition, the division routinely patrols 176 karaoke lounges, 132 cafes, 233 discotheques, more than 300 hotels and dozens of malls.
Putu said: “Not only do we lack English language skills but also the personnel to monitor those sites”.
It seems, however, this fact does not disturb the division’s chief, Adj. Sr. Comr. I Gusti Ngurah Warsika.
“There are other priorities. Jakarta is unlike Bali or Yogyakarta. There are just not that many tourist sites here, you see?”
“Most of the visitors are locals anyway,” he said.
When asked about the importance of having good foreign language skills for the tourism police, Gusti said: “They don’t have to be experts. So long as they can speak a little of the language, it’s alright”.
New recruits are, however, offered training opportunities.
The Jakarta Tourism Board, for example, runs a three-day language course every September. The National Police also hold 90-day Korean, Chinese, English, Japanese and Arabic courses twice a year.
Perhaps the division needs to learn that poor language comprehension can lead to misunderstandings and embarrassment. (07)
Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/
August 15th, 2007
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Hotels and bars on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali have been hit by an alcohol shortage due to an import problem, officials said Monday.
The tourism industry is worried that the shortages could impact the number of foreign visitors, said Djinaldi Gosana, executive director of the Bali Hotel Association.
Tourism in the predominantly Hindu island of Bali in mostly Muslim Indonesia is starting to recover after suicide bombers attacked the island in October 2005, killing 20 people. The attacks came after more than 200 died in nightclub bombings by Islamic militants in 2002.
A trade ministry official said the state-owned firm responsible for importing alcohol for hotels and restaurants had not applied for quotas, which must be renewed every six months. The official, who declined to be identified, did not elaborate.
Bali’s Denpasar Post newspaper reported that the shortages followed the discovery of an alcohol smuggling ring using falsified duty stamps.
“Our members are complaining of a shortage of wines and spirits over the past two months. Apparently there’s a reorganization at the customs department after the discovery of a smuggling ring,” Gosana said, adding he was not clear if other parts of Indonesia were also affected.
He said some outlets on the resort island had been forced to close because of the shortage.
“It’s an even bigger blow for hotels that offer all-inclusive packages. Their reputation is suffering,” he said.
According to government data, tourist arrivals in Bali rose 34 percent to 781,059 in the first half of 2007 from a year ago.
The island will host a number of major international meetings this year, including a key U.N. conference on climate change in December.
Source: http://www.reuters.com/
August 14th, 2007
Four women from South Canterbury recently went to the tourist mecca of Bali. While they took in some of the usual attractions and one did learn to surf, they also took time out to take a look at the other side of life, including Dharma Jati orphanage. Reporter Stu Piddington talked to some of them, including Timaru photographer Jeanna McDonald who supplied the photographs.
“The Road Less Travelled” is a company with a difference run by St Andrews Anah Aikman.
As the name suggests, Anah acts as a guide to look behind the scenes of a tourist destination.
She has spent considerable time in Bali and took a group of four women of diverse ages to show them more than what’s inside the glossy brochures.
For Jeanna McDonald, Marion Lambie, Denise Saini and Nell Dulieu, the exotic east was definitely experienced in a road less travelled way.
While bathing in the culture and sights that are uniquely Bali, Anah’s aim was to provide women with some “time out” and renewal for themselves, while sharing adventures together with a dose of the hard reality that faces some children.
Anah’s mantra is the sharing of knowledge and experiences, promoting greater tolerance, understanding and patience for others.
She believes that in our everyday lives, everyday people can make a positive difference towards making this world a better place. Step by step … Smile by smile … Example by example.
She believes that adventures are to be experienced and in doing so, her trips are very flexible, allowing the journey to unfold into magical moments.
“To contribute back, and care for others is part of that magic,” she simply states.
One experience that touched the hearts of her group was a visit to Dharma Jati orphanage in the sprawling city of Dempasar.
Greeted by smiling young children and teenagers, their songs brought tears to the eyes of the Kiwis, who in response sang Po Kare Kare Ana.
Around 225 children live at Dharma Jati, cared for by one couple, Nika and his wife.
Nika was a professional journalist and through his work discovered the plight of orphaned children in Bali was of great concern.
His work with these orphaned children is his life and purpose.
With little funding from the government, Nika and his wife educate and care for children, from babies to 16-year-olds.
Anah says it’s like a gigantic family, with the older children looking after the smaller ones, and all done with beautiful smiles.
The main focus of Dharma Jati is to provide practical education where the children can become self sufficient in readiness for the outside world.
Reading, literacy and trade skills are part of that preparation.
Anah says English is important as Bali relies on tourism and the children are taught the language so they can work in the hospitality trade.
However, English and sewing teachers are few and far between and the need is great.
The orphanage expands day by day as the older boys build under Nika’s guidance.
New rooms are needed to house the children, and a new performance area where guests will be invited to special ceremonies.
The orphanage boys double as the musicians and will perform traditional music to bring in revenue to the orphanage.
They wish to be self-sufficient and masters of their own destinies.
The group of Kiwi women took basic food supplies as their gift to the orphanage.
Jeanna, who had been on one of Anah’s previous trips, said she was also keen to get away from the stresses of everyday life and gain some new experiences.
“Although I had been to Bali on holiday before I knew that going with Anah and the rest of the girls would be a totally different experience.
“We had an absolutely fantastic time, an insight into a country that we would not have gained otherwise. Her “go with the flow attitude” allowed us to experience things that do not often happen with your average overseas holiday,
The trip brought out a wealth of emotions, filled with fun, laughter and yes, the odd tear,
“The visit to the orphanage was truly humbling, to see how these children who have none of the privileges that we often take for granted made the most of what they had and still had a genuine smile on their faces.”
Denise said her trip to Bali was a magical experience with lots of adventures.
“The memory that stays in my mind the most is the orphanage and the wonderful couple who gave up their jobs and their lives to look after 260 abandoned children.
“The children come from Java, Lombok and Bali, and their parents either are too poor to care for them or they had been aborted almost full term.”
“It was a very tearful event for me, when we visited we donated rice, milk powder and eggs.
“The very young children sang us three songs. These gorgeous well cared for babies made me realise just how lucky we are in this country.”
Nell said she had had a challenging two years and needed to do something for me.
“I heard of this trip, and liked what I saw of the itinerary. I would not have done anything like this myself .
“This was the most magical, inspiring,spiritual, humbling, adventure I have taken, an absolute delightful gem of a tour leader who had done her homework with a fine toothcomb.”
Nell rated the visit to the orphanage at the top of her list but also enjoyed something more common to Bali as one of her highlights
“Have you ever seen a 55-year-old learning to surf, so much fun and laughter.”
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/
August 13th, 2007
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