Yellow Coco Creative Nest Gives Convenes Toddlers from Across Globe

Once upon a time when my family visited back to the USA, I took my daughter, age 1, to the public library for a toddlers’ story time. It was great! Singing, stories, connecting with other little ones… foundations for getting to know themselves through arts and literature and for interacting with others beyond the family.

When we returned to Indonesia, I remembered the public library’s toddler story time. If it doesn’t seem to exist here, why not start one? I thought. So I contacted my friend Susan Allen.

Susan and her partner Pak SusiAwan had recently opened a multi-cultural, holistic center for children to practice creative and performing arts. Perfect venue! And Susan loved the idea of starting something special for the one to three set.

Circle time was born!

Every Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m., we convene for a circle filled with song, movement, stories, drumming and crafts. We often interact with nature in Yellow Coco’s garden. It’s not uncommon for many countries and cultures to be represented—Java, Bali, Canada, America, Australia, France, Spain, Russia, England, Laos.

Circle time has grown since its inception. This week there were about 17 children, plus their accompanying adults (parents, pembantus or guardians).

“There just isn’t much here for the little ones,” I hear someone say from time to time.

I tell them about circle time:

Yellow Coco Creative Nest, Nyuh Kuning, Bali

Thursdays 10 – 11 a.m.

"Nurturing A Creative, Cross-cultural Learning Community Through the Arts for All Ages"

Yellow Coco is a sprout of:

http://www.meandmyshadows.ca

Hit Novel "Laskar Pelangi" Translated into English

In a country where leisure reading is far from the most popular pastime, a novel that sells over five million copies must be truly exceptional. I have been curious about "Laskar Pelangi" for years, the hit song ringing in my ears, but the prospect of tackling a whole novel in Bahasa Indonesia proved just a touch too daunting.

Now "Laskar Pelangi" has been translated into English, as "The Rainbow Troops"! You can imagine my excitement as I read the recent (positive) review in one of my favorite publications, The Economist.

I just downloaded a copy of the English translation to the Kindle. Check it out here:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Rainbow-Troops-Novel-ebook/dp/B008KGPC7C

This uplifting story is a semi-autobiographical first novel by Andrea Hirata about challenges and triumphs of kids growing up on a small island in Indonesia. While acquainting Western readers in English with everyday life on the other side, the story also touches universal themes and characters - inspiring teachers, adolescent friendships and  first loves.

Big Congratulations! to my friend and fellow Fulbrighter Angie Kilbane, who translated the book into English. You can read an interview with Angie here:

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/myjakarta/my-jakarta-angie-kilbane-expatriate-teacher-laskar-pelangi-translator/409323

Brides with baby bumps abound

Congratulations to my friend Komang! I saw him for the first time today in two or three months, and he informed me of the birth of his first child, a little girl. He mentioned that she will be named in a traditional ceremony at the age of three months, and I hope to be invited for this ritual.

At first, I was momentarily surprised at his announcement of a baby already three weeks old. After all, we attended his wedding reception on April 4 (a very auspicious day for weddings, when half the island of Bali's population seemed to be getting married!). How many months it that? That was fast!

It is not at all unusual for couples to marry when already pregnant in Indonesia. The two weddings I have attended in the past year in Indonesia both featured a (discreetly) pregnant bride. The bride of a  wedding I attended in the USA was not yet pregnant, but she hopes to be soon.

There is a striking cultural difference here, as it's still a bit taboo for couples in America to get pregnant before they get married. It isn't considered the natural order of things.

On the other hand, it seems that there is an accepted practice of "testing things out" before the commitment is made in Indonesia. Marriage is much about making families, after all. What if a family cannot be made between a couple, for whatever reason, and they've already gotten married? Hmmm...

Culturally unique Bali might reconsider mass tourism

I originally fell in love with Bali in 2004, on my first visit. The land, the sea and the people were all mesmerizingly beautiful, but the most powerful intoxicant to this romantic was the unique culture and elaborate rites and rituals that go along with it.

Where else on earth can you find tiny hand-crafted baskets filled with fruit, flowers and incense outside of every home and business offering up the day’s best intentions? Though they are shuffled and bustled aside with the day’s activities, they are freshly renewed again the following morning, day after day, in Bali.

Where else are you welcomed to witness extravagant funeral processions rolling through the streets on the shoulders of dozens of men as they parade colorful floats meters high, carrying the earthly remains of loved ones to the temple, where the entire edifice is then sent to the heavens in flames? Not only are you invited to witness them, but to dress as part of the family, walk with the procession and photograph these amazements until your heart’s content in Bali.

Like millions, I was drawn in by this unique culture. Millions more have also been drawn by Bali’s many splendors, not all of which are elements of the traditional and utterly unique culture. The pressures of so many visitors on the natural and cultural environment are weighing more and more heavily, as summarized in a recent scathing indictment from the respected French journal Le Monde, which you can read here:

http://worldcrunch.com/how-mass-tourism-destroying-bali-and-its-culture/5949

Not only sheer numbers, but a cavalier attitude toward Bali’s cultural and environmental sustainability is also taking its toll. Balinese and Indonesian stewards of these treasures might take note and reconsider the best ways to care for and share of their bounty before they are but a memory.

Dancers Take to the Streets for Pedestrian Friendly Ubud

Ubud, Bali, in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago is the cultural heart of the island with a vibrant community of about 30,000 including many artists, writers and performers among its established families. Increasing legions of tourists and expats from around the globe also sample the magic of Ubud, staying anywhere from a few hours to many years.

A group of Ubud expat residents inspired by Ben Aaron's Dance Walk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9cwBK6Ijxw) are taking to the streets. As Ubud's popularity feeds choking traffic congestion on its narrow streets, the dancers want to raise awareness about the joys of pedestrian life while getting some exercise, interacting with locals and making people smile.

You can see Dance Walk Ubud in action by following this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaYA_CupFg8&sns=fb

If this looks like fun, you can start your own Dance Walk in your own town. If you happen to be in Ubud, you can join the Dance Walkers each Friday morning around 9:00 a.m. Look for announcements about location on FaceBook.

US-based Vertical Horizon Rocks Indonesia

Though I have been living in Asia for a few years and don't consider myself "in-touch" with the American music scene, I do know this tune by Vertical Horizon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwSaldFJofM&feature=related

Vertical Horizon will play three dates in Indonesia, May 1, 2 and 3, on their 2012 swing through Asia. Indonesia does not draw a great variety and frequency of international rock or pop acts (especially those coming all the way from the USA), so this is big news!

May 1, 2012 : Jakarta, Hard Rock Cafe Jakarta

May 2, 2012 : Makassar, Grand Clarion Hotel

May 3, 2012 : Bali, Hard Rock Cafe Bali

The act's next tour date listed on their website (www.verticalhorizon.com) is May 6 in Singapore, a short flight from Bali. Fans recovering from the show will want to keep their eyes peeled on the beach for these guys shoring up with a little R&R themselves.