The Post In Which We Meet the Guru at the Top of the Mountain

OK, it’s official – I’m whining. I know I’ve said it once, but I’m going to say it again: it’s cold here. The weather forecast showing a high of 70 and a low of 66 is simply deceptive, because the wind howling off of the ocean just to the north of our condo is chilly, […]

Getting Oriented to the North Shore

First thing in the morning, we were up and out on the patio lanai and looking out to the north and the Pacific Ocean less than 100 feet away. There, where the grass ends, the edge of this little island drops away precariously to the surf below. A low rhythmic rumbling drifts up to us […]

Another March, Another Trip

Michigan is a grey place. Really it’s a profoundly grey place. We have all of the clouds of Seattle, but none of the excitement, and this starts to wear on all of us after some time, I think. This is particularly the case now, as the winter season wanes and our bodies and minds yearn […]

Final Musings on Indonesia

Last random thoughts on the long journey back from Jakarta to Detroit. Indonesians are more frightening drivers than are Italians, but both have shocked my travel companions. In September, G took a video of the experience in Rome, and P did the same here. I will admit to a moment or two during which I […]

Goodbye and Terima Kasih

Final morning on Lombok. Final sunrise. We stepped out the door of our hotel room, and were met with the warmest, sunniest day here. The tallest Balinese volcano (Mount Agung) was clearly visible beyond the waves. Agung is the fifth tallest volcano in Indonesia, whereas ours on Lombok (Mount Rinjani) is the second tallest. It […]

Why Does He Call It That?!?! And Why Does He Want To Take Us There?!?!

This morning, after breakfast (of course) we headed out on a “land cruise.” Basically the idea is it is a tour of a big chunk of the island. Given our limited time here, we felt this was the most efficient way to get a feel for Lombok. Our driver picked us up at 8, and […]