My trip was inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's own search for herself across Italy, India, and Indonesia, documented in her memoir, Eat, Pray, Love.
Reading this book, I often found myself laughing to myself at Gilbert's sarcastic and humorous wit. I feel like i learned a lot about each of the countries and places she went to, without feeling like I was reading an encyclopedia or sitting in on a classroom lecture. My favorite place Gilbert describes is Venice. After doing a little research on my own, I felt myself wanting more and more to go visit this place, and experience it for myself. In general, Italy especially caught my attention. I've always had a desire to go, and reading about Gilbert's experience just increased that desire. Although I personally don't agree with some of her values, I appreciate hearing and learning from her perspective, and she was very easy to relate to. I enjoyed her relaxed, optimistic way of looking at situations.
Doing ths project, I surprisingly learned a lot about myself. I learned that I want to learn how to cook in Italy, try to meditate at least once, learn yoga, take care of my body and self - even if that means just sitting back and eating an entire plate of pasta and gelato no matter the gross amount of calories and clogged arteries (hey, if it makes me happy, right?), visit Bali and learn about herbal medicine, and many, many more things. I enjoyed reading Eat, Pray, Love, looking up fun music on youtube, and accessing my inner creative writing abilities. A challenge was figuring out how this blog works...I am old-fashioned, and DEFINITELY NOT a techie, but overall I did enjoy this project, and i hope you enjoy my blog.
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search For Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia, Elizabeth Gilbert. Penguin Books, New York, NY 2006. 334 p
Monday, November 29, 2010
Let's Cross Over
In closing, I would like to express my deep appreciation for foreign culture and religions, and say thank you to all those who welcomed me with open arms during my journey. To Elizabeth Gilbert, an inspiration to follow your dreams no matter the cost, i have one word for you: "attraversiano." Let's cross over.
Week 3: Indonesia - A Bittersweet Selamat Tinggal
"Selamat Tinggal!" Smiled the little Indonesian boy Imet the other day while sunbathing in the humid rays of the Lombok sun. I can't believe its already been 3 weeks. Although I am happy to be going home, I have enormously enjoyed my time here in this Indonesian paradise...well except for maybe right now. Lombok. Where do I even begin? I will start by saying it is HOT. But that's not even the wort part; the humidity is melting away my skin and sucking all the strength right out of my muscles and bones. I'm from Virginia, and coming to Texas in the middle of summer, i thought, was pretty much the stupidest thing I could do. But this makes Texas look like the arctic tundra! Though, I will give Lombok credit for their lovely, sandy white beaches and ideal snorkeling.
www.indonesiatravel.org.uk/tourist-attractions Tourist Attractions in Indonesia - Places to Visit in Indonesia, Indonesia Travel Guide
tp://www.wayfaring.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/17468-gili-trawangan-lombok-indonesia.jpg
www.indonesiatravel.org.uk/tourist-attractions Tourist Attractions in Indonesia - Places to Visit in Indonesia, Indonesia Travel Guide
Week 3: Indonesia - Java
Since this trip was meant to be a take off of Elizabeth Gilbert's journey in Eat, Pray, Love, so far I have gone to the places she went to. But I decided that I wanted to visit Java. Who wouldn't want to see an island ringed with a plethera of active volcanoes? Cool, I know. My family and I spent a day hiking up Mount Semeru, the highest volcano in Java, and it was AMAZING!
http://www.allhatnocattle.net/mt%20semeru.jpg
While doing research to learn about Java, I came upon this website, javatourism.com (facts about Java - local customs and practices), that showed a list of rules that the Indonesians must follow. Here are some of them:
- No physical contact between men and women is made in public, except a possible handshake.
- Be on time for any meetings. Sometimes the meetings start late. However, you are expected on time, and should never make any comment about the meeting starting late or any person arriving late.
- Never stand with your back to an elderly person or a high ranking official. As you enter a room be aware of the people who will be in that room with you.
- Always rise when your host/hostess enters the room.
- Leaving food on your plate signifies you are impolite, so eat all the food you are served.
- Only use your right hand for eating, when touching someone, or handling money/papers.
- Talking is impolite while eating dinner. Conversation is reserved for before or after the meal.
- Never show the soles of your feet/shoes or touch anything with your foot.
- Never touch another person's head, this includes a child's head (such as a pat on the head).
- Never eat while walking in public, or chew on a toothpick. Yawning in public is inappropriate (cover your mouth if you must yawn).
- Remove your hat and sunglasses when going indoors.
- Gifts, though small, are frequently given.
- Gifts are not opened when given. This practice shows the recipient is gracious, not greedy.
Wow, these customs make America look rude and ignorant. I can't imagine living in a place so sheltered and respectful as here. I don't know about you, but I like my flipflops!
While doing research to learn about Java, I came upon this website, javatourism.com (facts about Java - local customs and practices), that showed a list of rules that the Indonesians must follow. Here are some of them:
- No physical contact between men and women is made in public, except a possible handshake.
- Be on time for any meetings. Sometimes the meetings start late. However, you are expected on time, and should never make any comment about the meeting starting late or any person arriving late.
- Never stand with your back to an elderly person or a high ranking official. As you enter a room be aware of the people who will be in that room with you.
- Always rise when your host/hostess enters the room.
- Leaving food on your plate signifies you are impolite, so eat all the food you are served.
- Only use your right hand for eating, when touching someone, or handling money/papers.
- Talking is impolite while eating dinner. Conversation is reserved for before or after the meal.
- Never show the soles of your feet/shoes or touch anything with your foot.
- Never touch another person's head, this includes a child's head (such as a pat on the head).
- Never eat while walking in public, or chew on a toothpick. Yawning in public is inappropriate (cover your mouth if you must yawn).
- Remove your hat and sunglasses when going indoors.
- Gifts, though small, are frequently given.
- Gifts are not opened when given. This practice shows the recipient is gracious, not greedy.
Wow, these customs make America look rude and ignorant. I can't imagine living in a place so sheltered and respectful as here. I don't know about you, but I like my flipflops!
Week 3: Indonesia - Ubud, Bali
Ubud is the center of Bali, and is conveniently located in the mountains. It is surrounded by rice paddies (not to be confused with rice patties) and lots and lots of Hindu temples, rivers, canyons of jungle, and volcanoes. Basically, it is the definition of paradise. Not to mention the beaches...
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIG5BzBpB7id2F0YSW5mY_BVWWaj2tl-tt-t3lJbyR7XWbc1Vs86VS4HzE3dCZjVmBJRX5WVla2-18if-Its2MDe7EQ_dKfxk53Fc7dAuwE3O3lZ3ik9eNO79tuU77_LnJibgMVVx9cA/s400/Dreamland+Beach0.jpg
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, describes Ubud as "the cultural hub of the island, the place where traditional Balinese painting, dance, carving, and religious ceremonies thrive." I couldn't agree more. Here is some traditional Balinese dance and music for your viewing pleasure... (Also view Balinese Danse Video)
And the beautiful artwork...
And religious ceremonies...
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, describes Ubud as "the cultural hub of the island, the place where traditional Balinese painting, dance, carving, and religious ceremonies thrive." I couldn't agree more. Here is some traditional Balinese dance and music for your viewing pleasure... (Also view Balinese Danse Video)
And the beautiful artwork...
And religious ceremonies...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Week 3: Indonesia - A Little Background
Bali is a pretty small island, only about the size of Delaware and to my suprise, English is widely spoken here. Who knew? Apparently, it's a popular tourist destination. I guess I would know this if i traveled more, but I am only 16 years old. (I don't know much.) But upon arriving in this quaint little town, I have learned already that years ago, there was a terrorist bombing here and as a result, getting around the island is much easier than it would have been 10 years ago. Everyone is desperate for work. It seems their fountain of foreign wealth has dried up and we are the water that will power that fountain once more. Since we got in late, we decided to drive to the town of Ubud, check into a nice little hotel, and call it a day. But when we got there, the Balinese staff was so friendly and adoring, we ended up taking a swim, talking and eating platters of tropical fruit, walking through the pretty garden, and don't go to bed until 3 AM. I will definitely be sleeping in tomorrow. I'm thinking room service?
Week 2: India - Nsync Goes International
This has been a relaxing, quiet week. We didn't spend much time in the city, but preferred the comfortable cool of our hotel rooms to the hustle-bustle of the market places. The other day I heard some Indian band playing (all boys, and extremely thin boys at that) and to my pleasant suprise, they were pretty good. They were kind of the Nsync of India. I even got a free CD!
For a sample of Indian music, go to my blog and click on Tunak Tunak Tun.
Tomorrow we fly to Bali. I am happy to move on to a new place, but Indonesia? I mean, didn't they get bombed or something? This will be an experience. Maybe it's time for a little risk. Bali, get ready...Ellie's coming!
Week 2: India - Meditation and Other Impossible Things
Om Namah Shivaya. Om Namah Shivaya. Ohhhhmmmm... How do people do this all day? Ana and i decided to spend the morning at the temple, meditating and praying with the women. Twenty minutes later, my back and neck are sore, my, my leg is cramping, and I desperately have to use the ladies room. Ana is not in much better shape. Although meditation is not for me, I have a great respect for the women here who sit kneeling for hours on end in communion with God, completely oblivious, or maybe just immune to the world around them.
http://www.karunamayi.org/News/images/India%20meditation%20chakra%20kundalini%20yoga%20ashram_06.jpg
I can already feel a pull towards this country eventhough I don't share their religion, culture, or pretty much anything. Just walking through the streets this afternoon, I saw a family that seemed to embody the impossible state of perfection. The husband and wife were walking through the marketplace silently with their young children in tow. I remember going grocery shopping with my mom as a kid, and it was like pulling teeth. I hated it. But these kids didn't seem to mind. They quietly walked hand in hand, whispering a song to eachother while their parents bartered and bought. They seemed mature for their young age. If nothing else, I give these people props on raising their kids to respect.
For tips on meditating, go back to my blog and click on the video titled Tips for Meditating
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| Maybe my parents will take me to see the Taj Mahal! |
Week 2: India - Gumdrops
India! The dresses here are fantastic! There are so many colors..they remind me of rainbows and gumdrops, and gingerbread houses at Christmas time. It's pretty hot here and not at all like what i was expecting. Actually, I didn't know what to expect. To be honest, I don't really want to be here at all. I wish we could just stay another week in Italy, but who knows...maybe I could use a few days to 'meditate' or find my 'inner being'. I apologize for my sarcastic, or rather pesimistic attitude. I'm not exactly the self-help type and the words guru and enlightenment in the same sentence tend to stir up those not so happy feelings in my stomach, if you catch my drift. But anyways, I am excited to go to sleep, though that may be an issue with all these bugs flying around feeding off me. I swear, mosquitoes will be the death of me.
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| BUZZZ!! http://coolaggregator.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/mosquito_bee.gif |
Week 1: Italy - Venice
I have decided that when I retire, I will come here, to Venice. It is our last day in Italy and I couldn't wish for a better way to spend it. This is, by far, the most beautiful place I have been to in my life, and i love the feel of it. Everyone is relaxed and calm, the buildings are beautiful and old, and it rains a lot. No wonder everything practically "sits" in water. The locals think of this city as a tomb, but I see it more as a resting place- yeah it pretty much means the same thing, but 'resting place' sounds less morbid and a little bit enchanting, don't you think? I mean, just look how beautiful it is...
http://www.gsu.edu/images/study_abroad/venice-italy.jpg
http://www.greatdreams.com/weather/venice_10.jpg
Go back to my blog page to view some great Italian music!
Tomorrow we fly to India. I am really going to miss this place - all the delectable food and gelato, the simple way of 'existing', and all the lovely Italian words that seem to flow like a river through the tightly packed streets that make up this wonderul country. I know I will be back here someday, hopefuly soon, but for now I will say goodbye the way the Italians taught me. And that is...ciao!
Go back to my blog page to view some great Italian music!
Tomorrow we fly to India. I am really going to miss this place - all the delectable food and gelato, the simple way of 'existing', and all the lovely Italian words that seem to flow like a river through the tightly packed streets that make up this wonderul country. I know I will be back here someday, hopefuly soon, but for now I will say goodbye the way the Italians taught me. And that is...ciao!
Week 1: Italy - Sicily
Poverty is a word I heard often growing up, but fortunately never truly had to experience. That is, until i went on a church missions trip to Antigua, Guatemala the summer before my first year of high school. If you were to ask me what the most memorable thing about my ten days inpovrty was, i would say: faces. The countless faces of mothers, husbands, children, all of them dirty and weary looking, but each time i saw these people, i was amazed at their ability to dig deep inside, past allthe suffering and find an abundance of gratitude, love, and smiles, that never seemed to fade. Their eyes were so wise and kind, and the children seemed to have a sparkle of mischief not unlike the kids back home in America. Actually, I couldn't find much of a difference between these poor Guatemalan boys and girls and the kids in my own neighborhood except for their lack of hygene and material possessions. It's amazing how someone with nothing can be just as happy, or even happier than those with everything. This is not the case for Sicily. Poverty here is a devouring disease. Something that comes, ravages, makes you puke a little, and just never seems to go away. These faces are sad and grouchy and mean. The mischief I see takes the form of a poker game out in the streets, kind of like Vegas or I don't know, somewhere, anywhere in the US where there's poker. But get this - instead of professional poker players or college students on their spring breaks, the masters of this game of deceit are a group of 7 or 8 year old boys, and their chairs are makeshift wooden crates flipped upside down. Don't get me wrong, this city is chalk-full of history and drama, beautiful buildings and artwork, but like my trip to Guatemala, what i will remember are the faces. Only this time, they don't smile back at me.
http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xc/72043467.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=45B0EB3381F7834DE0152AA660B6AAD22E1DFF30DE3AC6C7DAD2E6E714B5D956
http://media.nowpublic.net/images//51/1/511352706d0967e591b95b695c574d7d.jpg
Week 1: Italy - A Slice of Heaven
Three words...I LOVE ITALY! I have never tasted such good food in my life! I can't get enough...it's so yummy! I was walking through Rome yesterday with my sister, Ana, and we met this nice Italian guy to ask directions to some restaurant our hotel gives "5 stars and 2 thumbs up!", and he told us about this hole-in-the-wall place his cousin owns that makes the best, I mean the BEST pizza in all of Italy. Who can turn down pizza? OK, now I know what you're thinking. I know all about stranger danger and to never get in the car with someone who offers you a ride, but this guy was muy carina, like REALLY CUTE and technically it wasn't a car. It was a vespa. So there we are: me, Ana, and his this lovely Italian guy, Luca, who can't speak a word of english and I am suddenly overcome with this feeling of overwhelming joy, for no reason at all - except of course that I am on vacation in Italy, eating the most heavenly slice of pizza on the planet, listening to a cute guy speak the most beautiful, romantic language in history. Suffice it to say, i will never eat a Papa John's pizza again in my life. Italian pizza...Papa John's: there isn't even a competition.
http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1024x768/2009/Food_Pizza_Italian_Pizza_012875_.jpg
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/3104/cocooc8.jpg
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| It doesn't get much better than this. |
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| Luca (well not really him, but close enough) |
http://www.zastavki.com/pictures/1024x768/2009/Food_Pizza_Italian_Pizza_012875_.jpg
http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/3104/cocooc8.jpg
Week 1: Italy - City of Love
Today I arrived in the city of love, and after a grueling plane ride with the family, and having to sit through an hour listening to my dad argue with the poor hotel hostess about getting me and my sister an adjoining room with him and my mom, you'd think I'd be just about ready to burst from exhaustion. But au contrare - I am ready to go out and explore! Who cares about a little jet lag...I'm in Italy! So here's the plan for our little 'family excursion': we are going to kick it off with a week in Italy, completely engourging ourselves in pasta and formaggeria and gaining a noticeable amount of body weight, then head off to India for a little R and R to get in touch with our 'inner selves' (exciting, I know). To top it off, we will be spending our third and final week in the beautiful utopia that is Bali, Indonesia. Indonesia? Yeah, that's what I said. So lookout world...here I come!
http://www.lovetoeatandtravel.com/Graphics/Photos/Italy/CIA_map_Italy.gif
http://www.lovetoeatandtravel.com/Graphics/Photos/Italy/CIA_map_Italy.gif
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