Saya sudah tinggal di Bali selama kira-kira dua minggu! (I've already been in Bali for about two weeks!)

Selamat Pagi-

I apologize in advance for the length of this first post, but I will do my best to be brief. I have spent about two weeks in Bali and have had more adventures than I ever thought possible. After a 15 hour flight to Hong Kong and a 5 hour connecting flight to Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, I caught the first glimpse of the paradise I was to be living in for almost four months.

Our orientation period was spent in a small village in the SE of Bali...in a palace! The nine students, myself included, and our academic directors were fortunate enough to live with a royal family for the beginning of our study abroad experience. Balinese architecture is fascinating. Family compounds are scattered all throughout villages and include several buildings including a temple, kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.

While in Kerambitan, we studied Bahasa Indonesian for five hours a day in order to prepare for the upcoming months. After only a few days of speaking the language, we were dropped off one by one in neighboring villages, of which we had no idea existed. The goal of the exercise was the use what Indonesian we could muster up and interact with the people. I met a very nice family who owned a warung (sm. convenient store) and took an hour out of their day to listen to this mumbling American mahasiswa (university student). It was an amazing experience!

In addition, we were INCREDIBLY fortunate to be staying at the palace during a royal wedding! We attended and saw many processions, rituals, and dances throughout the week. In order to do so, we needed to wear pakian adat (traditional clothing) which we purchased by bargaining the the nearby market. I paid $10 for a lacy top, sarong, sash, and corset (yes, all the women wear them). It was BEYOND amazing! We also found some time to visit/have class on the nearby black sand beach...gorgeous. Nearing the end of orientation, we visited the temple on the rock, Tanah Lot, for coconut drinks and sunset. Not a bad way to end the week!

After many hours of classes and preparation for Bedulu (the village I currently live in), we broke off into small groups and had to find bemos (public transportation vans) to the village. After a few hours, we made it safe and sound and met our host families, but had to say a speech in Indonesian in front of everyone first! In my compound, there are four different families living there, but my immediate family consists of my Ibu (mother) Agung Putri, Bapak (father), Laki-Laki (brother-Gide), Ipar Perempuan (sister-in law), and their children, a girl age 5, and a boy age 3. I have my own room and am only 10 minutes away from the program center where we take classes. Everyone in Bali is expected to bathe (mandi) twice a day, and in my family, this is done by a full basin of cold water and a cup to pour; my bathroom also has a squatter.

To say that I have been overfed in Bali is the understatement of the century! Lagi lagi..silahken lagi (more, more, please more). This is especially true at my homestay. For instance, my first breakfast consisted of nasi (rice), ayum (chicken), sayur (veggies), talur (egg), pisang (bananas), rambutan (amazing fruit), tempeh, water, coffee, and Balinese cake....for breakfast! I love the food here. We eat rice with every meal, and it is a tad spicy, cooked in oil/fried, but delicious. Interestingly, my family makes all the food in the morning and lets it sit out all day, eating it when they are hungry. Needless to say, I am developing a strong stomach.

The Balinese are by far the most friendly group of people I have ever met. I never pass someone without a smile, good morning, and "ke mana" (where are you going)? They are very curious, but so kind. I have been blessed with an incredible host family, and my academic directors, Ari, Pak Tom, Yudi, and my language gurus (teachers) Pak Wayan and Pak Suastra are beyond amazing. Needless to say, I love Bali.

Since arriving in Bedulu, we have visited the nearby expat city of Ubud, which has all the comforts of the western world (internet, ice lattes, bagels, etc.) should we want them, but it also sports a monkey forest and many live performing arts. Yesterday, I must admit, I was a complete tourist and got a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure for $14, but the group enjoyed it! In addition to classes every morning, the group has also been to Denpasar, had a scavenger hunt in Ubud (for items unknown to us :), attended a lecture at a theater, saw and practiced traditional Balinese dance, went to Pontai (beach) Lebih, visited Go Agaja (elephant cave), and another temple set in the jungle/rice paddies. I also had the opportunity to go fishing on the air laut (ocean) with my host brother a few days ago! We left at 5 a.m., went to a traditional market for food/bait, and went out on the ocean in a boat no wider than me, and saw the sunrise. After over 8 hours, several cups of coffee, and over 100 colorful fish later, we headed back home.

There is no interenet in Bedulu and Kerambitan, so I will do my best to update whenever I come to Ubud. I hope all is well back home, and although I live in paradise, I do miss everyone, especially since I am an auntie today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Happy Birthday baby and congrats Turner and Chelsey!) That being said, please feel free to email me at kdsawatzke@gmail.com whenever you have a spare moment....even if it's to tell me that my dog is getting fat or it's cold in MN.

Needless to say, this is only a VERY small list of everything we've done so far. I would love to elaborate on details, but fear that my life in Bali would soon turn into a novel. Essentially, I am constantly surrounded by gorgeous, serene landscape, enjoy mid-80 degree weather, and have the opportunity to experience an increddibly rich and diverse culture...everyday.

Sumpai Jumpa,

Kristal