a boy leaves everything he knows for the tropical island of java, Indonesia - soon to find that paradise is not all that it seems...
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| J a v a J i v e :: Paradise is not all that it seems a boy leaves everything he knows for the tropical island of java, Indonesia - soon to find that paradise is not all that it seems... |
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January 07, 2003 . . . . . . f e e d b a c k . . . I guess part of what keeps me writing in here is the wonderful feedback I've received. I didn't realize people were paying much attention until a few people were very disappointed that I had taken a break. I appreciate when people who read this give me a response... even if it's negative. It motivates me to keep writing, and gives me a sense of purpose to know that I'm not shouting to the world upon deaf ears. If you have any questions, thoughts, opinions, lectures, or just wanna say hi, I'm always up for talking to anyone. I can be reached at hoovado@yahoo.com ... On another note... I spent the day at a famous beach called Camps Bay in Cape Town... it got me thinking... Right now my body is accustomed to 24 years of Northern Hemisphere winters with wet snow up to your ass. Somehow, I haven't quite grasped the concept of tropical winters because I still feel like summer never ended from 2002! I was sitting there today soaking in the cancer when I realized something else - I hate winter. I hate being cold. And I don't miss winter. Yeah, I'll admit that the first few hours of a new blanket of snow hold a sense of peace and security unmatched by any other scene, but give it 2 days and you're driving around in dirty slush tryin not to end up in a ditch. That's not anything I miss anymore. Or the way your snot freezes in your nose if you breath the -10 degree air outside, the dampness that surrounds your shoes pretty much continuously after trapsing to your car, the way your ears hurt cause you're too stubborn to wear a hat - I never grew out of that rebelious stage from childhood. I don't miss the lack of not being able to exercise outside much for 3 months of the year. I don't miss the overcast Michigan sky that shields the brilliance of the sun for at least 2 months and gives the landscape a monotone blandness. I'm not too much into astrology, but I do know that I'm a Leo, and Leos love the sun. Maybe that's my problem... I was never destined to live in a cold environment. Who knows, maybe in another year I'll miss the cold, the snow, and the winter... from my perspective now - Hell No! posted by Brandon | 7:53 AM | January 06, 2003 . . . . . l o n g . . t i m e . . Wow, that was what like 6 weeks with no entry? Damn. I guess I simply needed a break. I've also been overseas in Cape Town, South Africa for a few weeks - and the Internet has been the last thing on my mind. I'm still in Cape Town, leaving next weekend (Jan. 11). If anyone out there has ever seen Cape Town, you'll understand my love for this city. It is definitely the most vibrant, resilient, and positive city I've seen. Despite the political unrest, the people of this city remain friendly, welcoming, and positive. Part of that thinking stems from the fact that many of the people here are from other countries and have moved here for the beauty it reflects – which means that many are here on permanent vacation. I suppose if I lived in a paradise such as this, it would be hard to be pissed off. I think what makes C. Town stand out so much from other cities is the international flavour. There is so much diversity and so many cultural differences that it's amazing how respectful people are to one another. The only rude people I see here are tourists. I still consider myself a tourist, even though my mom lives here... but I've spent enough time to have a slightly more grounded perspective I hope. The view from her home is stunning... if I glance to the south I see the famous Table Mountain, to the west is the Atlantic, the north holds the city of Cape Town, and if I gaze to the east I will see the wine lands and further yet is the Indian Ocean. I can't imagine a more idyllic setting. You can have the pulse of a large city with all the feel of Europe and a Mediterranean climate, the amazing security found in a backdrop of ominous mountains, the peace and tranquillity found only in wine country, as well as the meeting of two completely different oceans. You can find almost any activity here – diving, surfing, mountain climbing, sailing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, windsurfing, hang gliding. I personally have been drawn to mountain climbing here. I love the feeling of accomplishment to view an amazing mountain from the ground and know that you conquered it – that you didn’t have any help. Once atop, you can view both oceans meeting as east and west friends in the distance. The Indian Ocean, warm and inviting, collides with the frigid, yet pristinely blue Atlantic. The thing that strikes me most odd is that somewhere deep down, I have a home sickness for Indonesia. I can’t explain it. For some strange reason I actually feel excitement to go back in a week. It’s as though I miss the completely foreign culture that Indo offers, versus this beautiful landscape of Cape Town but familiarity of the Western cultures. People think I’m crazy for even living in Jakarta, much less for missing it! Maybe it’s cause I feel unfinished there – as if I have more to accomplish, and more to see. One day I’m sure I will find myself living in Cape Town, if only for a while, but for now, Indonesia is my new home... posted by Brandon | 2:01 AM | |
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