Bali. And a water sanitation project.

 Many people in Bali live in compounds that are surrounded by high walls and are entered  through exquisitely carved wooden gates like this.

Temples have gates too.  Here's one that opens onto the walking path along the sea in Sanur.

I went to Bali with another PCV in April for one week's vacation.  We stayed in Sanur Beach in South Bali and had a lovely relaxing time.  We walked or rode our rental bikes on this beautiful walking path along the beach almost every day. 

And here I am by another temple gate enjoying the sunshine on my face.  Do you notice the offerings?

Most compounds also have a family temple.

Inside the compound are individual pavilions...one might be a bedroom, another one the living room and that one's a kitchen, etc.

A Javanese statue welcoming you.

I loved the compounds we visited.  People really live outside when they are in their houses...the pavilions are mostly open and only have small private enclosed spaces.

One morning I went to the beach early enough to catch the sunrise.  It was spectacular.  What a great way to start the day.  Balinese people start their day with preparing small offerings of food and flowers and placing them everywhere....in their homes, on their desks at work, in front of their stores, and of course in their temples.

Sunrise on Sanur Beach

There's a little more pink.

Here's a small temple with one of those fabulous doors.

Sanur Beach is known for its lovely sunrises.

Bali is mostly Hindu and the island has a very different feel than Java, which is mostly Muslim.  However, many aspects of the culture are very similar....I am reminded of how diverse a country Indonesia is.....I have only seen such a small part of it.  Of course, no one would ever confuse LA with New York City either.

My current secondary project

Appropriate Projects is part of Water Charity and offers small grants to Peace Corps Volunteers who work with their local communities to improve water resources. I've just gotten a project approved and will start work soon. Check out the link to learn more.

http://appropriateprojects.com/node/1632

2013 Indonesian PC Volunteers

Vacation trip with some PCVs at Christmas break

We spent two nights on a houseboat going up a river into the jungle in Kalimantan to see the orangutans.  Awesome!

The beach near where I live at my permanent site.

Some of the ID6 PCVs and staff at our picnic at end-of-training

On an excursion with the neighborhood girls and my host mom

Preparing a meal with my host mom for the neighborhood monthly get-together

On a picnic with my training host family

A bride leaves her house with her parents

My bedroom during pre-service training

Selamat datang!

My hand-washed clothes hanging to dry outside my host family's house during pre-service training

So this post is especially for you people who might be reading it who have been invited to be a Peace Corps Volunteer in Indonesia.  We understand that there are 70 of you who will be arriving in April, 2013, and this is a shout-out to welcome you from half-way around the world!!!
I'm known as one of the ID6s...you'll be an ID7.  I remember how every day I lapped up the blog postings trying to find out as much as possible about my new life-to-be.  Maybe you're doing the same.  We are really excited that you will be joining our little band of Volunteers!  Since there are only about 65 of us in total here now, you will be a huge infusion of energy...as many of us as can manage to be there will be waiting at the airport to welcome you ....I'm planning to be one of them!!!
I don't know where to start in describing what it's like other than to say that it's an amazing experience....and, of course, it's different for everyone.  So I think I'll just post some pictures....let them speak their 1000 words each.  Selamat datang!  (Welcome in bahasa Indonesian)