departure

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Bags are packde*
Dalhouise is bathed *
House is cleaned and garbage ready to be taken out*
Check check and check....

Today is the day we leave the condo and wait at the YVR - Vancouver International airport.
This morning we will attend church - afterwards have lunch and take Dalhouise to his caregiver/ sitters home. Then we will load the cars with the four suitcases and two carryon bags, stop at mom's place for a short visit.... Then we will drive towards the airport. We will still have to kill a few hours before check in time but I don't mind.
It takes about 90 minutes to get to the airport from our condo.. We must take the one and only highway #99 Sea to Sky route to reach Vancouver. I have concerns about the road being closed caused by an accident. People going and coming from Whistler drive too fast and other reasons and so there are many accidents. I want to be in a location that provides me with alternate routes in case... Coming from Whistler they are tired from a hard day of playing - drinking or smoking that funny stuff and going to Whistler they are just so inpatient to begin their enjoyment time. And this Road is narrow at times - very windy - often wet and slippery - all the reasons to be more careful. But young people are invincible - you know...

Anyways -- I wonder what kind of adventure this is going to be?
I think we will be on a Road Trip going to some places where I have been too and to places I have not. A few times over the last couple of years there was talk about taking me tom go see then9th century Mahayne Buddist Temple at Borobudar
- visit family in Cireban on the north coast - I think shore of the Java Sea
- Bandung -- volcanic peaks - Dutch Art Deco structures
- Bogor -- credited with 322 thunderstorms a year -- the deep loud scarey ones
- coffee -- tea -- rubber Plantations
- Pancak Pass - I've been here before but I want to go back.. There are roadside cafes built on stilts on the steep inclines at the road. BBQ corn on the cob is served fresh smothered in butter or a child sauce along with tea or pop. (I will drink tea) as you walk to your window seat the wooded floor boards creak uncomfortably and bow as you sit to look over the tea fields. Fresh cool air is so refreshing after the the polluted hot stifling air of Jakarta, as I rememer it.
- taking part and going to the wedding...

These are only a few of my expectations of what is to come the next three weeks. - and I haven't even began really to think about all the wonderful different foods my taste buds are going to encounter. Ok I have thought some about the Food.
Some of my favorites
- beef rendang
- Otaka - otaka
- Nasi goreng
- pastel
- pempek

And many other items - I will take pictures to share

So. Hopefully I can connect to Internet these up coming days in Indonesia to share my adventure with you all

Depending I guess on your world view and the condition of your heart would be your reactions to the Bird Markets in Indonesia, of whether you are horrified or couldn't careless.
That is a strong opening sentence isn't it...  So let me explain and follow up with some pictures.
When you first walk in close vicinity you will notice the crowds of people - there are always people around - then you will be hit with the stank smell of hundreds / thousands of little birds confined to tiny cages that are not cleand often or if at all .  So the smell of dead birds, mixed with the feces is an on slot to your nose.
Here in the Bird Markets there are at least 200 traders who earn their livelihood just buy buying and selling nothing but rare birds and animals.   If you are really interested in a certain species and it is not available in the market now, the traders will guarantee you that they will search for it and have it for you in a few days, and you are to come back with payment to take it away on that day.  ( and I understand the cost is not so expensive)
The capture and internal transporting of birds are suppose to be regulated by a system of capture and transport permits regulated by the government - and many species are totally protected from capture..... However the system is not applied. Many of these birds, animals are not legally captured and nothing is done or said by the officials.
Throwaway birds... There is a lack of birds in the countryside due to the huge trade in throwaway birds... These are birds captured and sold as a novelty to impress friends and family and which will die quickly in captivity.  Because they die quickly the traders don't want to hold onto them and so are so real inexpensive.  The lower price makes them desirable and the easy replacement created a cycle that destroys thousands of birds.

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/4/l1493122462.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/2/1/l2119472896.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/4/l1484229150.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/6/2/l628329542.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/3/l1333424805.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/7/l1761264529.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/7/l1741228562.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/9/5/l951330103.jpg">
<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/4/l1457687583.jpg">

What did I see and recognize today - parrots, parrotlets,budgies, canaries, ducks, geese, a turkey, pigeons, and doves.  I seen other birds I don't know what they are about the size of American robins  and other chirping birds.
I see. Three or four bats and it just added to my broken heart of their cage as they hung there. They were to long for the cage so it would be like sleeping for the rest of your life all scrunched up.
<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/8/5/l850535740.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/9/l1980966919.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/2/0/l2083694594.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/6/9/l697633347.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/9/8/l98464479.jpg">

So my Sparkfriends this is what I experienced and researched on the Indonesia Bird Markets.
I can not say that these birds were legally or illegally caught.  All I can do is show the pictures of what I seen and yes the smell was horrific. The cages seemed crowded at times and the bats cage certainly was not appropriate ........

Is there Hope?
<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/9/l1950784648.jpg">
To us a child is given, and on his shoulders will government rests with justice, peace and righteousness

We wait for his kingdom...

Depending I guess on your world view and the condition of your heart would be your reactions to the Bird Markets in Indonesia, of whether you are horrified or couldn't careless.
That is a strong opening sentence isn't it...  So let me explain and follow up with some pictures.
When you first walk in close vicinity you will notice the crowds of people - there are always people around - then you will be hit with the stank smell of hundreds / thousands of little birds confined to tiny cages that are not cleand often or if at all .  So the smell of dead birds, mixed with the feces is an on slot to your nose.
Here in the Bird Markets there are at least 200 traders who earn their livelihood just buy buying and selling nothing but rare birds and animals.   If you are really interested in a certain species and it is not available in the market now, the traders will guarantee you that they will search for it and have it for you in a few days, and you are to come back with payment to take it away on that day.  ( and I understand the cost is not so expensive)
The capture and internal transporting of birds are suppose to be regulated by a system of capture and transport permits regulated by the government - and many species are totally protected from capture..... However the system is not applied. Many of these birds, animals are not legally captured and nothing is done or said by the officials.
Throwaway birds... There is a lack of birds in the countryside due to the huge trade in throwaway birds... These are birds captured and sold as a novelty to impress friends and family and which will die quickly in captivity.  Because they die quickly the traders don't want to hold onto them and so are so real inexpensive.  The lower price makes them desirable and the easy replacement created a cycle that destroys thousands of birds.

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/4/l1493122462.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/2/1/l2119472896.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/4/l1484229150.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/6/2/l628329542.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/3/l1333424805.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/7/l1761264529.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/7/l1741228562.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/9/5/l951330103.jpg">
<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/4/l1457687583.jpg">

What did I see and recognize today - parrots, parrotlets,budgies, canaries, ducks, geese, a turkey, pigeons, and doves.  I seen other birds I don't know what they are about the size of American robins  and other chirping birds.
I see. Three or four bats and it just added to my broken heart of their cage as they hung there. They were to long for the cage so it would be like sleeping for the rest of your life all scrunched up.


<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/9/l1980966919.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/2/0/l2083694594.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/6/9/l697633347.jpg">

<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/9/8/l98464479.jpg">

So my Sparkfriends this is what I experienced and researched on the Indonesia Bird Markets.
I can not say that these birds were legally or illegally caught.  All I can do is show the pictures of what I seen and yes the smell was horrific. The cages seemed crowded at times and the bats cage certainly was not appropriate ........

Is there Hope?
<img src="http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/1/9/l1950784648.jpg">
To us a child is given, and on his shoulders will government rests with justice, peace and righteousness

We wait for his kingdom...

Bags are packde* 
Dalhouise is bathed * 
House is cleaned and garbage ready to be taken out*  
Check check and check.... 

Today is the day we leave the condo and wait at the YVR - Vancouver International airport. 
This morning we will attend church - afterwards have lunch and take Dalhouise to his caregiver/ sitters home. Then we will load the cars with the four suitcases and two carryon bags, stop at mom's place for a short visit.... Then we will drive towards the airport. We will still have to kill a few hours before check in time but I don't mind. 
It takes about 90 minutes to get to the airport from our condo.. We must take the one and only highway #99 Sea to Sky route to reach Vancouver. I have concerns about the road being closed caused by an accident. People going and coming from Whistler drive too fast and other reasons and so there are many accidents. I want to be in a location that provides me with alternate routes in case... Coming from Whistler they are tired from a hard day of playing - drinking or smoking that funny stuff and going to Whistler they are just so inpatient to begin their enjoyment time. And this Road is narrow at times - very windy - often wet and slippery - all the reasons to be more careful. But young people are invincible - you know... 

Anyways -- I wonder what kind of adventure this is going to be? 
I think we will be on a Road Trip going to some places where I have been too and to places I have not. A few times over the last couple of years there was talk about taking me tom go see then9th century Mahayne Buddist Temple at Borobudar  
- visit family in Cireban on the north coast - I think shore of the Java Sea 
- Bandung -- volcanic peaks - Dutch Art Deco structures  
- Bogor -- credited with 322 thunderstorms a year -- the deep loud scarey ones 
- coffee -- tea -- rubber Plantations 
- Pancak Pass - I've been here before but I want to go back.. There are roadside cafes built on stilts on the steep inclines at the road. BBQ corn on the cob is served fresh smothered in butter or a child sauce along with tea or pop. (I will drink tea) as you walk to your window seat the wooded floor boards creak uncomfortably and bow as you sit to look over the tea fields. Fresh cool air is so refreshing after the the polluted hot stifling air of Jakarta, as I rememer it. 
- taking part and going to the wedding... 

These are only a few of my expectations of what is to come the next three weeks. - and I haven't even began really to think about all the wonderful different foods my taste buds are going to encounter. Ok I have thought some about the Food. 
Some of my favorites 
- beef rendang 
- Otaka - otaka 
- Nasi goreng 
- pastel 
- pempek 

And many other items - I will take pictures to share  

So. Hopefully I can connect to Internet these up coming days in Indonesia to share my adventure with you 

on my way

Bags are packed
Dalhouise is bathed * 
House is cleaned and garbage ready to be taken out*  
Check check and check.... 

Today is the day we leave the condo and wait at the YVR - Vancouver International airport. 
This morning we will attend church - afterwards have lunch and take Dalhouise to his caregiver/ sitters home. Then we will load the cars with the four suitcases and two carryon bags, stop at mom's place for a short visit.... Then we will drive towards the airport. We will still have to kill a few hours before check in time but I don't mind. 
It takes about 90 minutes to get to the airport from our condo.. We must take the one and only highway #99 Sea to Sky route to reach Vancouver. I have concerns about the road being closed caused by an accident. People going and coming from Whistler drive too fast and other reasons and so there are many accidents. I want to be in a location that provides me with alternate routes in case... Coming from Whistler they are tired from a hard day of playing - drinking or smoking that funny stuff and going to Whistler they are just so inpatient to begin their enjoyment time. And this Road is narrow at times - very windy - often wet and slippery - all the reasons to be more careful. But young people are invincible - you know... 

Anyways -- I wonder what kind of adventure this is going to be? 
I think we will be on a Road Trip going to some places where I have been too and to places I have not. A few times over the last couple of years there was talk about taking me tom go see then9th century Mahayne Buddist Temple at Borobudar  
- visit family in Cireban on the north coast - I think shore of the Java Sea 
- Bandung -- volcanic peaks - Dutch Art Deco structures  
- Bogor -- credited with 322 thunderstorms a year -- the deep loud scarey ones 
- coffee -- tea -- rubber Plantations 
- Pancak Pass - I've been here before but I want to go back.. There are roadside cafes built on stilts on the steep inclines at the road. BBQ corn on the cob is served fresh smothered in butter or a child sauce along with tea or pop. (I will drink tea) as you walk to your window seat the wooded floor boards creak uncomfortably and bow as you sit to look over the tea fields. Fresh cool air is so refreshing after the the polluted hot stifling air of Jakarta, as I rememer it. - taking part and going to the wedding... 

These are only a few of my expectations of what is to come the next three weeks. - and I haven't even began really to think about all the wonderful different foods my taste buds are going to encounter. Ok I have thought some about the Food. 
Some of my favorites 
- beef rendang 
- Otaka - otaka 
- Nasi goreng 
- pastel 
- pempek 

And many other items - I will take pictures to share  

So. Hopefully I can connect to Internet these up coming days in Indonesia to share my adventure with you 

Packing

This morning was Dalhouise and my last walk together along the pond trail. Later today I will give him a nice warm soapy bath to make him all pretty and fresh to go to his sitter's tomorrow. After his bath we will stay on side walks when I take him out for his business. 

Last night the suit cases were brought out. Dalhouise just sat on the foot stool looking at us. 
I have about ten pairs of underware - socks - T shirts packed so far along with the little lap top computer - power adaptor for the plugs. - GPS and two battery chargers for the two different cameras with spare battery. I have a new 32gb memory card for the main camera and an extra 16gb memory card just in case. Fro the secondary camera I only have a newly formatted 4gb memory card. I have everything I need for the iPad ready to go too. I packed three travel bugs that I can drop off in Geocaches if I get the chance too hoping they return to Canada.  
Bathing suit is packed - shaving kit - medicine for tummy issues and motion sickness all packed.  
Next suit case will be my long pants and dress shirts and the suit for the wedding along with the shoes and sandals for everyday use. I will carry with me note book and bird book - will try to study on the flight. We Gotta leave space in our suit cases for what ever it might be that we will bring back with us. 

Dalhouise -cost -- Indonesia

As I promised, I will talk about some of the cost occurred and yet to happen.
I think this is a good deal,  Our plane tickets on China Airlines cost 1078.91 $ round trip each.  No other hidden fees to come. So on my Visa card I was charged  2157.82 Canadian dollars.
I do not plan on baggage fees but one never knows - extra bag - over weight - who knows

Now for the extra fee's.
-- Cancelation/ interruption insurance I paid 192 dollars cd.
-- Medical insurance I pay through BCCA for the year for the two of us 174 dollars up to 30 days at a time leaving the province or country. 
I bought this for the Yellowstone Road Trip and other excursions into the USA.  Travel insurance is part of this trip so I include it.

-- passport renewal was 177.71 $ cd. but for a ten year term this time
-- car parking - will use park n fly most likely so about 120 give or take 
-- Dalhouise sitter I think will be 200
-- enter visa into Indonesia for me 35 USA dollar
-- exit tax for Noni and I is 27 dollar USA
-- 
Then there is money spent on general gifts that we must bring and the wedding gift to her niece
-food we will buy to eat and the restaurants that we eat at  - and most times we are expect to treat .... Not all the time but most because Noni family consider us to be the wealthy ones.  ( only if they knew the truth)
-- I have no idea Noni takes care of all that of what she spends as it is all in rupees - if I use my credit card I will know when we get home...

- hotels if we go on the road trip or if we visit family outside of Jakarta.
When in Jakarta we stay in the family house or with family 

- other tourist attractions that we probably will stop at.

- fuel for the car that we will be drove around in and public transportation, taxies, or other  means 

-- and another big cost will be the money that Noni and I do not get from EI while we are outside the country which is approximately 2400$

So this is what I can think of right now in terms of the cost associated with this upcoming trip to Indonesia.

Dalhouise --  OH the stress I feel already.  He will be going to the same friends home that he has been going to for the last three years.  This is good for him as he has some  routine and consistency and familiarity.
They own another dog just like Dalhouise and about the same age and the two of them get along great. There is a well secured fenced in backyard for the two of them to go out to do business.
My friends are good to both dogs and for some strange reason the dogs eat from the other dog dish instead of their own. At bed time - well in the past Dalhouise slept with their son... But he got married and moved out... So now I don't know what the plan is.
The stress - like I said before on my Yellowstone road trip - they have adopted two children and I am concern about the children opening the front door and Dalhouise escaping...  This is my only fear for Dalhouise...
Would he try to go to camp to look for me, or maybe try to find his way to the condo? Or would he go on the busy road and stared down a car with that attitude he has being king....  Or would he become lunch to one of the many bears, cougars, eagles, wolves, coyotes -   Or would he meet an unfriendly large dog --- do you understand my stress?