1st Site Visit

Back to Kalimantan last week for a site visit. It took 3.5hr drive from the hotel to the site 1 way, and I spent 7hr sticking my butt on the car for a few days.

There was no road in part of the area, with a local guide we trekked inside the jungle for 4.5hr. Waded through knee-height river several times, walked down and uphill, fell down twice, bushed scratched on skin, and shook off leeches occasionally. Felt like a camping trip in good old time.

Leeches sounds scary, but the feeling faded after a while. Just sprayed the mosquito repellent on it. I had 7 leeches on my 1^st day trekking, and reduced to 5 the next day.

 

First leech. There is another type which is longer and slimmer.

Gosh... luckily the driver didn't see me.

Unknown flower in the jungle.

Poor sick little dog.

Nasi Padang. They served foods over the whole table. We paid what we consumed. Foods are not fresh I think.

Not Over Yet

President Obama verbally confirmed the death of bin Laden, why should there be any doubt on this statement? Why should we care how it was done? I agreed with him not to discl0ose the photo, to avoid provoking further hatred from the Islamic world, since it won’t peace everyone’s curiosity. Let the time bleach the unpleasant memory.

The location of bin Laden’s den was out of my unexpectation. I thought he was hiding in the middle of nowhere in the arid rocky mountainous desert. The allegation of bin Laden being harboured by local government was not groundless, I reckoned. Pakistan was condemning US unilateral execution of the assault without notifying them. Anyway, they must put up this show politically. After all they still need US in various aspects.

The war is not over yet, the ideology has sprouted and the organization has rooted. The war against terrorism can no way be relaxed.

Puked

While waiting for the flight, a middle-aged guy was sitting in front me. I noticed he unbuttoned his clothes, slipped his left palm under his right armpit. Followed by a few quick rubbing, he withdrew his hand. Yaccchhhhkkkk…. A few long thin black threads shown on his palm, and he swept it down on the floor… what the heck! Puked!!! I covered my mouth and nose subconsciously. Oh no… he repeated one more time and sniffed it. OMG… I lost my appetite for the next hours.

Life in Balikpapan

Have been here in Balikpapan for 10 days. Met a few acquintances who had given me some precious advices in this industry. Not easy to find someone who is willing to teach. No free lunch, I was told. Any assistance and information are expected to be hooked up with monetary rewards.

Living cost is the highest in Indonesia, because of the mining, oil & gas activities on this vast land. This city is peaceful and quiet. The vehicle speed limit in town is 40km/hr. The local cuisine couldn't please my tastebuds but luckily McD, KFC and PizzaHut are available.

Found many KaraOk here - both healhty (for family) and naughty options. I ventured into one near to my hotel, I pushed the door in, the mamasan walked to me immediately. I surveyed the environment - pretty small, the local music was blaring, light scattered from the crystal ball creeping on everything, at least 10 young laides were waiting for their companion. I shook my head and walked out.

Most of the restaurants have live band performance in the weekend, quite good. I like the small "warong" beside the beach, grabing my cold "Bintang" beer and enjoying their performance.