Grapevine Dec '15/Jan '16 by BWAGrapevine

DEC ‘15-JAN ‘16

BEYOND BASIC BALI

A CULTURAL EXCHANGE CHRISTMAS

CRAFTS ADA APA?

SOCIAL DIARY Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

Outstanding Early Childhood Education

Inspire, Challenge and Nurture for Excellence The Foundation Stage at the British School Jakarta offers a world-class learning environment for children aged 3 to 5 years. Our young students are inspired, nurtured and challenged through a learning process which is fun, active, energetic and rewarding. Children begin their learning journey in a spacious, creative and modern environment with an abundance of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. A caring, nurturing setting with experienced international teachers makes BSJ an important first step in any child’s school life.

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ii Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16 Now accepting applications for 2016

Please contact the Admissions Office at +62 (21) 745 1670 • E-mail: admissions@bsj.sch.id • www.bsj.sch.id

CONTENTS 10

FEATURES

Christmas Crafts: home made cards 10 City Life: 10 Things to Love About Christmas 36 in the Big Durian

TRAVEL

Bali: A Cultural Exchange 20

FOOD & DRINK

Restaurant Reviews 25

REGULARS

Editor’s Note Chairwoman’s Message Newcomers’ Message On the Road with Social Welfare Event reports: Coffee Morning BWA Thai Cooking Class Angel Tree Luncheon Melbourne Cup BCC China Pre-Sale Wisma Cheshire Bazaar Playgroup Hallowe’en Party Book Reviews Weird & Wonderful News Notice Board Classifieds

2 3 4 6 8 12 14 15 17 18 19 23 28 31 32

Cover photo by Li-Ha Luu Grapevine- Dec - Dec‘15/Jan ‘15/Jan‘16 ‘161 1 Grapevine

EDITOR

Grapevine December 2015

FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, Welcome to the December-January issue of Grapevine!

Christmas is one of the most interesting times of the year to be an expat. Either you go home - in which case, it often feels like a whistle-stop tour of family visits - or you stay here. If you celebrate - and love, like I do - a traditional English Christmas Day, complete with a frosty walk to the pub, it can be pretty tough to contemplate doing it any other way. Throw a tropical climate into the mix and you might be feeling less than merry. But celebrating in a completely different culture can bring surprising joys. I’ll never forget the Christmas we spent in Calcutta when I was about eleven years old. My mum threw the doors open to every waif and stray expat the city still held. She bought forty capons from the market, and anyone who was coming donated their cooks and maids for the day so we could pull it off. Long trestle tables took over the living room and verandah, and I seem to recall about ten psuedo-pine trees adorning the corners of the house. We ate, drank and made merry in the humidity, starting under the mango trees in the garden. It was fabulous. So however you are doing Christmas this year, I hope you enjoy it. This is our last issue until February, as we take a break over Christmas. Read on for a unique take on Bali trips from Stephanie Brookes, and lovely DIY Christmas card tutorial from Li-Ha Luu. Til next time,

Annali

grapevine@bwajakarta.org

ROVING REPORTERS WANTED! Got a bit of Carrie Bradshaw in you?

Just kidding - no experience necessary at all, and in any case I can’t promise to make your life as fabulous as Ms. Bradshaw’s. But if you often find yourself at BWA and society events, please consider taking a few photos and penning a few lines for Grapevine. It’s fun! Get in touch via email (above).

GRAPEVINE CONTRIBUTORS Rabia Ahmad, Lorraine Gibbons, Laura Thompson, Jackie Buchanan, Angela Alhamid, Heather Powell, Helen Gerrard, Melinda Mai Hawkins, Noreen Hussain, Karen Turner, Zoe Woodward, Li-Ha Luu, Stephanie Brookes 2 Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

CHAIRWOMAN BWA COMMITEE 2015-2016 Honorary President Rachel Malik Chairwoman Laura Thompson Vice-Chairwoman Suki Brar-Khangura General Secretary Helen Gerrard Treasurer Melinda Mai Hawkins Grapevine Editor Annali Hayward Social Welfare Coordinator Jackie Buchanan Newcomers’ Coordinator Lorraine Gibbons (outgoing) Melanie Kindness (incoming) Sponsorship Coordinator Heather Powell Membership Coordinator Haritha Alluri House Manager Karen Turner Programmes Coordinator Nell Costello Events Coordinator Noreen Hussain Website & Comms Coordinator Eszter Redmond Bazaar Coordinator Leah Sudarto DISCLAIMER The inclusion of any articles, advertising, logos or website links in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or approval by the BWA of the products or services so advertised or featured.

Postal address: P.O. Box 7923 JKSM Jakarta 12079 email: bwa@bwajakarta.org www.bwajakarta.org

FROM THE CHAIRWOMAN

As I sit writing this, a cute little reindeer message pops up on my Facebook: only 35 days until Christmas! I am not at all organised for the festivities this year but hope to rectify that at the BWA Christmas Bazaar at the Grand Kemang Hotel, where I fully intend to cross off at least five Christmas presents on my list. Our wonderful committee and volunteers are working hard to bring you a traditional Christmas here in Jakarta; the trees are up and the house is beautifully decorated just in time for the Children’s Party & Santa’s Grotto (29 November). Our last event of the year will be our “Merry Mingle” Coffee Morning on 8 December. Do come and join us for mince pies and festive tipple. Looking ahead, I’m delighted to announce we’re live with the theme for our 34th Annual Fashion Show: Live from the BWA Hall of Fame, “LEGENDS”! (14 May 2016). For those new to Jakarta this spectacular event is the highlight of the city’s balls – always a night to remember! You may think I’m biased so here are some thoughts from past guests, models and organisers. You can still get involved – you won’t regret it; give me a call! An amazing experience, it was an honour to be part of something so special. It never fails to amaze me how a great team of people can create such a spectacular event… Janet Bowen Being a choreographer and model in the show proved to be a highlight of not only my time in Jakarta, but as an expat so far… Jill Kinnear Over the past decade I have had the pleasure of seeing the BWA Fashion Show become the best event in Jakarta. It’s so wonderful because not only does it raise a huge amount of money for charity, it also enriches the lives of the volunteers who come together to put on the performance of a lifetime... Susan Whistler I was scared stiff until I heard my husband whooping as we walked on the stage! I still hear “our songs” on the radio and smile to myself… Fiona Solomon The show is a glorious manifestation of artistic, choreographic and organisational skills. It is an opportunity to showcase young Indonesian fashion designers…and the hidden modelling talents of BWA members! Gaye Warren

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year, wherever you’re celebrating. See you at our Welcome Back Coffee Morning on 12 January 2016.

- Laura

chairwoman@bwajakarta.org

Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

NEWCOMERS

NEWCOMERS’ MESSAGE Welcome to Jakarta, and an even bigger welcome to the British Women’s Association! Things change very quickly in the lives of expats. When I wrote my article for Grapevine last month, having just moved house, little did I know we’d be moving on.

Many things happen to expats that no-one understands unless they have experienced it themselves. When I moved back to the UK the first time after being an expat for 9 years, I sought out others who had been expats or were living in the UK as expats. Start telling a story which begins, “When I lived in Jakarta…,” too many times and most people switch off instantly. To be able to speak openly about your experiences and compare notes with others who understand is great. In a country like Indonesia the support network is vital so, if you are new, you must get out there and join in. People don’t come to you. Join associations, join that hobby group, go to as many functions as you can, take on a role at your child’s school, take your toddler to playgroup – get stuck in! In the last two years I’ve found Indonesia fascinating, albeit Jakarta occasionally frustrating. If you can see past the many obstacles and work around them, you will enjoy your posting here. There are certainly pros and cons in every location. I’ve had the opportunity to read more than I would have if we’d been in Houston, where I’d have been driving myself everywhere. I’ve also seen some sights – both alarming and amazing – I never would have seen if I’d been in, say, Paris. My next task will be to get out with my camera and memorialise all the things I was surprised or shocked to see here, which I now just take for granted. I’ve written previous articles about the multiple uses of motorbikes; brand names that don’t work in the western world; our bottoms; the settling-in cycle; shop staff; car games; spotting illegal things, and the rainy season. It’s all out there to enjoy. Take the opportunity to experience life here by joining the Heritage Society, or grab a guide book to Jakarta. Indonesia has 17,000 islands ready for you to explore, so book a trip and witness the unique cultural dance, music, and marine life that makes Indonesia so diverse. None of us know for how long we will be expats… The BWA was set up to offer support to you. Please join us, get to know your fellow expats and how we can help. Regards,

Lorraine Gibbons Email: sheppardlorraine@hotmail.com Mobile: +62 (0) 811 1803 657

COFFEE MORNING - Tuesdays at the BWA House

1st Tuesday of the month is Great British Coffee Morning with guest speakers and more... Come along and meet everyone! Next one: 12 January, ‘Welcome Back!’

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THINKING IMMIGRATION? THINK SANTA FE. We make it easy

Santa Fe Relocation Services Jakarta: +62 21 2961 2990 Balikpapan: +62 542 713 4334 Bali: +62 811 889 2445 Surabaya: +62 812 304 4775 Indonesia@SantaFeRelo.com www.SantaFeRelo.com www.SantaFeReloHomes.com

Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

SOCIAL WELFARE

ON THE ROAD...

with

Social Welfare

MEET OUR SPONSORED STUDENTS!

he Goodwill Leadership programme is open to students at UI (University of Indonesia) and IPB (Institut Pertanian Bogor) who are in Semester Four or above. The reason for this is so that candidates can prove how well they manage their studies now, and how committed they are to completing their course major.

speaking and financially challenged. Goodwill also looks for youths that are actively involved in community work, with ambitions of doing more for themselves and their communities after they have graduated.

Students must apply by submitting a brief resume, giving reasons why they deserve assistance. After the application letters and resumes have been received, Ms. Mien Wibowo and her assistant shortlist promising candidates and schedules interviews for them with members of the Yayasan’s board of directors and English-speaking volunteer donors. The main criteria for selection are that the students must be bright, confident, English-

Adilla Afiani, Psychology, University of Indonesia

Family Background: Adilla’s mother was a high school teacher but died a few years ago. Her father was a sailor but due to illness he is now unemployed. Study, Future Plans and Activities: Adilla’s goal is to build a high school and work as a clinical psychologist where she can contribute to the development of the nation. On campus she is in charge of volunteering at an elementary school. She also sometimes teaches street children and is active in the Indonesian Red Cross. Adilla is motivated and hard-working.

Ni Luh Putu Ayu Septia Megantari, Psychology, University of Indonesia

Family Background: Ni Luh’s father is a retired driver. Her mother has no regular income but earns a little by helping her neighbours. In the holidays Ni Luh returns to her home in Bali and works as a shop assistant. Study, Future Plans and Activities: Psychology is her chosen field of study as her interest lies in mental health; she would like obtain a Masters. Her dream is to become a consultant. On campus she has joined the Student Executive Board in the Entrepreneurship Department. Now she is the head of secretarial in her campus. Ni Luh regularly visits orphanages: sharing happiness, entertaining and teaching the children. Ni Luh is a very caring person and has the confidence to do anything in the name of helping others.

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SOCIAL WELFARE Maudi Trini Kusprasetya, Human Ecology/Nutrition, Bogor Agricultural University

Family Background: Maudi’s father is retired from Krakatau Steel; her mother suffered a stroke in 2006. Maudi wants to be independent and she sells snacks for her monthly needs. Study, Future Plan and Activities: Maudi enjoys learning about sports nutrition, clinical nutrition and food management. Her mother’s condition pushed her to study this seriously. Her dream is to set up a foundation to solve nutritional problems for underprivileged children. Maudi has had her scientific paper accepted at the International Conference, Life Science and Biological Engineering in Japan, and ISSC (Indonesian Student Scientific) PPI Wageningen, Netherlands. She joined AIESEC and became a staff member of the Incoming Exchange Global Community Development Programme. All her activities in various organisations as a volunteer have resulted in strong communication and leadership skills.

Bambang Trenggono, Maths & Science, University of Indonesia

Family Background: Bambang’s father died when he was small and his mother supports the family by selling furniture. For his monthly needs Bambang teaches elementary students. Study, Future Plans and Activities: Bambang is very interested in geology and transportation systems. To increase his knowledge he reads lot of books and magazines about geophysics and also attends seminars. He wants to work for Pertamina in geothermal energy but his other dream is to solve the transportation problem in this country. Bambang is active in HRD as deputy staff of Human Relations. He is also a project officer in Pesta Rakyar Fisika. In his spare time he meets with children to talk about the environment and what they must or must not do to keep healthy and take care of their surroundings. After the last Goodwill get-together, Tish O’Dwyer and Angela Alhamid sat down for lunch with the BWA-sponsored students, and after a lovely chat we gave them a bonus gift voucher of Rp1,000,000 to spend on books or stationery. Bambang emailed us afterwards: Dear Miss Angela and Miss Tish, Good Evening, I am Bambang Trenggono, your student from the Goodwill Scholarship. I was happy to meet you recently at the University. I was pleased to see my sponsors. I had never talked to foreigners closely before and now I’m happy to have had this experience. I hope I can know more about you in our next sponsor-student meet-up. Lastly I want to say thank you again for the Gramedia voucher. It is very useful for me to buy books or writing tools. I tried to use the voucher last week and I chose to buy a TOEFL book by Barron. Also, I want to tell you something. I had a field trip from 31 October to 1 November. It was really fun and I had experience to study about geological structure on sedimentary fields, cliffs and more. I promise I won’t waste the help which you gave me, from the first moment I began this scholarship until the end. I’m sorry because my English is not really good. But I will try to improve it. Thank you again Miss Tish and Miss Angela. Bambang’s field trip See you again soon! - Bambang Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

EVENTS

nin Mor

ee f f o ish C 2015 t i r B eat ember r G The Nov

Alejandro Romero to give us a short talk about the various services they too can offer the expat community. Children’s First Aid is a popular course, teaching you the basics of emergency preparedness - important stuff in a traffic-choked city like Jakarta. This can also be provided in Bahasa Indonesia for your staff to attend. SOS can also liaise with your travel insurance company if any incident occurs abroad or in-country. Our November Great British Coffee Morning took place on 3 November at the BWA House. It was a pleasure to have Teddy Ragg, a manager from the property management division of one of our sponsors, Santa Fe, who talked to us about the variety of services they offer, which are truly comprehensive, ranging from the basic global mobility assistance to orientaion programmes, school searches and even departure programmes for when the sad time comes to pack up and depart these shores.

Besides the interesting and informative talks, there were vendors galore couresty of Yayasan Wisma Cheshire, and provided attendees plenty of opportunity to start on their Christmas shopping. And in true coffee morning style, where would we be without raffles and door prizes. Suki BrarKhangura won the door prize, a lovely wooden bowl. Tess Gunasakera won a ‘Jakarta’ bag made from recycled material, and a third prize was a batik shopping bag. As usual, coffee, tea and snacks were flowing, and the conversation was good. See you at the next one!

Another of our sponsors, SOS, sent the lovely Dr. NEXT GREAT BRITISH COFFEE MORNING...

TUESDAY, 12th JANUARY 2016 at the BWA House

8 Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

FEATURE

CHRISTMAS CRAFTS WITH LI-HA Christmas Card Making First, gather all your materials: 1 thick rectangle shaped piece of construction paper for the card; 2 small (3inch or less) squares of red origami paper; glue, and a black sharpie. I chose 0.5mm to give enough character to the writing.

1 2

Always use a valley fold while following the dotted lines. On the first square of origami paper, red on top, fold 2 following borders and the opposite corner. Flip the paper. Fold one side on top of the other from one third of the folded corner to the middle of the pre-folded border. Flip over again and fold the white tip as marked by the line.

10 Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

And fold back down. This will be Santa’s beard.

Fold across as shown by the line.

FEATURE

On the second square of origami paper, fold a strip on two opposite sides.

Flip over. The folded strips are on the right and left of this picture. Fold in the middle and unfold.

Fold open roughly 5/8 of the length to the bottom right corner. Repeat for the left side.

Glue the head to the body.

Fold each side to the middle the sides should meet exactly.

Fold horizontally up on the line where the white diagonal borders cross the red vertical ones. Fold the thick rectangle paper into a card. Glue the origami Santa on the front cover. Use a black sharpie to decorate. All done!

I hope family & Friends enjoy receiving your homemade cards! Happy holidays!

Words & Photos by Li-Ha Luu Grapevine - Dec â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15/Jan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16

ARY...psst! If it happened, I D AL

I C O S

it’s in the Social Diary!

BWA THAI COOKING CLASS

I’ve always enjoyed eating Thai food, but the thought of actually cooking it frightened me. With no familiarity with the core ingredients or knowledge of how to use them, any attempt would end up lazily concluding ‘wouldn’t a Thai restaurant just be easier? Well, I know now the answer to this is ‘not always!’ I enthusiastically registered onto the BWA Thai Cooking Class, not being able to resist the opportunity to learn more about this delicious cuisine. Even as an amateur chef, it’s fun to stretch your skills. As with any daunting new endeavour, breaking the process down into easy-to-understand steps helps. For example, I now know how to ‘properly’ use lemongrass and that galangal is that weird ginger-looking thing I see in the supermarket! The class was arranged in conjunction with renowned Thai restaurant, Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine, Menteng. The outstanding staff made the arrangements, set-up and teaching of the class next-level. Having our own individual cooking stations with everything we could possibly need to cook up a feast was very exciting. Our hosts Tino Antonio, Marketing and PR Manager, and Dadi, Demi-Chef, professionally walked us through how to whip up a four-course meal. Then the students recreated the dishes at their stations from what they had learned: Thai Prawn Cakes, Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Goong and Chicken Green Curry. We all sampled our creations and had plenty left over to take home for our families, along with recipe cards for later use.

Herbs, papya salad, Thai prawn cakes

I definitely recommend anyone who enjoys exploring different cuisines to consider taking up a cooking class. It is inspiring, especially if you’re bored of those 15 to 20 dishes you always cook. Even if you don’t use the new recipes themselves, you still learn to use new spices and ingredients. It’s also a brilliant way to make new friends. Watch out for more cooking classes at the BWA House in the New Year! For more info: events@bwajakarta.org

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- Noreen Hussain

Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

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AWA Angel Tree Luncheon

he American Women’s Association ‘Angel Tree’ Charity Luncheon was the perfect way to start the holiday season. Newly arrived to Jakarta, I was invited to host a table at this annual event. I had to invite seven ladies along, supply wine, condiments, favours and oh, “some decorations for the table”. Once I started to invite guests I understood this is a popular event, appreciated by the community. Table decorations can be quite glamorous but I adopted the “less is more” approach, got the wine arranged and was good to go.

and a singer, who set the mood of “being thankful” before we ate. The luncheon supports AWA’s Social Welfare projects. The yayasans benefitng this year are Amal Mulia, Lestari, Puspita boarding school and Hesu care facility. Directors from Amal Mulia and Lestari joined the 90 plus guests, and it was a chance for AWA to recognise them for all their daily hard work. Available to buy were bracelets carefully made by Amal Mulia children and a charity raffle gave us all a chance to donate and perhaps be lucky. I left the event with new friends, appreciating the hard work of so many dedicated groups of women here in Jakarta. By volunteering we make a very big difference to lives of people in the cities we live in.

This year’s event was held at the home of one of AWA’s event organisers, Tess Gunasekera. It was beautifully decked-out, and the hard work of both the AWA events team (Tess and Jennipher Ward) and the Social Welfare coordinators (Nicole Thompson and Sarbani Venugopal) was evident. The entrance was nothing short of magical and the 12 hostesses’ tables were all splendid and unique in their own ways.

Happy Holidays!

The food was catered by Toscana with enough for seconds and music was provided by a string quartet -Heather Powell

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ANZA Melbourne Cup ‘And they’re off............’

uesday 3 November saw the glamourous gathering of ANZA’s annual charity brunch, celebrating Australia’s much-beloved Melbourne Cup. This year marked the 155th running of the horses at Flemington Racecourse, and the Jakarta spectators were out in force.

Taking over the JW Marriott, over 200 ladies donned frocks, posh hats and fascinators for the theme of ‘Elegance’ – and what a day it was for the Jakarta racegoers! With fine food on offer, ANZA’s events team made sure the horse in the ballroom remained docile whilst the guests were well-fed and watered. Spectators purchased lucky draw tickets to see which of the 24 runners would be theirs to gee on once the horses were under starter’s orders and the race underway. The race was over in minutes and in the room excitement mounted as we witnessed Michelle Payne, the only female jockey in the race,

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come first on Prince of Penzance, representing the first time ever a woman has lifted the golden cup. The whole room erupted in celebration and ‘cheers’ of champagne, not least for the lucky winners! Not only that, but those of us lucky enough to be clutching a white ticket at the end of the race also won a little something. Proceeds raised at the Melbourne Cup went towards ANZA social welfare projects. This was our first experience of this annual event in our new home city and for us newbies a wonderful chance to get to know people better. With so much on offer here in Jakarta, we are spoilt for choice sometimes – but do consider going along next year to have a fun day out whilst giving back. Terima

kasih to the ANZA Events Team for coordinating a great day at the races – see you again next year!

- Helen Gerrard Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

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SOC IAL DIAR BCC Annual Fine Bone China Pre-Sale Y

he British Embassy Residence was a hive of activity early on 26 October, when the British Community Committee (BCC) held its annual pre-sale of fine bone china. This event is a precursor to the BCC’s participation in the Annual Women’s International Club (WIC) Bazaar on 10-11 November. The pre-sale was kindly hosted by Mrs. Rachel Malik, BCC Chairwoman and wife of the UK Ambassador to Indonesia.

Doors opened at 9am as guests began arriving to purchase what have become some of the most sought-after items in Jakarta. Business was brisk – or, to put it another way, we were rushed off our feet! This crowd knew what they wanted and it was fine bone china all the way…lots of it…and we were happy to oblige. A mere two hours later, almost all our stock had been snapped up by discerning customers. Amongst the items on sale were the ever-popular Aynsley China Collector’s Cups, charming Dunoon mugs, delightful Portmerion chinaware and the fabulous giftware range from Aynsley China. These beautiful items, which are not available elsewhere in Jakarta, are transported here specifically for this event and always prove popular with our customers. The timing is perfect for people beginning their Christmas shopping, or simply adding to their ever-growing china collections. Don’t worry if you missed the opportunity, BCC will be at the WIC Bazaar, as detailed above, with a similar array of beautiful fine bone china items so please do come along. It’s a fantastic event. During the course of the morning, the gardens of the Residence provided a perfect setting for some light refreshments after a busy morning’s shopping. Many ladies (and a few gentlemen) gathered to enjoy tea, coffee and nibbles, and there was an air of Downton Abbey about the place – I swear I even heard Carson asking Lady Mary if she would care for more tea!

- Karen Turner A Little about British Community Committee (BCC) BCC doesn’t actually stand for ‘British China Cups’ as I have heard it described. Nor is it an arm of the BWA, though we are always extremely grateful to them for their support. Still, what’s in a name? BCC is an independent, long-established fundraising organisation. It is sourced from within the Jakarta community, aiming to raise money to help the needy and under-privileged – specifically projects outside Jakarta, which are typically underfunded. Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

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Wisma Cheshire Bazaar grateful for their support and also the support of the BWA Social Welfare ladies who volunteer their time at the bazaar every year. This year, we were thrilled that Turkish restaurant Turkuaz also sponsored us by sending 100 boxes of delicious Turkish Delight to be sold at the bazaar, with all proceeds going to Wisma. In the past they have donated their famous baklavas which are hugely popular too.

t this time of year, when bazaars are all a-buzz in the city, it’s tough for any one Christmasthemed market to stand out. But on Thursday 29 October at the Kristal Hotel, the annual Wisma Cheshire Bazaar may have done just that.

It was a lovely day out and in terms of fundraising a great success; we were very happy with the proceeds.

Yayasan Wisma Cheshire was established in 1974 and is a branch of international organisation Leonard Cheshire Disability. In their house in Cilandak, the foundation supports adults with mobility diseases, with a view to helping them become financially independent by learning trades such as carpentry and sewing. We hold just one bazaar a year and it is one of our main fundraising events. Aside from one stall of ex-Wisma residents, there are no other external vendors. All items are handmade by Wisma residents, with proceeds going to Wisma Cheshire. Wisma Cheshire is especially famous for custom-made, beautiful wooden dolls houses, as well as batik and Christmas handicrafts. The Kristal Hotel and Allied Pickfords are our long time sponsors. We are -Melinda Mai Hawkins

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BWA Hallowe’en Playgroup!

CIA

IAR

On Thursday 29 October, our usual rabble of ruddy-faced little babies and toddlers turned into a ghoulish, demonic coven of wicked witches and monsters for our Hallowe’en party! Though we were missing one or two of our regulars due to holidays, it was a lovely little do, with fantastic decorations, and hands-down the most amazing Hallowe’en cake you’ve ever seen, made by the lovely Zoe Woodward. Playgroup meets every Thursday at the BWA House from 9:30am onwards. We’re a fun, friendly bunch - everyone welcome!

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TRAVEL

Bali: A Cultural Exchange Fed up of the usual sun, sea and shopping Bali itinerary? Craving contact with local people and a more enriching Balinese experience? Try these ideas, from volunteering to visiting children to cultural celebration.

SOS Children’s Village

Before I visited the SOS Children’s Village in Tabanan, Bali, I was hesitant about the conditions I might discover, and wondered if this was going to be a positive experience. The centre is 30 kilometres from Denpasar and cares for vulnerable and oftorphaned local children. I had called in advance to make the appointment. When I told them I was coming with six people, they said the children would be very excited, and they would put on a little concert for us. Balinese love performing. This one was dancing, singing and yoga, and it was delightful. After the concert, we were encouraged to mingle with the children, ask questions, read stories with them and engage on a personal level. The children seized the opportunity to practise their English. I met Pinky, who loves to dance. She was excited to share some news with me: before my visit a group of foreigners, who had watched the dance concert just as I had, went one

20 Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

step further after they left. They were very taken with the talent of the young Balinese dancers, who performed with such poise, grace and sincerity, albeit in t-shirt and shorts. After the performance, they left money with the orphanage to buy fabric and organize a tailor to make up four Balinese goldthreaded traditional costumes. These are not cheap and very few Balinese own a costume. Most hire them when they dance at a temple or events like weddings. They cost around USD$80 each, which is out of the reach of an orphanage budget. Now Pinky and her friends have beautiful costumes for performing more regularly at the local temple and important events. I was impressed with this centre because it runs differently to most. It consists of twelve family houses, where the children have a “house mother” and learn to live in a family-style setting, rather than a dormitory-type institution. They welcome visitors as a link to the outside world. A wonderful cultural exchange took place in the time I spent there, as we were just as interesting to them as they were to us. www.sos-childrensvillages.org

Volunteer Teaching English in Ubud

In a little village, about 10 minutes’ drive from Ubud, an English tutor volunteer programme is well established. You can join an English class and assist Made, the Balinese-English teacher. The local Petamon Village Elementary School in Pejeng Kelod holds weekly English classes twice a week in

TRAVEL the library. The motivation for this programme is two-fold. Not only does it benefit the children, but it also serves to up-skill and train the teacher in a wide variety of teaching methodologies. Many of the volunteer helpers who come along to the school have a specialist TESOL qualification in teaching English. Made has run the programme for three years now, and her teaching style has evolved over time with very positive results. Classes are Saturdays and Sundays at 8.30am. Why not try it out next time you visit Ubud and lend a hand? You will find it extremely rewarding. Motivation and enthusiasm rides high as these children choose to come in their own time, outside of school hours. Don’t be surprised when you arrive in the morning to a circle of very happy children, who have been patiently at the door for at least an hour – that’s how keen they are. www.villadamee.com/charity-and-giving-back

A Delightful Cultural Dining Experience

Tucked away in Canggu, facing the wide Indian Ocean, is the Tugu Hotel. There, a regular Thursdaynight cultural evening honours the preservation of Balinese culture through not one, but three extraordinary dance performances. Each tells a different story about the history and rituals of Balinese life. I ordered dinner and a drink and settled in to watch my first dance. Two young women entered the stage for the Pendet, a welcome dance that is usually performed in a temple. There, women would normally be carrying holy water but in this adaptation they carried flowers and at the end gracefully sprinkled petals in the air as a welcoming gesture. Against the backdrop of the stage with its giant Garuda statue, it was easy to fall into the rhythmical magic of their movements. As the long red silk drapes gently caught the breeze, a traditional gamelan orchestra struck its off-kilter chords and enhanced the gentle, mystic ambience.

The second dance was the Jauk Keras, meaning strong. The tempo possessed a unique energy: as the pace grew fast and furious the agile dancer, adorned in a red, ominouslooking mask with bulbous eyes, swirled about with an edge of anger. The last dance was a 1986 creation by I Wayan Dibia, called the Cilinaya. This delicate dance gracefully unfolded with fine movements. The fluid motion of the dancers was set to the rhythm of their cili, a Balinese ornament which represents inner beauty and harmony. After the performance we were all invited to the local temple to join their 210-day Odalan celebration, a temple birthday ceremony – a most welcome surprise. Culture at The Tugu and Balinese everyday cultural rituals are one and the same, because this is a hotel which strives to preserve the culture, art, soul and romance of Indonesia. Connecting with the local culture through dance, or searching for a rewarding cultural exchange of value, allows you to see another side of the island of the Gods, and further enrich your Balinese experience.

- Words by Stephanie Brookes, travel writer, www.travelwriter.ws - Photos by David Metcalf

Want to learn more about photography?

Join David Metcalf on a 7-day photo workshop and see orangutans in Borneo! Bali/Borneo tour Nov 20-27. Three spots left - book now! www.davidmetcalfphotography.com/bali-borneo-culture-adventure-photography-tourand-workshop David Metcalf Photography also offers half-day photo tours of Bali. Tours leave daily. You will be taken to traditional village ceremonies (by invitation) and venture into a world seldom seen by tourists. Photographic tips and guidance from masterclass photographer. http://www.davidmetcalfphotography.com/full-day-photo-tour-bali

Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

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BOOK REVIEWS

The Unbearable Lightness of Being Milan Kundera

Of all the things that need surviving in this world, being in a relationship can be first among them. Milan Kundera in his book The Unbearable Lightness of Being puts forth such an instance. The characters are not as well-rounded as in usual works of fiction and neither do the plots flows through a regular pattern of beginningmiddle-end. But this is a well-paced plot, with passages that explore philosophical and political themes. It is not a conventional novel – but it has sold many copies the world over. The story explores the idea of ‘lightness’ versus heaviness; the emptiness versus the meaning which comes along with love, desire and need. Kundera does this through the story of two couples: Tomas, who is a surgeon and a flirt but loves his wife Tereza; and Sabina, a painter in an affair with a Swiss lecturer, Franz. It asks the difficult questions. Most of all it demands the reader to consider whether one can be loved or love because of a nature that is unchangeable. Can the characters understand the need of their counterparts to betray? How are they shaped by one another’s experiences, and can they interpret each other’s’ feelings and actions. Kundera blends the comic with the tragic, and his skills lies in the ability to open up the gap between perception and reality.

- Rabia Ahmad

The Year Of Sharing Harry Gilbert

Before my love of Margaret Atwood and other fantasy fiction developed, I read this novel, but it was only after I had studied much more literature, philosophy and social science that I understood the phenomena such authors illustrate as ‘dystopias’. Gilbert’s, in this novel, is not a world of genetic mutations or differentiations in gender or class as often seen in Atwood. His world requires a conscious understanding of what has happened in the past, in order to ensure the future – without repeating mistakes gone before. Aged twelve every child is required to venture out into Gilbert’s world, which has gone back to its natural state, before human encroachment. The purpose is to live with nature, to understand its bounteous treasures and its mystic harshness, and never to forget the wisdom one gains in this time. Richard, our narrator, is given mere essentials and sprinkled with deer pheromones before embarking on his journey, which sees him survigin the winters and eventually being adopted into a family of deer – with a real family structure – in the wild. The story sees how he learns to love his adopted family against the odds. It is heart-warming, inculcating a sense of responsibility in the reader towards nature and earth. Nothing I think has made more of an impression on me then the narration of the tale by Gilbert. This book is extremely relevant to today’s global issues. For a touching tale I highly recommend this book. - Rabia Ahmad Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

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RESTAURANT REVIEWS

The Chedi Club

Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali What does Ubud do well? Breathtakingly emerald-green vistas? Check. Open-air dining with the coolest breezes you’ll feel on the island? Check. Luxury however you want it; be that total privacy or being waited hand-onfoot? The Chedi tries to give you all of this and more and for the most part it succeeds. It’s hard to deny the raw beauty of their bale restaurant. Most people would flock here for a romantic evening meal, but I thoroughly recommend lunch in order to enjoy the sheer greenness of it all. As ever for me, the food is the most important thing. So how did their fare fare? Chedi’s kitchen presents you with a choice of Balinese and International dishes. Usually, I am sceptical as to whether one kitchen can pull off two cuisines well. But I was suitably convinced here. The Grilled Prawn starter was delicious - big, juicy, well-cooked prawns with a spicy papaya salad worked really well. Equally the Kare Ikan Laut (seafood curry) was a success, with a typically Balinese-spiced coconut milk sauce. For mains, we went west, with a generous portion of Rock Cod, intruiging shaved veggies and a lovely purple purée potato. The flavours worked really well together, particularly the red wine sauce, which the meaty fish handled well. The wine list, especially by the glass, is good for Indonesia. This is not a cheap place to eat, but you can see their emphasis on quality in the ingredients as well as the service, which was mostly delightful.

- Annali Hayward

Casa Luna

Jl. Raya Ubud, Bali

Every time I’m in Ubud, I make sure I put aside one night to go to Casa Luna. In this mini-city of multitudinous restaurant openings, it’s nice to have a favourite to go back to that just feels comfortable. This homely vibe may in part be due to the Mother Earth-type presence of owner Janet de Neefe. Janet and her husband Ketut own and run a little empire in the Ubud area, including charming guesthouses. Janet is also the founder of the Ubud Writers’ and Readers’ Festival. The last time we visited the casual eatery was smack-dab in the middle of the Festival. Perhaps understandably then, with the kitchen catering for event venues at the same time, the staff were more than usually frazzled. But this is a take-it-easy kind of place: relax and peruse the unique menu. Janet is a maestro of her adopted homeland’s cuisine, even running cooking courses at the guesthouses. The Sate Lilit is a great example of her understanding of the intricacies of Balinese spicing: beautifully soft, fragrant fish is mashed around a lemongrass stick and nicely grilled - delicious. So too are Coconut Prawn and Fish parcels, steamed in leaves. But you would do just as well going with Janet’s salads or home-made pizzas. A Lebanese salad offers chick peas, beetroot and a tangy dressing, whilst the unusual Smoked Marlin salad stands out in both concept and flavour. Desserts are very popular and very good here. The Lemon Papaya Meringue Pie was good, but we loved the homemade Sticky Black Rice ice-cream. It’s not trying to be fine-dining - just authentic, and in that, Casa Luna succeeds.

- Annali Hayward Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

UPCOMING BWA EVENTS

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Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

JUST FOR FUN

WEIRD & WONDERFUL NEWS PLANT POWER

Scientists wove electronics into the vascular system of living plants for the first time in a breakthrough which could allow them to convert photosynthesis into power. A team at Linköping University in Sweden ‘wired up’ a garden rose by setting the flower into a basin of water containing a soluble polymer which conducts electricity. As the rose sucked up the water it also took in the electronic material which then integrated into the flower’s own biology. It is the same process that allows flowers to be coloured by dipping the stems in dyed water. Once inside the plant the polymer was designed to self-organise to form a wire with the help of the ions that are already present in the flower. The team showed it was possible to create an electric circuit using the embedded wire.

MEALS ON WHEELS Australian police are looking to identify a group of men filmed riding motorised park benches on public roads in Perth. Footage of the nine men casually rolling through an intersection in Scarborough on Sunday has gone viral. While witnesses said they were amused by the spectacle, police said there were real dangers involved. They said the men could face several charges, including driving an unlicensed and un-roadworthy vehicle. The owner of the table said an officer already spoke to the group and let them off with a warning, according to reports. The tables were equipped with motors and a lever with what appears to be a brake attached. The mechanism for steering is unclear. Several Australians have been booked drink-driving on board similar vehicles, including motorised cooler boxes known as “Eskys”, this year. In January a man on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula was fined $1,476 for riding an unlicensed ice box on the footpath.

JAWS GIVES UP THE DIET Swimmers have been warned to stay out of the water off Gippsland in Victoria, Australia, after a large shark was spotted stalking a whale carcass that washed up on the shore. The state parks authority of what appears to be a 4m (13ft) white pointer at Salmon Rocks. Parks Victoria worker Mike Irvine said he was surprised to spot the shark heading towards the beached whale. Authorities said the whale probably died of natural causes and that they were monitoring it but hoped the carcass would wash out to sea with the tide. The 11-metre sperm whale washed up on the beach over the weekend. “It was in waist-deep water, a decent-sized shark thrashing around every time it got in the shallows and got back out to deeper water and cruised back and forward then had another go,” Mr Irvine told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Mike Irvine said there were likely more sharks lurking nearby because a lot of blood was spilling out of the carcass: “It’s a natural thing for whales to die and sharks to come in and clean up the mess.”

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JUST FOR FUN HAYFEVER HEROES A Danish city is trying to spare hayfever sufferers their annual dose of springtime misery by halting the planting of any more birch trees in public places. The council in Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, says the move could reduce the amount of pollen in the air by between 10% and 30% “This should reduce the nuisance to some extent, and provide relief to city dwellers with pollen allergies,” says Peter Sogaard, a biologist at the city council. Scientists say birch trees are a major culprit in provoking allergic reactions, as their pollen is particularly irritating. The city has already planted a special hypoallergenic forest on its outskirts for hayfever sufferers to enjoy, and officials are trying to reduce the impact of other irritants by cutting the grass in public parks in early spring, before it begins to release pollen. But it’s not all good news for those blighted by allergies. The council can’t do anything about trees on private land or, more significantly, the vast birch forests of Sweden and Poland.

MOULAH FOR METEORS Villagers in eastern Turkey have earned more than one million lira ($350,000; £230,000) from selling meteorite fragments which showered the area in September. Local people in Saricicek, Bingol, are still scouring the fields around the village, and some have been able to buy cars or houses using the proceeds from their finds. The meteorites can fetch up to $60 (£40) a gram. The luckiest of the village’s 3,200 residents could be Hasan Beldek, 30, who found a 1.5kg (3.3lb) chunk after being pestered to go searching by his mother-in-law. “I couldn’t bear it any more so I went out and decided to give it a try,” he tells the site. “I searched the area for three to four hours. Then a bright black stone larger than a man’s fist looked right up at me.”Mr Beldek has already turned down offers of up to 350,000 lira ($120,000; £80,000) for the rock, because he thinks it could fetch more. Any money he makes will be used to open a pastry shop in Istanbul with his brothers, he says.

WOOF YOU BELIEVE IT? A female hunter is recovering after being shot in the foot - by her pet dog called TRIGGER. The unsuspecting pet owner, a 25-year-old woman called Allie Carter, was hunting waterfowl in the north of Indiana, America, when the bizarre incident took place. Inquisitive Trigger, a chocolate Labrador, was too intrigued by the 12-gauge shotgun left lying on the ground. What he did not know was Ms Carter had not put the safety catch on. Disaster then struck when the pooch unwittingly depressed the trigger, and fired the gun - which happened to be pointing in the direction of his owner. Indiana conservation officer Jonathon Boyd said Ms Carter was shot in the left foot at point-blank range, suffering injuries to her foot and toes. She was treated at two hospitals before being sent home to recover. Mr Boyd has been forced to warn all prospective hunters to take a hunter education course, something which Ms Carter had not completed. The strange animal incident happened at the Tri-County Fish and Wildlife Area, around 140 miles north of Indianapolis. - Thanks to the BBC [Express] Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

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Sunset Star Shopping Arcade Jl. Dewi Sri, Sunset Road. Kuta - Bali Phone (0361) 8947523 HP 0899 099 8889 29D05FDF

Jl. Mayjend Sungkono Komp Rich Palace Shopping Arcade BlokR-18, Surabaya. Phone (031) 5621028-5621075 Fax (031) 5621070 HP 0815 504 5567 541C965A ULTIMO CLINIC INDONESIA

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NOTICEBOARD INFORMATION FOR EXPATRIATES IN JAKARTA

http://www.expat.or.id

YAYASAN WISMA CHESHIRE A Home in Cilandak, South Jakarta for 30 paraplegics of both sexes and any religion. Wisma Cheshire is part of the British worldwide Leonard Cheshire Disability organisation. VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED to help with Woodwork, Handicrafts, stock taking and admin. It need take no more than a few hours of your time each week and is rewarding and interesting work.

Young children? Want to know… Schools and sport Where can I buy? Keeping them busy

Family Guide to Jakarta is available as a book (great for the car) and now on the internet at http://www.familyguidetojakarta.com

Please contact: Petty Elliott 0816 922 099

POSH FROCKS etc. WANTED!

Got a spare ballgown or two?! Social Welfare will be holding a “Posh Frock” Sale at BWA House at the February Great British Coffee Morning (2 February 2016). ALL the proceeds will be donated to Social Welfare for the BWA’s chosen causes here in Jakarta. So if you’re clearing out your cupboard, please put aside dresses, tops, bottoms, shoes, scarves bags, hats, costume jewellery... you name it! Whether it’s for the ladies, men or children, as long as it’s in good condition, we’ll take it! (Just no undies or socks please!) Please label your donations “Posh Frock Sales” and leave at the BWA House any time from now on. More info: socialwelfare@bwajakarta.org

THE EXPLORERS at The Indonesian Heritage Society meet on Wednesdays for tours, talks, taking part in Indonesian daily activities. Join one of several groups who meet weekly, fortnightly or monthly Can’t make Wednesdays? Explorers also has a monthly Saturday group. Sessions start in September, February and June.

www.heritagejkt.org for more information

explorers@heritagejkt.org or call 021 2572 5870 The IHS is a non-profit organization offering the opportunity to learn more about cultural heritage of Indonesia.

What’s new? Latest business, social & sporting Events: www.whatsnewjakarta.com

www.indonesiaexpat.biz Business, Lifestyle and Outreach News for Expats Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

CLASSIFIEDS THE LOYAL SOCIETIES

Bali private villa in the ricefields

JAVA ST ANDREW SOCIETY www.javastandrewsociety.com ST DAVID’S SOCIETY janegllew@gmail.com ST GEORGE’S SOCIETY www.stgeorgesjakarta ST PATRICK’S SOCIETY www.stpatricksjakarta.org

Villa Damee, Ubud is a splendid place to chill out and recharge the batteries. A private 3-bed, 3-bath, beautifully designed luxury villa set in the ricefields located in an ancient Balinese village and only 4.5 kms out of Ubud. This beautiful villa comes complete with a villa cook, AC and wi-fi. Breakfast included. The villa has a huge pool, free complimentary village tour and guided walk to the beautiful pristine river adjoining the villa with hidden temples in the rocks. www.villadamee.com

JAKARTA ANIMAL AID NETWORK (JAAN)

JAAN works on Improving Animal Welfare in Indonesia through various Wildlife and Domestic Animal Protection, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Education Programs. If you’re interested in Adopting a stray dog or cat, Volunteering at the shelter, Sponsoring an Animal or making a Donation, please visit JAAN’s office at Kemang Timur 17A and/or website at www.Jakartaanimalaid.com. Thank you.

BWA SERVICES / FOR HIRE

Support BWA and its charities by renting the ’Geraldine Johnson Wheelchair’ Also available at the BWA House are a pair of Crutches. Contact BWA House or bwa@bwajakarta.org Baby travel cot for hire Rp200,000 donation per week or part of a week.

BWA HOUSE HIRE: Having a party? The BWA House is availabe to both members and non-members for a very reasonable fee. You get the use of the House, tables, chairs, napkins, crockery, cutlery, and also staff to help with the cleaning up! Children's parties, evening events, all needs catered to. Please contact housemanager@bwajakarta.org GOT ANY ODDS AND ENDS? If you’re leaving and want to get rid of odds and ends which threaten to overload your container, do consider donating to the BWA. Items can either be sold in the thrift shop, or donated to one of the numerous projects that we support. We can always find a home for items in good condition such as used towels and bedding, clothes (sorted into male/female/ adult/children), tinned or dried food, medicines, eyeglasses, hearing aids, toys, cleaning products, pots and pans and even old Christmas cards and foreign stamps. All proceeds go to the BWA and its charities.

REGULAR BWA ACTIVITIES MONDAY: Bahasa Lessons (beg/med) TUESDAY: Coffee Mornings (Great British Coffee Morning first Tues of the month with vendors etc) WEDNESDAY: ***NEW*** Book Club on the 1st Weds of the month, bookclub@bwajakarta.org. Canasta, 10am at the BWA house. Please contact Tish, or 0816767768 or Jenny, 08121002965. THURSDAY: Playgroup (9:30), Mah Jong WOULD YOU LIKE TO SET UP AN ACTIVITY? Contact chairwoman@bwajakarta.org

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USEFUL NUMBERS / WEBSITES

British Embassy, Jakarta

2356 5200

Emergency Numbers Police Fire Ambulance

110 113 118 / 119

Medical International SOS Jl Rambu 10, Cipete

750 5973 (office) 750 6001 (24 hr emergencies)

Global Doctors 719 4565 Jl Kemang Raya 87, Kemang 718 2029 (24 hr call centre) Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah Jl Metro Duta Kav UE, Pondok Indah

765 7525

Metropolitan Medical Centre 520 3435 (24 hrs) Jl HR Rasuna Said Kav C-21, Kuningan Medic One Jl Prapanca Raya 6A, Jakarta 12160 Schools Australian Independent School British School Jakarta Jakarta Intercultural School Taxis Silver Bird/Blue Bird Travel Soekarno-Hatta International Airport www.jakartaairportonline.com

725 9111

717 90437 745 1670 769 2555 794 1234 550 5179

Information/Departures/Arrivals www.jakartaairportonline.com/flight-status-arrivals-departures

Indonesian Yellow Pages

http://www.yellowpages.co.id/index.aspx

UPCOMING BWA EVENTS

Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16

UPCOMING BWA EVENTS

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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CITY LIFE

10 THINGS TO LOVE about Christmas in the Big Durian 6

Over-the-top Christmas hampers from all the big hotels...

Santa arriving on his bajaj... Pullman Jakarta

The notoriously raucous BWA and BritCham ‘lunches’

Haggling for a pohon cemara by the side of the road...berapa?!

4 No sixty-four layers of clothing just to pop out to the shops...bye-bye itchy Christmas jumpers! GB Times

Decadent Christmas brunches and set menus at posh hotels

7 8

Bazaars galore - Christmas shopping has never been easier!

The lack of prep pressure... haven’t made your own Christmas cake to grandma’s exact recipe? Nevermind, Aunt Mabel isn’t here to pass judgment!

9 Somewhat quieter city streets

The fun of improvising... Can’t get a goose? Ah, how different is kampung chicken, really?

- Annali Hayward

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Sense the Luxury of Samabe Penthouse Villa Like Nowhere Else in Bali Nestled on the cliff of secluded part of Bali, Nusa Dua, Samabe Bali Suites & Villas is blessed with panoramic ocean view. It features 304-sqm Two Bedroom Penthouse Pool Villa on the top of the building with inﬁnity pool overlooking Indian Ocean.

www.samabe.com

Jl. Pura Barong-Barong Sawangan, Nusa Dua Selatan 80363, Bali - Indonesia Phone: +62 361 846 8633 | +62 361 846 8632 Grapevine - Dec ‘15/Jan ‘16