Just a couple of days left in Dutchland...

Location: Gouda

Date: 27th August 2011

Just finished reading 3 letters mum wrote to her sister when she started living in Curacao. Brilliant to read about her perception of moving to a completely different country. I also recognised some things we stumbled upon as well when moving abroad. Everybody with the experience of moving abroad knows that in the beginning it is tough, not only cuz you miss your fams and friends but also because you have to start all over. To be honest I think it is quite refreshing as well.

I love meeting new people and getting to know new cultures, and even sometimes seeing the similarities between cultures. Sometimes in Australia I literally had to pinch myself making sure i wasn't in England. I know the whole English convict thing back in the day obviously connects the 2 countries but i never expected that 2 countries so far away from each other had such similarities. Australia is a lovely country and could see myself living there for sure ( up north that is cuz the south gets way 2 cold!!!!). Of course the fact that it has serious good diving does help a little bit ;) 

Coming in Bali you still see the Dutch colony signs ( even though the Balinese don't like talking about it, obviously....). Fiji just has the nicest people ever, without being to obnoxious which is something many countries can learn from! 

It is also hilarious to hear and experience how the foreigner sees the dutch! seriously we have heard every cliché and stereotypical Dutch "thing". So yeah yeah I know we are cheap, very tall, mostly blond, very down to earth and do not beat around the bush, we actually "go dutch" our selves as well ( hence the saying DUH) and that we of course all do drugs and walk on clogs all day! LOL. The conversation normally ends with me saying ... well actually... I wasn't raised in Holland so what does that make me? A "Yu di Korsow"!!! They normally thought Remco was Swedish ( the serious blond her and length) and me.. well couldn't really place me.. The Americans though I was Australian (seriously?), The Australians though I was English, The English generally just got scared of my accent and the Dutch said.... It takes one to know one.. ( oh yeah thanks for that!). We will see How Mexico perceives us hahaha

In a couple of days we will fly to Mexico, and seriously looking forward to it. Getting certified as a dive instructor is one of my biggest dreams and I have always wanted to live in a Spanish speaking country cuz that is the only way I can actually master the lingo! Hopefully we will find a job there for a couple of months but knowing us we could just as easily divert....... ;)

However the dream of moving back home ( Curacao that is) is coming closer and closer and makes me smile from ear to ear :). 

And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years.  ~Abraham Lincoln

Bula (fiji), Pura Vida (costa Rica), G'day (aussie)

Location: Gouda

Date: 25th August 2011

After travelling for months through the most beautiful places I have ever been, a day with the camera in good old Gouda isn't so bad either ;)

Our next trip is only a week away. Ariba ariba!!!! Mexico here we come

Ayo!

True Bali time.....

Location: Padang Bai Bali

Date: 21st July 2011

Ceremonies are a way of life in Bali. They bless everything. Before every dive the dive guides will send a small offering onto the ocean to make sure all goes well ( part of the Balinese Buddhism). Everyday they offer their gods, in front of every door you will find some offerings and in every complex you will find a small area that is devoted to the gods. I think it is the charm of Bali. 

Needless to say that after having our new engines installed on the boat we need a ceremony to bless them. Without this blessing you will not get any Balinese on the boat and drive it.

The holy man and his wife were leading the ceremony assisted by the boat crew and the girls from the office (all are related as well). Remco and myself were very intrigued and asked if we could join.

First the offerings are being prepared and the holy man prepares the holy water. We then all sat behind him and his wife whilst he said his prayers and offerings were brought to the boat. After that we all prayed with him (well I held my hands up in the same way and drank the holy water but wasn’t sure what to ..... pray for... So i just imaged some good dives coming out of these shiny new engines ). The preparation actually took longer than the ceremony itself but gods behold.... the engines are blessed!

 All the pics from the album:

Bali

Ciao!

Galungan....

Location: Padang Bai, Bali
Date: 06 July

Today Galungan has started.....

Galungan is a Balinese holiday that occurs every 210 days and lasts for 10 days. Kuningan is the last day of the holiday. Galungan means "When the Dharma is winning." During this holiday the Balinese gods visit the Earth and leave on Kuningan. It is a major feast that is held throughout the island. On the first and tenth day all balinese men and women dress in traditional clothing. I was also introduced to this. The men ( Dave and Remco) didn't feel particularly happy about dressing up so they were our photographers :)

The balinese make special decorations that they place at the right side of an etry to a house. This welcomes the spirits to their former homes. The spirits must be entertained and welcomed, and prayers and offerings must be made for them. Soon I will upload some more pictures of all the decorations as it is truly a beautiful sight in the streets. Interesting fact..... the boys make the decorations :)

Bali

Ayo,
Marrem