Fruit, Fruit, Delicious Fruit

manggis -  yum yum!!

Lately I've decided to purchase and try more unfamiliar fruits, since we are surrounded by them at every turn. Tropical fruits are plentiful and inexpensive here, whereas at home they are either non-existent or too expensive to buy, especially if I'm unsure I would even like them. So I decided to branch out on my fruit choices and see what some of these strange and sometimes surprisingly ugly fruits taste like.

rambutans near our apartment

Of course some of these are sold in the larger western supermarkets, but here we see them everywhere - on carts, in grocery stores and just spread out along the street side. Right now the rambutans are in season, so we often see them piled high in the back of a pick up truck or hanging in bunches from makeshift racks. Rambutans come in different sizes (perhaps the small ones have a different name?) and are really ugly, almost scary to look at, but also very tasty! However, the smaller ones may just be more trouble than they're worth, given the handling of them and the amount of actual flesh produced from a good sized bundle. The small ones that I bought this week revealed a piece of fruit about the size of a grape which also contained a large seed. A lot of work for not a lot of reward. Plus mine were covered with ants!

mango vendor outside Pasar Baru

 

 

 

dragon fruit in the market

manggis

I see others such as burmese grapes, jack fruit, rose apples and star fruit in the supermarket but have yet to try them. They're on my list. Of course the stores carry the standard melons and fruits that we're used to seeing at home. Bananas and pineapples are plenteous and cheap. In the past when I've tried papayas, I always found them to be bland and tasteless. That's because I didn't know how to select them. Now I know that they have to be turning orange and black and looking almost rotten before they are ripe and sweet.

Mangoes of all varieties are extremely popular, beautiful and tempting; however I am extremely allergic to them, so I cast but a glance and pass them by (being careful not to touch them as it's actually the oil in their skin that I'm allergic to).




I have been wanting to try manggis for some time and finally had our driver buy some last week. They were not a disappointment! I had been warned to be careful when peeling, as the juice in their peel looks like grape juice and will stain any clothing it comes in contact with. But like rambutan, there is not a lot of flesh and it would take several good sized manggis to make a decent serving. Still, the flavor is so worth it!

star fruit surrounded by durians

Several Indonesians have told me that the star fruit is "good for health" and specifically blood pressure. My landlady buys them by the bag full on her weekly market run and makes juice from them. I think the riper ones are the ones showing some orange. I will try them soon.

fresh coconut growing in Bali

Who knew the coconut was a fruit? I didn't but it technically is. There are lots of fresh coconuts here! And they are sold still in both layers - the larger, softer outer one and the smaller, hadrer one we see in US. The big difference is that fresh ones have little in common with their US counterparts. Ronnie, who has always loved coconut, wanted me to get him one so I had the driver stop and pick out a good one. I was excited to give it to him but when he opened it, the flesh was somewhat slimy - nothing at all like the texture of the older coconuts that we're used to! We didn't realize that was what a fresh coconut was supposed to taste like and since neither of us liked it, we threw it out.

snake frui

We tasted our first snake fruit when it showed up in our fruit basket in Bali. Peeling away its hard shell - a bit harder than an avocado - reveals a firm, crunchy flesh (perhaps closer in texture to a firm pear than anything else I can think of) surrounding a large black seed. Good, but not nearly as sweet and wonderful as the manggis!

Now Showing...

what are you in the mood for?

We've learned how to watch new movies over here. No, we don't wait until they come out on the big screen, although we have been able to enjoy 2 or 3 movies at a local mall theater. Usually there just isn't a lot we want to see showing in the theaters. Below is an example of what I mean.


The best thing about the movie theaters here in Bandung is the caramel popcorn - yeah! The package deal includes popcorn with a choice of Minute Maid pulpy orange juice or a very small bottle or water.

Another thing that is very hard to find here is popcorn, especially the microwave variety. Knowing that, we stocked up while we were at home over Christmas. Oh, the things we take for granted...

want a new release?

So we've started watching movies the way most Indonesians watch them. To be perfectly honest, I've only seen legitimate movies for sale in one place (though surely there must be more). Blu ray dvd's sell for approximately $80 US. Yep, you read that right! On the other hand, you can buy new release movies all over the place for.....are you ready....between 60-70 cents each. Last Saturday we went to a new movie place and bought 15 movies for a whopping total of $9.17. It's true.

store front - The Movie Rooms

Some friends introduced us to Empire DVD, a movie store which is located in a busy strip center. Empire has a large variety of movies, old and new releases, along with a decent selection of music CD's (new, $3 each). Just before the holidays, all the DVD places mysteriously closed down (wonder if Obama's visit to Bali  had anything to do with it?) Our driver informed us that this is just the way it is. The police sweep in and close them down every so often, then in a few weeks, they are all up and running like they never shut down.


So far, all but a couple have worked (I've learned to have the proprietor test them before leaving the store). We've only had one that wasn't a "genuine fake." I had badly wanted to see "The Help" before we left Houston but it didn't come to the theaters until a week or so after we left. I was anxious to see it but there is no way a movie with that message would ever come to Bandung. So I was extra thrilled when I found it at Empire. The problem with it? It was copied by someone hand-holding a recording device. It even had an "extra" toward the end, someone who just happened to get caught walking between the recording device and the screen. HA But for the most part, they are good copies and we have no problems watching them. We can view them on our computers or on our t.v. via a special cable that Ronnie purchased at the local electronics store. What can I say? Some of you may remember what our viewing choices on the tv are, so please don't judge us too harshly. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

employee will gladly check it out to see if it works

George Richard Ward, Jr.

September 18, 1946 - February 2, 2012

Friends and family,

Ronnie's brother, George Richard Ward, Jr (a.k.a Uncle Dickey) went to be with the Lord today, February 2, 2012 after suffering a severe allergic reaction that closed his airway, depriving him of oxygen for 12 minutes. We are all still somewhat in shock, as his death was so completely unexpected. Please pray for Ronnie and his sisters, as they are now dealing with the loss of their brother in addition to the recent loss of their mother.

Dickey's life will be honored with a military graveside service that will be held on February 13 in Dallas, Texas. He was a Purple Heart veteran, having survived serious wounds in Vietnam after receiving a large amount of shrapnel to his legs, some of which he carried the rest of his life.

Dickey was a kind and gentle man. He had many struggles throughout his life, but he was very much loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his siblings and many nieces and nephews. We thank God for the life of our brother, uncle and friend.

George Richard Ward, Jr.

Dickey - Buddy & Janet's firstborn

Tutu, Dickey (right) and siblings

always the big brother, Dickey grew to 6'5"

grade 5

 

 

 

 

US Marine - circa 1965

circa 1995

 

 

 

 

Dickey Ward - early 70's

Dickey, Kathey (aka "baby sister"), Ronnie & Janet

To Durian or Not to Durian? That is the question.

durians - regular offerings at Setiabudhi market

The durian (sometimes referred to as the “king of fruits”) is a popular fruit here in Southeast Asia. I’ve been noticing these strange looking fruits along the roadsides for months now. Turns out, they have quite a reputation and I must say it is well deserved! The durian is large (though smaller than a football) and is easily identified by its prickly spikes and distinctive odor. Some people (notably Asians) consider its odor to be fragrant; others who have not had that much exposure to this fruit consider it highly offensive. I think it’s safe to say that durian is definitely an acquired taste. I remember in Singapore seeing a sign on the dashboard that no durians were allowed in the car! I have since learned that they are forbidden in some hotels and on public transportation as well.

already packaged for your convenience!

In addition to seeing them hanging in roadside stands, I must walk past them to get to the produce section in Setiabudhi market where we shop. Even unopened, their presence is unmistakable. Setiabudhi also offers fresh durian flesh, packaged and ready to go. While durians neither look nor smell appetizing to me, Indonesians love them! Today I asked our driver if he liked them and he declared them to be enak! (very delicious)

durian ice cream for sale

Before coming to Indonesia, we watched a show by Chef Andrew Zimmerrn. He compared the taste of durian to completely rotten, mushy onions and said it “needed a toe tag.” Others have said that it is something you will either love or despise. I agree. According to travel and food writer Richard Sterling, “its odor is best described as pig poop, turpentine and onions garnished with a gym sock.” Other comparisons have been made with the civet (I had to look that one up), sewage, stale vomit, skunk spray and used surgical swabs. Eeuuww.

I waited in anxious anticipation

Besides eating them raw, Indonesians use them in many dishes. Durian donuts, durian ice cream, durian cheesecake, durian pancakes - you get the picture. I’ve been thinking about trying durian for a while and decided the ice cream was my best bet. I knew my sister Marilyn and son-in-law Dave would be proud of me for my culinary branch out. So today was the day. I kept asking myself, how bad can ice cream be??

it doesn't look too bad!

First the vendor put in a spoonful of durian ice cream in the cup. He topped that with a piece of durian flesh, followed by a second scoop of ice cream. He then added canned milk and lastly, chocolate syrup to the top. What could be bad with chocolate syrup on top, right? Uhh….let me just add to the descriptions above by saying it was more like the worst body odor you’ve ever smelled, but instead of being in your nose it’s in your mouth. I took as many as 3 or 4 (small) bites, hoping I could change my mind. Sorry, it just didn’t happen. So I dropped it in the first trash can I saw once we got inside the mall. As we were leaving the mall a while later, Ronnie noticed a security guard standing in front of the trash can with the melted ice cream running out from the bottom. He was on his radio calling for someone to come clean it up. I’m sorry, but how are you supposed to dispose of an unwanted durian ice cream cone?? Ok, I did it. I spent$1 US on a cultural experience. Are yall proud of me? If not, watch the clip below and you will be!

fleshy pulp with seed visible

but looks can be deceiving!

                   

                                  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VuXoX3Wt08    

don't even think about it!

Fall Semester Wrap Up at ITB

one of several ITB engineering buildings

Several have asked why we are in Indonesia. For my new followers, we are here because Ronnie was named a Fulbright Scholar and his assignment was Indonesia, specifically the Institute of Technology (Institut Teknologi Bandung).

For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandung_Institute_of_Technology 

ITB is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Indonesia. As such, he's had the opportunity to work with some of Indonesia's brightest students. And unlike some of the other Fulbrighters we've spoken with, Ronnie has been blessed with a very supportive and appreciative host, Pak Dwi Widyantoro, who facilitated Ronnie's teaching and research in a course on global software development using international teams.

Ronnie and Pak Dwi

Bandung is a few hours south of Jakarta. It has cooler temps than Jakarta because of its higher elevation, but is not nearly as modern. There are very few Caucasians in Bandung (thus the stares) and it's rare to come across someone who speaks English in the normal population. However, that is not the case at ITB. Ronnie is working with third and fourth year engineering students, all of whom understand English. Though he has developed a survival level of Bahasa Indonesia, he is able to teach in English.

During his first semester he paired 19 ITB students with 20 Texas A&M students to do global software development. He was very happy with the success of his efforts. He was able to accomplish everything he intended and the students were very enthusiastic about teaming with other students across the globe. This spring he has 31 ITB students and 32 at A&M. 

Yesterday I met him at ITB and took some photos of him with his students after they received their certificates of professional development. They also received Aggie bags, pins and decals. Gig 'em!

Fall 2011 class (3 students not pictured)

Fall 2011 students receive certificates

Certificates of Professional Development

Ronnie with senior Informatics students

Wayang Golek

traditional Indonesia wooden puppets

Wayang is a generic term for traditional theater here in Indonesia. If you are looking for an Indonesian “experience” or a souvenir that shouts Indonesia! you will likely zero in on these traditional puppets.

the good, the bad & the ugly

Wayang Golek is a Sundanese art performance in which wooden puppets are used to tell a story. Both wooden and shadow puppets are popular here among Indonesians. Each puppet represents a human characteristic such as anger, greed, benevolence, etc. With each puppet show, a story is told and supposedly there is always a moral message.

Each wooden puppet performance lasts at least 7 hours, beginning in the evening and continuing until early morning. I have heard that the best puppeteers make $6,000 (US) per performance – a huge sum of money, especially in a poor country!  You can see more wayang golek puppets by searching youtube.com but most of them are fairly poor quality. I did find the clip below which gives some insight into the different puppets “personalities” if you will.

 

                                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wph0cBNi7Yo

note intricate carving and painting

yes, they are quite ugly!!

Saung Angklung Udjo performace includes 15 minute introduction to waylang golek puppets

the covering is removed to allow audience to watch the puppeteer at work

puppets for sale at a local tourist attraction

These wooden doll puppets are operated by a puppeteer situated below using rods connected to the hands and a central control rod that runs through the body to the head. Their construction us fairly simple but they are amazingly expressive in their movements. Today, Wayang Golek is mainly associated with Sundanese culture of West Java. However the wooden wayang also known in Central Java as Wayang Menak, originated from Kudus Central Java.

take one home? (not me)

Little is known about the history of Wayang Golek, but scholars have speculated that it most likely originated in China and arrived in Java sometime in the 17th century. Some of the oldest traditions of Wayang Golek are from the north coast of Java. This is home to some of the oldest Muslim kingdoms in Java and it is likely the wayang golek grew in popularity through telling the Wayang Menak stories of Amir Hamza, the uncle of Muhammad. These stories are still widely performed in Kabumen, Tegal, and Jepara as Wayang Golek Menak, and in Cirebon, Wayang Golek Cepak. Legendary origins of Wayang Golek attribute their invention to the Muslim saint Wali Sunan Kudus, who used the medium to proselytize Muslim values (yep, that came straight out of Wikipedia)!

Welcome (back) to Bandung!

a little mold and ant mix on dishes

Beautiful birdsong, the sounds of construction below us, motor scooters gunning it to make it up the steep hill beneath our bedroom window, morning prayers, cicaks running the walls and leaving their little "gifts" behind, moldy clothing and having to remember how to deal with the water – such is life here in Indonesia. It just goes to show how fast a person can put bad stuff out of their mind and go back to “normal living” like we did during our stay at home. Our time in the States stretched out longer than originally planned because of Ronnie’s moms death and the nice long break and time with family and friends was exactly what we needed to make it till mid-June!

molded closet contents

fuzzy mold growing on walls and cabinets

whatizit? crawled up from shower drain

So now we know. You can’t go off for weeks during rainy season in Indonesia with everything locked up, no air flow and the drapes closed. Talk about the perfect environment for mold to grow! And grow it did. UGH! We’ve been dealing with mold covering just about every surface in our apartment. All of our clothes hanging in our closets, shoes, personal belongings, food in the cabinets, even walls and cabinets – everything covered with mold, mold, mold!

green stuff coming from faucets

Our water (nasty anyway) began to have clumps of green, fabric like material in it. Yuk. Every shower, faucet and toilet was loaded with the stuff, and good luck getting it off if it dries on a surface (commode bowl, shower wall, sink). And the critters?  We love the pretty birds songs, but not the cicaks (lizards), ants or the slimy black slug (?) that crawled up out of the shower drain! The rats are gnawing loudly in the attic. We’ve had the landlord remove the traps because the bait they use smells worse than a dead rat – we finally figured out what that awful odor was - Friendster salty fish head bait. Make a note and DON’T buy it!! We’ll bait the traps again soon with something more benign.

In spite of the “welcome back” we received, the people here seemed genuinely glad to see us. Partly because they wouldn’t have jobs if it weren’t for us, and partly because they are just nice and friendly people. Dadang, our driver, presents us with a new problem almost daily. It usually relates to the fact that he needs money. It’s hard to know how/how much to help. There’s a line between being compassionate and being taken advantage of, and we’re still trying to figure out where that is. When Ronnie told our landlady about the mold problem, she told us to go buy some dehumidifiers at the grocery store – these are plastic tubs filled with tiny white balls that absorb moisture from the air. We were thrilled to learn about these and are using them now, but how nice it would have been had we known before we left!

In addition to the mold and critter issues, we’re finding some type of “mystery spit up” on the front porch each morning. Speculations (opinions from those around the apartment as to what could be leaving this little surprise at our door) include monkey, bird and dog. I’m not sure what the heck it is, but it’s unpleasant to wake up to. I’ll post a photo in case any of you want to take a stab at it. Warning: it’s not for the faint hearted.

your guess is as good as ours - eeeuuwww!!

I apologize if this post is somewhat of a downer. I guess I just needed to get it out of my system. Hopefully the rest of them will be more upbeat and on a more pleasant topic. 

PS Today our driver Dadang speculated that the "mystery spit up" is being left by an evil devil (Indonesians are very superstitious). Ronnie questioned him and after much discussion determined that he thinks it is an animal (an animal devil?)