THE OPERA WAS JUST SO SAD

Read more >>

What they don’t tell you about Bali

Sanur, Bali, Nov 5th, 2012

It’s hot, humid and sticky.

Luckily I traveled in my twenties. Today, when changing money at a small “Government Authorized” money changer, we counted out the money together. Then just as I was about to take the money, he (the money changer) picks it up to count again, and as he does so he drops some of it into his lap hoping I won’t notice and will leave shortchanged. Luckily, I’d been shortchanged before, two decades before. Now I’m waiting for the guy who needs a few dollars to get the bus, the guy who tells us his wallet’s been stolen, the guy with the fast hands ….

Oh, did I mention, It’s hot, humid and sticky. Tomorrow, we’re off to malaria country.

Shabbat with the Maisel Family, Sydney hosts of the year

Fri 2nd, Sat 3rd Nov, 2012

We were fortunate to spend Shabbat with the Maisel Family, winner of “Sydney hosts of the year” for eight years running. Not only did they arrange for us an apartment in Dover Heights,  Bondi with a view from the opera house to Bondi Beach, they hosted us every day from Tuesday until Sunday. For those who care, Sydney boerewors is as good as any.

November Assignments

1 Nov: Go see Madama Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House

Bali, Indonesia (4 Nov)

Western Bali Nature Reserve – bird walk, snorkel or dive off Menjangan Island

Pemuteran – Turtle hatchery at Reef Seen resort

Pemuteran – biorock project. Explain the biorock project.

Subak: Produce an Illustrated explanation of Bali water temples and irrigation in rice cultivation.

Ubud – Take a picture of your favorite yoga position; another of one that makes you laugh, another of one you think of as art.

Green Camp –

Hong Kong (25 Nov)

Tai Chi in Zoo mornings;

Go to horse racing at the Jockey Club

Lantau Island – Lunch at Buddhist Monastery

Go to Waterpark

Why is Avia sad? See photo for a clue.

Sydney, Australia. November 1, 2012

Avia is sad because, in the end, Madam Butterfly kills herself. I’m impressed that all three kids sat through and claim to have enjoyed opera at the the Sydney Opera House. It’s still an iconic building. Photos don’t do it justice. It sits out on a promontory so that it is the central, standout building of Sydney’s harbour. And it is beautiful and proud. It’s made more special by the event of “going to the opera”. The weather is good and it is still light when the opera starts so people gather at the extensive Opera sited restaurants and bars in advance, creating a real buzz and a sense of anticipation.