Monday 20 August 2012

Kembali Indonesia - Return to Indonesia

Well who would have thought that my last post of June 14 from Don's hospital room would not be followed up until today, second full day in Indonesia? With his discharge from hospital July 16 and our return from Vancouver to Toronto after his surgeon's followup visit, and his rate of recovery, we both decided I would return to resume my volunteer post. He is doing well, with some rest and also some stamina building to go, including a part time return to work this week.
It is Idul Fitr (end of Ramadan) and therefore a holiday time here, so with our office closed I am staying in Bali a few days to ease back to language and culture. I am sitting right now with my orange Fanta, and for friends who travelled to Turkey with us, fond memories of Fanta orange on those hot beaches.
It is great weather here right now as dry season brings cooling breezes - I even needed a long sleeve shirt to eat outside last evening! Unheard of so far for me here. The day time sun is still very hot though but a sit in the shade is downright pleasant. Will return to hot and humid soon enough.
Soon it will be enough of this lollygagging (where did that saying come from anyway?) and I will be back to work in Kupang and surrounding villages. I should have some stories to tell and photos to post soon.

Posting a photo of us sharing a blueberry waffle - Don could only eat a small portion so I had to endure eating the major portion of it!! It was sure wonderful to have those seasonal Canadian berries! I have 3 jars of 2011 Red Deer raspberry jam in my suitcase. I will make them last.
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4 comments:

  1. Tree20 August 2012 at 18:54

    Hey Pam
    I thought I would catch up on reading your blog and didn’t realize how much time had passed. It's amazing how easily time can slip away. It sounds like you are receiving an incredible learning experience; it sure does take guts to switch one’s life style as you have. I am now living in Victoria, so if you are ever out this way you should pop by for a cup of tea. Take care and I look forward to future posts.
    Cheers; Tree

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    1. Pam Ralston20 August 2012 at 22:14

      Thanks for your note Tree. You have ended up in victria! How lovely and I'm sure we will connect again as it is a city I love to visit. We were there for a few days while Don recuperated so I'm sorry to have missed you. til next time....

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    2. Unknown26 August 2012 at 20:22

      I had not checked your blog for some time and decided to do so today, when I saw that much has happened since June. I am glad to hear that Don is recovering from surgery, albeit more slowly than was hoped. Yes, we are blessed in Canada with our healthcare system, no matter what shots people take at it.

      I gather Don is doing well enough for you two to have decided that you will carry on with the CUSO assignment. All the best to him! I am reminded of the famous WWII saying, "Keep calm and carry on." Simple words, but harder to maintain...I am also reminded of the work of Linus Pauling on Vitamin C. His research found that while one is recovering from surgery, mega doses of the vitamin assist the body greatly in healing. Since you are savvy abourt nutrition, you may already be aware of this, but just in case...

      I spent last weekend with Anthony and Catherine at their house in Edmonton. They are back in Canada for a few weeks, and due to return to Budapest next weekend. It was good to re-connect and mainly hang out there in the warm weather.

      All the best to you as well.

      Love,
      Chris

      PS Can you send me your current email?

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    3. Pam Ralston2 September 2012 at 00:04

      Hello cousin - thanks for your thoughts and tips - always appreciated!!! my email is pamr4810@gmail.com I hope you see this reply as I'm having trouble locating your email!!!!!

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