despite what you may have heard - today we learned that "MLM" does not stand for "multi-level marketing" scheme (please see here for details http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-level_marketing) but actually is an acronym for "make life meaningful".
and how you may ask?
by becoming a member of the multi-level marketing scheme that encompasses everything but the kitchen sink. (actually if you hand your life savings over, they might include a "free" kitchen sink - assembly and installation not included)
If you're squeamish about women-issues you may want to skip the next paragraph...s.
The product is Winalite Anion Sanitary Napkins. And not only do they make that time of the month a little happier but they are (apparently) FDA approved, prevent and CURE cervical cancer - ALL while improving your quality of life AND making you closer to God (I didn't get to ask if this was while you were selling the product or using it).
And I wish I was kidding.
After doing our "fly by the seat of our (sulfur-smelling) pants" wildlife conservation talk at a school in Malang city, we were invited out for snacks/lunch/time to sell their MLM to us. After meeting a few additional guests (also members of the same MLM) we were immediately swooped away to Eden aka Winalite Anion Sanitary Napkins MLM - land.
Funny enough, they used Helen Keller as an inspirational story in their brochure. Apparently, in America she is a "legend" (I'm not sure if that means she was fictional) and will somehow encourage you to sell more sanitary napkins and persuade you to join their MLM.
For those of you not quite in on the lingo, a sanitary napkin is a "pad" for menstruation - Ari was informed after we had arrived back at PWEC. While sitting their pretending to be interested he had thought to himself "This is stupid, why would I want to sell napkins?" I was wondering "Who would want to buy a pad from Ari?"
Anyway, long story short. The PWEC staff we were with didn't know enough English to save us and we were almost cornered into attending a meeting AND a convention for a bunch of people who sell pads. In turn, we almost became pad-salesmen.
You will be happy to know, we resisted. Ari more adamently, because really, how could a successful MLM only sell napkins?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Incase you didn't know
We're tree huggers.
Shayna, in response to your comments 1) They are art projects, not science projects, but probably appropriate for the same age group! 2) I think people just buy the monkeys and birds as pets. And as a correction to the bird market post, this market doesn't have rampant trade in endangered wildlife. It is monitored by ProFauna, who bribes the police to enforce the law. These monkeys are apparently very common (they are pests for farmers), so people don't care if they are abused.
Shayna, in response to your comments 1) They are art projects, not science projects, but probably appropriate for the same age group! 2) I think people just buy the monkeys and birds as pets. And as a correction to the bird market post, this market doesn't have rampant trade in endangered wildlife. It is monitored by ProFauna, who bribes the police to enforce the law. These monkeys are apparently very common (they are pests for farmers), so people don't care if they are abused.
packer-kramer genes
during a small cultural exchange where we were surfing fb with some of the PWEC staff, they asked to see photos of our family.
while looking at ari's brother's profile they all excitedly agreed he was Chuck Norris.
I strongly believe this is a compliment.
and in a similar light. we went to a junior high school today and ari was transformed into a celebrity. The girls swooned and giggled (over 40 of them) and the boys took their cellphones out to take photos. One 16 year old boy even declared "I love you" in front of the whole class (possibly slightly lost in translation)
regardless, seems like the Packer-Kramers have some good genes!
while looking at ari's brother's profile they all excitedly agreed he was Chuck Norris.
I strongly believe this is a compliment.
and in a similar light. we went to a junior high school today and ari was transformed into a celebrity. The girls swooned and giggled (over 40 of them) and the boys took their cellphones out to take photos. One 16 year old boy even declared "I love you" in front of the whole class (possibly slightly lost in translation)
regardless, seems like the Packer-Kramers have some good genes!
Mobile library
P-WEC does a mobile library every few weeks where a truck full of books (about animals) and volunteers pulls up to a village of excited children.
Kawa Ijen
We went to an surreal volcano crater lake called Kawa Ijen on Monday. The excursion is worth several posts, but we don't have much time right now. Here are some pictures to tide you over.
Also, you may have heard that a volcano erupted in Central Java yesterday. We're 300 kilometers away and completely safe. A carload of ProFauna employees and local supporters headed down there this morning to rescue the animals which are fleeing the mountain and ending up in towns and villages.
Also, you may have heard that a volcano erupted in Central Java yesterday. We're 300 kilometers away and completely safe. A carload of ProFauna employees and local supporters headed down there this morning to rescue the animals which are fleeing the mountain and ending up in towns and villages.
Monday, October 25, 2010
I don't fit
We're currently sitting in an internet cafe in the small city of Bondowoso. The computers are in little cubes, raised slightly above floor level, with some space for crossed legs to go under the little desk. The problem is that I'm not flexible enough to cross my legs, and even if I was, my legs would be too long to fit. D'oh.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Indonesia is cheap
We're breaking bank today on our trip to town.
Two minibus rides (1 hour total) - $0.55 each
Lunch; small portions of beef on rice and fried chicken, with a side of rice - $0.80 each
Ice cream bar - $0.40
Large bottle of water - $0.25
1 kilo of mangos (that's 2.2 pounds) - $0.40
You get the picture..
Two minibus rides (1 hour total) - $0.55 each
Lunch; small portions of beef on rice and fried chicken, with a side of rice - $0.80 each
Ice cream bar - $0.40
Large bottle of water - $0.25
1 kilo of mangos (that's 2.2 pounds) - $0.40
You get the picture..
Bird market
Janet and I took a walk through the local "bird market" today, where many species of endangered birds and other animals are publicly sold despite local (unenforced) laws. It is similar to, but smaller than, the Jakarta market that convinced ProFauna's founder to form a wildlife protection NGO.
Below is a video of some malnourished baby monkeys. Other markets have all sorts of endangered animals for sale, including orangutans. The poachers kill the mothers and take the babies to sell.
The below video is humorous, but also kind of sad. Colorful chicks..
Below is a video of some malnourished baby monkeys. Other markets have all sorts of endangered animals for sale, including orangutans. The poachers kill the mothers and take the babies to sell.
The below video is humorous, but also kind of sad. Colorful chicks..
Sapi mau beol
I know that you're all disgusted and tired of our bathroom talk by now. Deal.
The two German volunteers that were here when we arrived have decided that "bowel movements" is a good topic of conversation. Have you gone? How was it? That type of thing. Janet, as you know, is not a fan of these types of conversations. In fact, she refuses to divulge any information at all to the Germans. No, she says, she hasn't gone, and she feels fine. Quite humorously, one of the Germans is completely convinced that Janet hasn't gone to the bathroom in over two weeks. He is genuinely concerned and suggests every few days that she should seek medical attention.
The bathroom talk has gotten to the point where we discuss it in Indonesian. "Acu mau beol" means "I want to poop." One of the German's Indonesian 'potty language' has even gotten to the point where, while explaining to 13 year old Indonesian students how ecosystems work, he said "Sapi mau beol" - "The cow needs to poop." For this he got plenty of approving laughter.
The two German volunteers that were here when we arrived have decided that "bowel movements" is a good topic of conversation. Have you gone? How was it? That type of thing. Janet, as you know, is not a fan of these types of conversations. In fact, she refuses to divulge any information at all to the Germans. No, she says, she hasn't gone, and she feels fine. Quite humorously, one of the Germans is completely convinced that Janet hasn't gone to the bathroom in over two weeks. He is genuinely concerned and suggests every few days that she should seek medical attention.
The bathroom talk has gotten to the point where we discuss it in Indonesian. "Acu mau beol" means "I want to poop." One of the German's Indonesian 'potty language' has even gotten to the point where, while explaining to 13 year old Indonesian students how ecosystems work, he said "Sapi mau beol" - "The cow needs to poop." For this he got plenty of approving laughter.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
In response to Janet's post..
That's right. I wipe my butt with my left hand and some water after pooping into a hole. So what.
Janet brings TP to the cafeteria to use the only non-squat toilet. She's stuck in her Western ways!
And to clarify about our volunteering activities.. No, mom, we're not rescuing animals. While it sounds glamorous, there is really no use for for unskilled Westerners who aren't veterinarians or biologists and can't even speak the local language. We're working and staying at the Petungsewu Wildlife Education Center (P-WEC), which is set up by ProFauna to educate the locals about wildlife protection and conservation. Indonesia is home many exotic, endangered species and tropical rainforests (which are quickly being deforested), and P-WEC is focused on raising awareness of conservation issues as well as interest in nature.
Our duties include helping to create educational materials to improve the center (i.e., signs and displays like the footprints Janet talked about), as well as reaching out to the local communities. We've taught a couple of classes in local Islamic schools, teaching the children what an ecosystem is, the important distinction between domestic animals and wildlife, and letting them know about new convervation regulations put into effect by their Desa (group of villages). We've also talked to "Fauna Club" highschool students who came to P-WEC, and ProFauna supporters (local volunteers that show up for protests) to help motivate them and show that the Indonesia convervation issue is of international importance.
And no, I'm not a savant, and I can't speak Indonesian. But I can order a cup of coffee very politely! ("Selamat pagi. Bisa saya minta kopi satu. Terima kasih." - Literally: - "Good morning. May I ask for one cup of coffee? Thank you.")
ALSO, sorry for the lack of pictures. Neither of us have the patience to upload them at the moment with the internet being this slow. Maybe next week!
Janet brings TP to the cafeteria to use the only non-squat toilet. She's stuck in her Western ways!
And to clarify about our volunteering activities.. No, mom, we're not rescuing animals. While it sounds glamorous, there is really no use for for unskilled Westerners who aren't veterinarians or biologists and can't even speak the local language. We're working and staying at the Petungsewu Wildlife Education Center (P-WEC), which is set up by ProFauna to educate the locals about wildlife protection and conservation. Indonesia is home many exotic, endangered species and tropical rainforests (which are quickly being deforested), and P-WEC is focused on raising awareness of conservation issues as well as interest in nature.
Our duties include helping to create educational materials to improve the center (i.e., signs and displays like the footprints Janet talked about), as well as reaching out to the local communities. We've taught a couple of classes in local Islamic schools, teaching the children what an ecosystem is, the important distinction between domestic animals and wildlife, and letting them know about new convervation regulations put into effect by their Desa (group of villages). We've also talked to "Fauna Club" highschool students who came to P-WEC, and ProFauna supporters (local volunteers that show up for protests) to help motivate them and show that the Indonesia convervation issue is of international importance.
And no, I'm not a savant, and I can't speak Indonesian. But I can order a cup of coffee very politely! ("Selamat pagi. Bisa saya minta kopi satu. Terima kasih." - Literally: - "Good morning. May I ask for one cup of coffee? Thank you.")
ALSO, sorry for the lack of pictures. Neither of us have the patience to upload them at the moment with the internet being this slow. Maybe next week!
know your left and your right hand
we are safely in indonesia and living in a pretty remote area where internet is dependent on the weather. Right now we're in Malang city, on our day off, taking advantage of the supermarket and the internet cafes.
so far we've been busy creating educational information for ProFauna, particularly these animal footprints in concrete. You may be laughing but this is one of the most challenging tasks I've completed...ever.
ProFauna staff (PS): Here is a table, concrete, sand, water and a book we would like you to replicate in 3D and each be accurate to size. Maybe. (the Indonesian are very polite and always seem to suggest things rather than command or use imperatives - even if that's what they mean)
Us: How should we make it?
PS: (crickets chirping)
They hadn't thought it through. We didn't want to make something resembling a second grade project that would forever be cemented (literally) in the memory of every Profauna staff and visitor following our departure.
But having few materials - I'm not talking about lacking a right angle or animal footprint stamp (which would have been incredibly useful) but not even having a writing implement or ruler - we had to improvise. Think discarded wood, random building materials, bricks and spoons. But yesterday we made our last footprint - a pangolin and all I want to write here is "That's RIGHT *expletive*" but i'll refrain.
anyway, besides a lack of stationery there is also no toilet paper (white gold, another volunteer refers to it as)...for some of us (meaning ari). You may be wondering, what does this mean? Exactly what it suggests. For the last 7 days ari is not only developing his ambidexterous abilities (for those of you who do not know, he is left-handed) but also going without toilet paper. Not because he is not in need of toilet paper but to sum it up, eat with your right and wipe with your left.
I will admit, I declared defeat before the war even began. Despite other volunteers swearing by the cleanliness of it all and the undoubtful environmental impact I'm sure toilet paper creates in the world, I have yet to bring myself to "do as the locals do". So for now, I'll hold on to my white gold and refrain from left-handed interactions.
so far we've been busy creating educational information for ProFauna, particularly these animal footprints in concrete. You may be laughing but this is one of the most challenging tasks I've completed...ever.
ProFauna staff (PS): Here is a table, concrete, sand, water and a book we would like you to replicate in 3D and each be accurate to size. Maybe. (the Indonesian are very polite and always seem to suggest things rather than command or use imperatives - even if that's what they mean)
Us: How should we make it?
PS: (crickets chirping)
They hadn't thought it through. We didn't want to make something resembling a second grade project that would forever be cemented (literally) in the memory of every Profauna staff and visitor following our departure.
But having few materials - I'm not talking about lacking a right angle or animal footprint stamp (which would have been incredibly useful) but not even having a writing implement or ruler - we had to improvise. Think discarded wood, random building materials, bricks and spoons. But yesterday we made our last footprint - a pangolin and all I want to write here is "That's RIGHT *expletive*" but i'll refrain.
anyway, besides a lack of stationery there is also no toilet paper (white gold, another volunteer refers to it as)...for some of us (meaning ari). You may be wondering, what does this mean? Exactly what it suggests. For the last 7 days ari is not only developing his ambidexterous abilities (for those of you who do not know, he is left-handed) but also going without toilet paper. Not because he is not in need of toilet paper but to sum it up, eat with your right and wipe with your left.
I will admit, I declared defeat before the war even began. Despite other volunteers swearing by the cleanliness of it all and the undoubtful environmental impact I'm sure toilet paper creates in the world, I have yet to bring myself to "do as the locals do". So for now, I'll hold on to my white gold and refrain from left-handed interactions.
Monday, October 4, 2010
sedikit-sedikit lama-lama menjadi bukit
Gasland
have you ever sat on a three hour flight next to a man (just to clarify - not ari) who clearly had gastrointestinal problems?
you debate if you should breathe in from your nose (and smell it) or breathe in from your mouth (and possibly taste it)
can you politely ask him to stop before he orders another cup of coffee or before he eats that egg and ham sandwich?
there's no where to go. all the recycled air.
we're on the move again, heading to Petungsewu, Indonesia to volunteer for a month. The comforts of HK are already far behind us after having slept overnight at the Singapore airport. Cleanliness A+, Comfort - no credit.
We've had a few reality checks while organizing our next leg, particularly the incompatibility of US and Indonesian banks, the huge language barrier that awaits us (Ari said on Saturday "OK we have two days to learn Indonesian") and our inability to book airplane tickets online, have made us realize life in Indonesia may be a little different.
But Ari has been hard at work learning Indonesian (for the last month) and as the saying goes "sedikit-sedikit lama-lama menjadi bukit" (directly translated as "little by little over time you can create a mountain" or take it one step at a time)
City of Dreams
We went to Macau for a day trip on Friday. There is a ferry from HK that only takes an hour. For those that don't know, Macau, like Hong Kong, is a Special Administrative Region of China - i.e., a former European city-state colony, now part of China, that is still self governing. Macau's claim to fame is gambling. It has five of the ten biggest casinos in the world (including the two biggest), and the largest gambling revenues (it surpassed Vegas a few years ago).
Despite that, we didn't gamble. We went into the Sands casino for about ten minutes to check it out, but weren't too impressed. Servers were bringing around free drinks. I grabbed one that looked like beer, but was actually a thick syrupy energy drink. Gross.
The non-casino areas of the city are very cool. Most of the streets are narrow and busy, and there are tons of alleys. Many of the buildings look European.
Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral. Where's waldo? See if you can spot me in this pic.
We ate dinner at "a little hole in the wall" that Janet's sister recommended to us, which turned out to be a famous Portuguese restaurant. The Portuguese guys that ran the place spoke better Cantonese than English (according to Janet - I wouldn't know).
I'd like to go back to Macau on another day trip when we're back in HK in December. On the agenda will be seeing the biggest casino in the world (the Venetian) and eating some local alley food.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Goodbye for now, Hong Kong
Unlike Americans, the Chinese are not afraid to look their food in the eye.
Pigeon. Notice the head is cooked and served on the plate.
Suckling pig (i.e., piglet?). Traditional opening course for a Chinese banquet. Delicious!
Bunny-shaped dumplings.
View from Janet's uncle's appartment. This is a typical HK flat. They live in a redidential skyscraper, which is on top of a mall, which is on top of an MTR station.
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