i'm a giant

I finally know what it feels like to be a giant when he/she eats chicken eggs.  I bought these quail eggs at the warung yesterday and boiled them up this morning to create THE most adorable breakfast on the planet.  My gosh it was so cute I couldn't believe it.  Just wait until I make them sunny side up this week.  They will be so cute no one will know what to do.

serena's italian cooking class

serena, the master chef got a job at the very lovely Arya Duta hotel teaching Italian cooking.  Yesterday's class featured meatballs in tomato sauce, zuppa di carne, chicken cacciatore, pizza, lasagna, and chocolate log for dessert.  The portions were Italian style and we all went home with leftovers as well as a voucher for a free pass to their weekend buffet.  Grazie Serena!

Meatballs.

Preparing for zuppa di carne.

The hungry students.

spa time

Megan and I discovered this amazing spa/salon located where the gas station is.
We treated ourselves to an hour long cream bath hair treatment complete with
neck, back, arm massage and a blow dry.  How much?  $4 USD.  I KNOW.  YES.

HOORAY!

Ol' Woman Uy, tending the flames.
Bangka III you are only a mere two weeks away.

Things are really on the upswing.  Is that even a saying?  I don't care.  Feeling good.  Here's why:

1. Kurt is back in Indonesia!
2. I have mastered the five minute cold shower.  Sometimes this means I can't dry off before I put my clothes on but that makes it all the more fun.
3. I'm back in the spinning class (I took a break for awhile) and started my morning off with such hits as "I'm a Barbie Girl", "Boom Boom Boom Boom", and "YMCA" with a gaggle of middle aged Chinese men and women singing along while cycling.  On a related note, Tony Braxton "Unbreak My Heart" was the anthem for our yoga wind down yesterday.
4. Serena started teaching an Italian cooking class at the Arya Duta Hotel and we are all taking it on Saturday.
5. I've found a new love for glass painting and am getting more supplies today.
6. Megan and I discovered a salon in walking distance to the school.  Oddly enough, it's located at a gas station but no matter, you can get an hour long head, neck and back massage for about $4 USD.  Can't beat that.
7. I've watched 55 movies since I arrived in Palembang.  I don't know if that's depressing or awesome but I'm going to go with awesome.
8. Tickets are booked for Bangka Island round three. 
9. Next Friday is National Fried Chicken Day and I CANNOT WAIT.  We are getting buckets of fried chicken from KFC delivered to the school by Colonel Sanders himself.  I know this sounds absolutely disgusting and I know you know that Colonel Sanders won't be able to deliver it himself but don't judge me.  Okay fine judge me I don't care.  It's going to be disgusting and delicious at the same time.  I'll be sure to document it.
10. In eleven weekends I will be inhaling a greasy and delicious In 'n Out burger with Julie.

here fishy fishy fishy

Today Eline took us to go fishing!  We ran into her at dinner last night after watching the Pixar movie Brave (which was pretty good but not as good as Up) and she invited us to go fishing at Gelora, this place in Palembang that is a restaurant/traditional bungalow hotel/fishing place.  The fish were all in pools and it was good fun.  I didn't catch any of my own fish but I reeled in about seven fish from these two locals fishing beside me who caught them first but kindly let me reel them in so I could pretend I caught them myself.  It was fun and the food was amazing.

The fishing pools.

Eline's friends and family.

There's a pigeon in my mailbox!

glass painting

ONE.

 TWO.

 THREE.

FOUR.

 FLIP.

papercut: dodo

Finally got around to finishing this.

stamp time

ONE.

 TWO.

 THREE.

 FOUR.

 FIVE.

 SIX.

 SEVEN.

paperartpuppyrobotmonstermemoholderfriend

palembang ping pong

We had the pleasure of checking out the Palembang Ping Pong Competition featuring local and nationally recognized ping pong players.  The competition was located at the top floor of our school's building this last weekend.  The players were fast!  They were agile!  Who knew it could be so exciting.

coconut water & kitten craze

DIANE DRINKS DOGAN FOR DAYS

I am going to miss getting fresh dogan, (young coconut water) for less than a dollar.  So delicious.  So nutritious!  My coconut water fast/cleanse has been doing wonders and I feel better than ever.  I know it's my second coconut water post but I can't help but praise the stuff.  Everyone go start drinking it!  

Totally off the topic, I had an exciting dream last night about a two headed sea monster doing yoga on a rock and then jumping into a bay, followed by a fight with a giant gorilla and a vicious giant baby who turned out to just need love and affection.  

The weekend was relaxing and included watching Snow White & the Huntsman again with Chris and Megan, getting a massage, coconut water, a city ping pong tournament (pictures to come), painting, flower making, romantic comedy movie marathon (remind me to never do this again, it was a scary combination of irritation, addiction, depression and amusement) and trying to catch up on emails.  Love and miss you all.  94 more days until In 'n Out, burritos, camping and you guys.  XO.

One for here.

One to go.

STUNTED TAIL GROWTH ON INDONESIAN FELINES REMAINS WIDESPREAD IN SOUTH SUMATRA