2012
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The Shocking Semantics of Culture Shock
So the powers that be, whoever they are, have determined Culture Shock has four stages. However, I’m not convinced Culture Shock has only four stages, just as I’m not convinced public speeches have only three parts (introduction, body, and conclusion). I’ve heard speeches before that…
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I Thought I’d Seen it All, Until I Saw Japan
First: Language… Most the signs in Japan are not in English. And their script is scary-looking. See for yourself, here is the title of this post in Japanese: 私は日本を見るまで私は、私はそれをすべて見たと思った And the people don’t speak English either, hardly a one. Even at the airport, nobody can…
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Jakarta Ho! A Somewhat Sagacious Soliloquy.
I’m currently in the capital of Indonesia. It feels oh-so Asian. And fairly Muslim too, though I don’t find the locals here as intimidating as their compatriots in the Middle East. With over 10 million citizens, Jakarta is populous. But Indonesia itself is populous: the…
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Luxury
I’m back in Sentani. Good ol’ civilization. Even if it’s third world civilization. Even if it’s “wild west” civilization. Dave, who picked us up at the airport, told about how he got stuck in the middle of a local demonstration yesterday in Sentani, including having…
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Clashing Civilizations
Often my most creative writing thoughts come at an inopportune time for recording said thoughts. One such time is just before drifting to sleep. Like now, but this time I gave in, got out of bed, and pulled out ye old laptop to jot down…
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In the Moi Tribe
I’ve been without internet for quite awhile. Since writing last I’ve gone interior where I’ll be another couple weeks. Our internet unexpectedly started working again (intermittently) so I get to update ye olde blog. I’m staying with a missionary family out in the bush among…
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Goofing Off in Papua
I should enjoy these lazy days while I have them. Haven’t been doing much around here… pretty slow this past week. Just hanging around little ol’ Sentani, Papua. Road Work Helped missionaries some on road work in front of the mission. Got bit up by…
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Dissecting the Present
I saw this warning notice regarding touts on the back of a slick brochure for local tourist company Krishna Bali Tour: “Please make a call direct by your self to have the true information and avoid diverting to the other personal. Some case happen because…
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Bali Walee
A Million Motorbikes. “Taxi?” Oppressive heat. “Taxi?” Short Statured Locals. “Taxi?” Bali, a Pacifica Isle. “Taxi?” No, I don’t want a taxi. After five flights and a two day layover in Italy, I made it to Bali, Indonesia. Now just two more flights to my…
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From Venice, Much Thanks to Everyone for the Birthday Well-Wishes!
I’ve been receiving Happy Birthday notes throughout today via e-mail and Facebook – some short, some lengthy. Just want to say, “Thank you!” to all for helping make this #29 special, even though I’m overseas. Was blessed to get to spend this birthday in Venice,…