Saturday, November 22, 2008

Arrival in Bali, Project Kick-off !


In the first 36 hrs, I endured three midnights back to back via a 12 hr layover in South Korea! I'm glad the long travel part is over, it took me forever to get here! I must say, that I'm having an amazing trip so far!! Dan and some local friends Indra and Tao picked me up from airport Friday at midnight (15 hrs later than So. Cal time), and took me to my cool little hotel, Lumbung Sari in Legian Tengah near Kuta. Dan was so generous to give me a cell phone with his and all our local contact numbers in it!

The next day, I had a nice breakfast at hotel then the guys picked me up and we visited one of AHFC's orphanages to schedule time with kids in the coming days. We then visted Dan's newly leased house in a "local's" neighborhood on the edge of Kuta . It just so happens that his new neighbor/friends Indra and his wife have two young girls and operate a small christian orphanage from their home just a few doors down the street. We are all the best of friends now, and they are likely soon to be supported by AHFC and the project! I met all of the volunteer support staff and the eight kids at their home. We then watched the intro/hello video I shot with Steve and Anne of AHFC last week. Dan spoke on our behalf while the father interpreted to the kids about AHFC and my project. I videotaped that too and took pictures during. Afterward, all the kids and staff sang while Indra played the keyboard. It was really beautiful! They further welcomed me to their home by making us all an awesome Bali style lunch.

After lunch we went north to the Jimbaran fish market because they wanted to have a big seafood BBQ Saturday night to celebrate my arrival. How cool is that?! They have taken us into their family so kindly and generously. On the way home, I bought them some new guitar strings so they can play and sing tonight. One of the fellows named Teo is an amazing singer and guitar player! He has actually been a runner-up on 'Indonesia Idol' a couple times. I intend on playing back his music during the project exhibits and Dan and I are discussing about flying him to So. Cal in May for the big AHFC fundraiser. What an experience and it's only my first day!! Much more to come, miss you all!! -Kurt

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving Kurt!

We are looking forward to hearing more about your trip.