Indonesia is a wonderful country! I love her. I love her people, her cultures, her beauty, her foods, and her history. Did you know that Indonesia is the fourth biggest country in size (as of 2013) and population (as of 2013) next to the U.S? The U.S. comes in third on both. I do adore the U.S. But I also have a special place in my heart for Indonesia.
I was born in Indonesia. I spent 19 years growing up in Indonesia. Mostly on the island of Madura, East Java, and then the last three years in Jakarta, West Java. Yes, I am a TCK (third culture kid) and darn proud of it!
The pictures above reflect Indonesia when I was just a lad. My has many things changed. Yes, there is still many things the same in Indonesia. I left her in 1986 when I graduated from the Jakarta International School in South Jakarta. I came back for my first visit in 2002. Amazing how much as changed. Everyone had a cell phone (or called hand phone in Indonesia). More options for airline flights and a lot more toll roads where a welcome site. But for sure the traffic was still the same, going at minus 5/kph. Yes, it seemed like we were going backwards with all that traffic. The foods were still amazingly awesome! Nothing like sate (meat on a stick), nasi goring (fried rice), bakso (meatballs), or nasi campur (mixed rice – a mixture of vegetable, meat, with rice and other things in this delicious dish). Add that hot sauce and I am in food Heaven!
But what never changes is the great people of Indonesia. I am blessed to speak Indonesian and have fun learning about each person I meet in Indonesia. 
But for sure, I miss America. I love coming home to a clean home, quiet streets, organized traffic, and a great queen size bed with those pillows. There is nothing like the good ‘ol USA!! Yes, I love my man cave in America too. But then I am ready for another month vacation to Indonesia to visit friends, train our Indonesian associates in our business, and do a ton of scuba diving. Oh yes, eat as much Indonesian foods as I can!
Cheerio, Diving Doug
