We recently spent a few days in   

Bandung---the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java)by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back at the colonial times. Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers.

Located at the altitude of 768 m with the surroundings of lush and beautiful Parahyangan mountains makes the climate mild and pleasant. The city has been well known for the universities, apparel products and a great place for gastronomic adventure. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who would crowd the city on weekends and national holidays.

Following are some pictures of the few buildings left from the Dutch era---most are in need of serious renovation.  The Dutch lost control of Indonesia in the 1940s.

These pictures were taken within two blocks of were we stayed.

Enjoy!

The center point of the city

This is were we stayed, The Homan Savoy, the oldest operating hotel in Bandung.

The sidewalks in the old section of town.  Sister Beaman got some very "bad" ideas for her sidewalks at home!

Sister Meredith and Sister Beaman

Year of the Dragon

2012 is the Chinese Year of the Dragon.  There is a large Chinese population in Jakarta so the celebration of the Chinese New Year in January was interesting—lots of fireworks and colorful decorations.  One of the very high end malls is Pacific Place which is a major shopping center for the Chinese, who control a very large portion of the wealth in Indonesia.  Following are some pictures of the decorations in the Mall.

The Mall is eight stories, the dragon is the length of about six stores!

The dragon is made of nylon and is lighted from one end to the other. 



Education In Indonesia

Public school is available for free to all Indonesians.  The catch is to attend school a student must wear a uniform, which they must purchase, and purchase their books and supplies.  Since most can’t afford these two items, a large portion of the children do not attend school.  Every day you see children that should be in school walking the streets looking for work.  Muslim organizations provide some schooling for the poor as do the various Christian religions in the country.  Fortunately, most members of our church do attend school.  Members provide assistance to help keep the children in school.  A free college or trade education is available to those who graduate from high school, but they must start within two years of graduation.  For this reason, Indonesian missionaries start serving at the age of 18.

This was in a small village near the City of Solo.  We were there for the dedication of a water project the Church financed.  This is two of the Senior Missionaries teaching a song to the children.  The children really enjoyed the attention and the break from class!

This is just before the road into our apartment complex.  They look  sharp  in thier uniforms!  The like to have their picture taken.



Taman Safari Indonesia

On one of our recent days off, we went to the Taman Safari Indonesia.  It is about a 1.5 hour drive from Jakarta.  We went with two other missionary couples--Merediths and Grovers.  It was a nice break from the city.  You drive thru in your own car.  Signs all thru the park tell you to not feed the animals and to stay in your car.  However, there are vendors for a mile along the road up to the place selling bananas and carrots!  Hope you enjoy the pictures........we have over 700 pictures to choose from!

Leo's Auto Cars

Leo's Auto Cars is a place we pass everyday on the way to the office.  They have some interesting cars for sale.  Some of the pictures are not the best---the cars were parked very close together.
The last picture is for Mike, Jon and Lincoln.  Note--if you click on each pictue, it will enlarge.  Enjoy!



Nice car--has very nice wheels.  Note it is right hand drive.

2 Door MB SUV

Nice right hand drive Jag!

Don't know why this one was covered up, I looked under--white, 65 Mustang 2+2 fasback

Going to be a nice car when finished!

Nice Fiat parked in front of the dealer.

Taken from the outside looking thru the glass---2 door HT, nice color.

57 convertible--had fuel injection emblems, but it was not an all orginial car.  Nice wheels, late model shifter, black top, etc.  Very nice car.

Old Dodge

Jon--thought you might like this car!

Old motorcycle that was used by the local police many years ago!

This is the receptionist that let me take the pictures.

Mike/Jon/Lincoln---if you look closely you will notice she doesn't have a wedding ring.  I think this smile is for you!