Translating from one language to another language can be a difficult task, especially if one of the two languages is English. The English language has specific rules that govern how its words are used and what they mean, making the translation process complicated. If everyone were proficient in translating, we wouldn’t have unexpected opportunities for a quick smile or chuckle.
The following pictures are of signs posted around jobsite.
I can’t imagine any kind of china, including my grandmother’s Indian Tree, holding up to a squatter, or even a sitter for that matter.
Die by what? Firing squad, lethal injection, hanging, or electric chair? Translated correctly, the sign would have read, “Toilet doesn’t work. Don’t use water. Water does not work. Thank you.” Just in case you’re wondering, Indonesia uses death by firing squad for its death penalty cases.
I haven’t seen very many surfboards on the roads, but there’s usually a grader or two, hard at work, resurfacing them.
What’s not to love about being directed to stop, look, and think about asses while working? Sometimes a missing letter makes all the difference in the meaning of a word.
Japan’s occupation of Indonesia during the Second World War paved the way for its independence from the Dutch. On August 17, 1945, two days after Japan surrendered, Indonesia declared its independence. This year marks the 69th year of the Republic of Indonesia.
Flag-lined streets and patriotically trimmed buildings set the stage for Tembagapura’s extravagant, but solemn, ceremonies. Dignitaries from Jakarta and Papua joined the local community to commemorate the historic event. Consummately dressed in uniforms and Papuan batik, men and women assembled throughout the weekend to attend a series of formal ceremonies.
True to form, an inspiring flag raising ceremony was held 1.4 kilometers below ground at Deep MLZ. Employees ceremoniously stood at attention during the event, demonstrating a deeply rooted pride in their country and its history. The pictures below provide a unique and rare view of the underground, and its 69th Independence Day ceremony.
Winter break offers a spectacular display of desolation at jobsite. Families (expats and nationals alike) vacate their existing lives to return home or to visit exotic locations around the world. For six-weeks, there is a strange stillness that dominates the community.
Our trip to Autralia was a nice two-week distraction for the girls, but their restlessness gained momentum just days after we returned to jobsite. To alleviate their boredom (and to keep my own sanity), we took a quick trip to Bali to enjoy the last few days of the break. The girls revived their Arizona tans, surfed, shopped, binged on fast food, and spent an evening dressed as Balinese princesses.
By the end of this week, most families will have returned to jobsite, bringing the life and breath of the community with them.
After a six-month stalemate, a strategic agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding, was recently signed by the Indonesian government and Freeport-McMoRan. The purpose of the agreement was to open a window for continued negotiations. It provides a six-month term to settle unresolved Contract of Work disputes, including issues of royalties, payments on export duties, and construction of a larger, Indonesian-based smelter.
In the meantime, the agreement allows PTFI to resume exports of its copper concentrate; which, in effect, justifies the company’s recommencement of full production. Even though it’s not the final resolution that the company was hoping for, it’s a welcoming lifeline.
The information written in this post was extracted, and then summarized using my own words, from articles published in the Jakarta Post and on FCX.com and Reuters.com. Also, my personal opinions and views do not reflect the views of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, business partners or related business entities.
With visions of iconic landmarks, powder-like beaches, and countless acres of protected national forests that span the Legendary Pacific Coast, we decided to transcend the great American road trip by experiencing Australia by car. After spending three days in Sydney, we rented Australia’s version of the family truckster, loaded our devices with new music, and pointed the car north. Our scenic journey ended 1,063 kilometers later in Noosa Heads.
Day-by-day, we confronted the vastness of the country and reveled in its ever-changing personality. We drove along motorways densely populated by towering trees, expansive palms and ferns, and native bush, making it impossible to see life beyond the perpetual black lines. We drove into small coastal towns punctuated by historic lighthouses, quant beaches, and a mammoth-sized concrete banana. And, when we were least expecting it, we were rewarded with stunning views of a terraced Irish farmstead that had been magically painted in the Australian sky; and a dry, desolate savannah, in mixed tones of browns and rust, that reminded us that the outback wasn’t too far away.
Every great vacation leaves a memorable imprint that lasts a lifetime. We are fortunate to add Australia to our list of vacation destinations. Oooroo, Australia!
Sydney’s city jewels dominating the bay.
This was my favorite moment during the entire trip. As simple as it looks, it was absolutely perfect! We took some time out of our busy schedule to enjoy a quiet moment in the park. Armed with cups of soothing chai, Chris and I sat back, inhaled the crisp fall air, and let the low hanging sun warm our faces while the girls played in the grass (it’s winter in Australia). It’s been more than four years since we’ve experienced a true fall, so it was the ultimate experience. Sometimes the simplest things can give us the most pleasure!
Quad biking in Port Stephens. Kylee and Ally were over the moon on this excursion because they were able to drive their own quad bikes.
Coffs Harbor.
Writing messages on the beach at Byron Bay.
Ally cuddling a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.
Kylee cuddling a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.
Kylee hanging out with a couple of kangaroos.
Selfie (with a kangaroo)!
A sunrise in Noosa Heads.
The girls enjoying the beach in Noosa Heads.
Chris and the girls hiking in Noosa Heads National Forest.
Boarding the plane in Cairns, Australia, to return to Timika.
Everyone’s boarded and ready to go. This is the closest that we’ll ever get to being on a private jet. Other than one other expat on the plane, we were the only passengers on this flight. Even though the cabin is almost empty, the cargo container was completely full of goods that were delivered to jobsite.
Quietly hiding behind the dynamic scene of PTFI’s massive mining and milling operation, exists a different kind of operation. Its community investment program. PTFI is strongly committed toward preserving the unique culture of Papua’s indigenous people, while, at the same time, investing a substantial amount of time, money, resources, and man-power to promote more sustainable communities.
Last month, I was given the incredible opportunity of visiting one of the company’s community investment sites in Aroanop, a native Amungme village. Strikingly nestled in a remote area of the Sudirman mountain range, the village is only accessible by foot and helicopter. Five other women and I were escorted to the small village by Geoff Hocking, PTFI’s Senior Manager for Community Infrastructure and Development.
PTFI is continually working with the Amungme people to empower their coffee farmers and expand their coffee cultivation program (established in 1998). The fertile and nutrient-rich soil in the highlands provides excellent conditions for coffee plantations, but the rugged terrain and limited transportation makes it difficult for the farmers to deliver their harvested crops. Fortunately, Aroanop’s geographic location provides an ideal setting for an airstrip. Millions of dollars have already been spent flying equipment and supplies into the village, allowing for the necessary excavation and preparation of the site. When the airstrip is complete, it will be flanked by a plantation of 20,000 coffee trees.
In addition to the airstrip, construction of new bridges, buildings, and a clean water system is, also, taking place. The goal of the entire project is to provide the village with sustainable development that will promote better economic opportunities for its people and instill a sense of community pride and ownership. It’s an incredible project that will have profounding results.
Carol and me preparing for the chopper flight down to the village. The little Bell helicopters seat two pilots and eight passengers. Photo by Geoff Hocking
A group photo (Danella, Robin, Carol, Jody, me, and Rini) taken in the center of the landing strip. The landing strip runs vertically from this viewpoint; it begins at a small cliff (directly behind us) and gradually slopes up until it reaches a mountainous backdrop. Photo by Geoff Hocking
One of several deliveries made to the village each day. All of the equipment, materials, and building supplies for the project have been, and will continue to be, delivered by Bell helicopters. The large excavators, haul trucks, and compactor were dismantled in Tembagapura, flown to the village in pieces, and then reassembled on-site.
A traditional Amungme hut.
An inside view of the hut. As expected, it was very simple. The only items inside the hut were pillows, blankets, and a pot for cooking/heating water. The fire pit can be seen in the bottom left corner of the picture. It is used at night to keep the occupants warm.
A group of young kids playing on a dirt court. More modern-style homes can be seen in the background.
A quick picture with a group of kids before continuing our walk through the village.
This little girl was watching us with inquisitive and careful eyes as we walked past her. I noticed that she was holding something in her hand, so I kindly motioned her to show me what it was. She walked out of her hiding spot and lifted the possession up to her shoulder.
It’s not every day (except in Papua) that you see a young girl (maybe 5 or 6-years-old) handling a machete.
A wise, older member of the village.
Propagated coffee trees growing in a makeshift greenhouse.
This is my absolute favorite picture from the trip. As soon as the helicopter returned to pick us up, kids from all directions started running into the meadow to watch it land. They remained in their spots as we departed, and spiritedly waved good-bye as we lifted up and flew away.
A final picture of the group before boarding the chopper and heading back to Tembagapura. Photo by Geoff Hocking
If there’s one thing that we’ve learned about geology while living here is that “all rocks and dirt want to be at the bottom of the ocean.” Landslides are a common occurrence at jobsite. They are usually small landslides that send a few rocks and trees down the mountain and into the road, but the company is always prepared for large-scale landslides.
Late last night, a major landslide hit our neighborhood, which damaged several buildings, filled the roads and rivers with debris, and decimated the potable water system.
By the time Ally and I got up (Kylee was at a friend’s house), most of the roads had been cleared.
By mid-afternoon, an interoffice memo was sent out advising residents that the water supply would not be available until further notice, and that water trucks would be sent out to distribute clean water. The early part of our evening was spent gathering every bucket, bin, pail, and spare container we could find, and waiting for the water truck to make its delivery.
Chris and Ally waiting to have our containers filled with clean water.
Town Management employees filling our containers with clean water.
After dinner, we noticed that a bright yellow 1100L potable water tank had been delivered to our house. By 9:30PM, it had been filled and was ready for use.
The 1100L water tank being filled with fresh, clean water.
I took a short break from blogging after receiving the disheartening news that my mom was hospitalized due to acute multiple myeloma, a form of bone-marrow cancer. I dropped everything and flew across the world to be with her and my dad. While I was there, my dad fell and broke his hip. It was an unimaginable storm of events that took us all by surprise.
It’s hard to create a new normal after your world has been turned upside down, but my parents are strong and resilient. They are both home and coping. As stoic as ever, my mom remains calm and optimistic, and my dad is in good spirits. I am back in Papua, but a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think about them.
The life of an MZIS middle school student is best described as being experientially rewarding. Ally is offered opportunities that, at one time, were beyond her reality. Opportunities that allow her to venture out into the big world (without her mom and dad) to engage in activities that will become deeply entrenched in her mind and soul forever.
MZIS goes to great lengths to develop and promote experiential learning activities for its students. Most recently, the PE coach organized an extended field trip for the 5th-8th grade students to attend Bali Green Camp. Located along the Ayung River in Bali, it provides “transformative learning adventures inspired by nature.” The eco-driven camp teaches sustainability, promotes holistic learning, and encourages personal motivation through active participation and critical thinking.
Ally’s group spent three-nights and four-days at Bali Green Camp. The simplicity and practicality of green living created a unique living experience for the students. They slept in bamboo yurts, made their own plates and utensils from banana leaves, used non-flushing compost toilets and solar-heated showers, and ate food that was grown and raised within the camp’s confines.
This is one of the yurts where the students slept.
These are the bowls and spoons that the students made to eat their meals. The bowl is in the foreground and the spoons are in the basket.
The students were constantly engaged in activities that taught and fostered the concept of “finding one’s own direction.” The concept presented itself in most of the camp activities. Some of Ally’s favorite activities included surfing in Kuta, climbing coconut trees, making chocolate from freshly-picked cocoa beans, exploring rice paddies, and practicing Balinese martial arts in a mud pit.
Ally (on the left) and her friend, Summer, catching a wave.
Ally gearing up to climb a coconut tree.
This was a perfect activity for Ally, who is an avid tree climber.
Ally’s favorite picture of the rice paddies, where they spent time participating in activities and exploring.
A group picture of the MZIS students (Ally is in the middle back, wearing a blue T-shirt) and camp coordinators. This picture was taken after they completed a course on Balinese martial arts.
My Bananas and Stars entry marked the beginning of a mission to find the ultimate banana bread recipe. I had no excuse not to. After all, I had the time, bananas, and, after a trip to Singapore, a large box of baking soda (and walnuts).
In the beginning of this endeavor, I was specifically looking for an exotic recipe with an Asian twist or tropical flare. I tagged a few recipes with desiccated coconut, coconut milk, crushed pineapple, and/or chopped macadamia nuts liberally mixed into the batter, but they were’t exactly what I was hoping to find.
I moved on from those recipes and found a few sinfully rich banana bread recipes with coarsely chopped Reece’s peanut butter cups, ribbons of creamy dulce de leche, or swirls of whipped Nutella and cream cheese gently folded into the batter. I imagined those loaves of bread, with all of their added goodness, baking in my hot oven, but I couldn’t stop going back to the classic banana bread recipes. That’s when I realized that I’m a banana bread purist.
More than a dozen loaves of banana bread later, I discovered this recipe: Best-Ever Banana Bread (honestly!). In addition to its flawless flavor, it has an interesting and unconventional way of marrying basic banana bread ingredients, so it was a perfect find.
After spending an exhilarating week in Vietnam, we flew to Bali and spent a relaxing week on the pristine, sandy beaches of Nusa Dua. Without any kind of prepared schedule, plan, or itinerary, we succumbed to spontaneity and let the mood guide us. It was exactly what we needed before heading back to jobsite.
Ally and Kylee playing on the beach near the hotel.
This beach was like no other beach we’ve ever seen or experienced. Extreme low tides arrived while we were there, exposing hundreds of yards of ocean floor. Beginning in the late afternoon, and continuing all through the evening, the ankle deep water provided a route to a nearby reef where the girls explored life in the sea.
Sunsets are a rarity at jobsite, so we eagerly embraced the vibrant rays before they got lost in the horizon.
The girls went jet skiing, rode a banana boat, and, for the first time, rode a Flying Fish.
Flying high above the Indian Ocean.
Our favorite activity in Bali was visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud. The sanctuary is 27 acres of densely forested land that’s marked with gorgeous Balinese Hindu temples.
The sanctuary’s architecture is stunning and, often, fierce looking.
The sanctuary is home to mischievous troops of long-tail macaques monkeys. Tourists are warned to keep their personal affects in vehicles because the monkeys are adept at thievery and hooliganism.
When they aren’t stealing sunglasses, cameras, or water bottles, the monkeys are simply adorable.
A family taking some time out of play to take care of daily necessities – feeding and grooming.
Ally wanted to take this little guy home with her, but he jumped off and pounced on his friend (the monkey on the left) before she could talk me into it.
Chris didn’t mind having a monkey on his shoulder. He just wasn’t too fond of having sticky fruit juice and monkey saliva squirt down his sleeve.
The monkeys LOVED Kylee! They ate from her hands, jumped on her, followed her around, and ignited lots of attention from the other tourists.
Chris and Kylee enjoying a stroll on an elephant.
Ally and me on another elephant (we rode in front of Chris and Kylee). I was ready to get off the elephant as soon as I got on it. The fifteen-minute elephant ride was the longest fifteen-minutes of my life.
The girls enjoyed feeding the elephants; especially, after taking a dare from Chris to hold the bananas in their mouths. I admit that, at the moment, I hadn’t thought about the germs and diseases that elephants carry. Just another one of those “bad mom” moments. For some reason, this elephant reminds me of Mr. Snuffleupagus.
Ally’s expression after being “kissed” by the elephant is classic.
There are too many experiences and pictures to share in this blog (luckily, the slow internet connectivity that we have at jobsite forces me to be selective). Our time in Vietnam and Bali were absolutely memorable. Now, it’s time to start planning our next vacation.
7693 Miles from Home 