I almost forgot to mention a word about the city of Bogor. I didn’t really get to see much of the city on this trip (our days were pretty full), but Bogor definitely lives up to its reputation as the “Rain City”. It rained everyday we were here,,, maybe an hour or two,, and then sunny skies for the rest of the day. I hear it rains 300 days a year here!

It’s only an hour away, so I’ll have to come back to see Taman Raya, and drive back up into the mountains during the day.

Those of us who weren’t playing golf, loaded up into the bus & drove back to Jakarta.

It’s funny that I have technically lived in my Jakarta house for a month, but am still getting to know the area as if I’ve been here 2 weeks. Lydia was gearing up to go to her new gym in Kemang, so I went with. Both of us signed up for massages,, since that sounded pretty good right about then. It would be our last for a month.

Ramadan begins Sunday, and all massages come to a halt for a month. Restaurants close or put up screens during the day, as Muslims fast from sun-up to sun-down.

It’s interesting to note the difference in reactions I felt about it, depending on which crowd I was with. With Lydia today, I felt frustrated, and saw only the limitations. Conversation turned towards news of gangs of Muslim radicals who rove the cities, looking for establishments who continue to serve alchohol, food, massages, etc… and burn them down or bring violence to those who aren’t following their rules.

With my Muslim Indonesian friends, I feel much more supportive.

I’ve been thinking about the fasting month a lot this week, as I spent my days sitting with my Muslim friends, talking about western perceptions of Islam & terrorism. 90% of my friends & neighbors here are Muslim, and so far I haven’t met a single one I would describe as radical or violence prone. I think it’s an unfortunate stereotype that’s easy to impose from afar, armed with news reports from a violent minority of people who claim to be acting on behalf of their religion.

Anyways- I’ve made a decision over the last few days that I’m going to follow the fasting month as well, and experience it for myself; participating in Ramadan instead of just observing.

I’m here to learn about Indonesian culture, and religion is a big part of that. With just a small effort of sharing the experience, I can learn & respect an important tradition in Islam & show my appreciation to my Indonesian friends.

The reaction from all my Indonesian friends has been equal parts shock & happiness that a Christian westerner is willing to experience & respect their religious traditions. I’m happy I’m doing it. Even if it means I’m giving up food, water & back-rubs for the next month.