Author Archives: Katherine

About Katherine

Katherine lived on four different continents before settling in to Washington, D.C., to raise her family. She works at a global think tank during the day and raises twin boys the rest of the time. When she isn't working on a spreadsheet for work, she loves walking in the forest with her family, which invariably involves stomping in puddles and climbing on logs. Though she is less of a world traveler these days, she continues to seek out adventures, from exploring D.C.'s museums and playgrounds to taking road trips to national parks. When it's time to unwind, she can be found snuggling with her husband on the couch. Likes: adventures, sleeping past 7 a.m., being surrounded by forests, the sound of her boys laughing, and locally made ice cream. Dislikes: whining, the patriarchy, and people who judge parents/kids.

Thais weigh peace, democracy

The situation in Thailand escalated from martial law to full-blown military coup around 5 p.m. on May 22. Despite new restrictions imposed by the army (especially those limiting media outlets), most Thais are sticking to their usual daily routines, and … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Under martial law, Thais take little notice, but lots of selfies

This is not how I pictured martial law. At 3 a.m. Tuesday, two days into our vacation in Thailand, the Thai military declared martial law across the country. According to Wednesday’s Bangkok Post, a top Army’s general said martial law … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

On a Javan volcano, tourists and brimstone

The mountain path was wide but steep. Tourists carried backpacks with water bottles and snacks, seeking exercise and fresh air. Meanwhile, local porters carried woven baskets, carefully balanced on bamboo rods, overflowing with impossibly lemon-yellow hunks of stone. Welcome to … Continue reading

Posted in Indonesia, Nature, the environment & landscapes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Indonesia’s legislative elections, even more complex than expected

On April 9th, 2014, across nearly 8,000 islands, the citizens of the world’s third-largest democracy cast ballots for over 235,000 candidates in legislative elections. The Wall Street Journal called it “a massive logistical undertaking”. In this complex environment, none of the … Continue reading

Posted in Indonesia, Politics | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A taste of real democracy in Indonesia’s presidential elections

For the first time, democracy in Indonesia might not be something of a sham. We are living in Indonesia in a fascinating time, as 2014 is an election year (both parliamentary and Presidential). That might sound reasonably interesting anywhere, but … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

For Balinese New Year, the meaning is in the doing

On the raucous party island of Bali, Nyepi is a fascinating example of one culture’s sanctity being preserved against the odds. Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Indonesia, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Volcano’s awakening a reminder of Indonesia’s vulnerabiility

On Thursday night, Mount Kelud, a volcano in eastern Java, blew a plume of smoke and ash 17 km into the air. The eruption shook the surrounding villages, which were soon covered in ash and rock….
In recent history, Indonesia has suffered more deaths due to volcanoes than any other country, or even volcanic region…. Continue reading

Posted in Indonesia, Nature, the environment & landscapes | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Public works are too little, too late as the rainy season strikes

When it rains, it pours; in Jakarta, it floods. Last night I awoke to a familiar sound from our bathroom: drip … drip … drip. I was surprised that I could hear it over the pummeling of rain on our … Continue reading

Posted in Indonesia, Nature, the environment & landscapes | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Three years after quake, Christchurch slowly rebuilds

To escape Indonesia’s humid tropical climate, we met Katherine’s parents for a vacation in temperate New Zealand. New Zealand and Indonesia share at least one thing in common: a high level of seismic and volcanic activity. As I write this, … Continue reading

Posted in Culture | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Glitz, wilderness and dirty hands: Indonesia’s top three contradictions

Expatsbolg.com is hosting a competition, and this is our entry. If you like our blog please support us, by posting a comment.  Indonesia is a unique country of contradictions and contrasts — a place with extremes and seemingly no middle … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment