nomad4ever

Indonesia is planning to build 4 Nuclear Powerplants by 2025, with the first one going into service no later than 2016 in Jepara/Central Java, on the slopes of Mount Muria, despite strong opposition from local residents and environmental activists.

Due to its growing economy, there is demand for an additional 5.000 megawatts of electricity, building Nuclear Plants is said to make the country less dependent on fossils like oil or coal, while providing the necessary power at ease.

The question is: why build Nuclear Reactors in an area plastered with Volcanoes and prone to earthquakes, flooding and tsunamis? Aren’t there any alternatives? Luckily there are:

written by Chris

Just coming back from a few days driving around Lombok. What an adventure! The detailed trip report will follow shortly.

The picture to the left was taken near the Gangga Waterfall in the North of Lombok, about 2 hours away from Senggigi. The sign says the following: “Land for Sale – Come and invest for your future in the exotic and extraordinary natural beauty of Lombok”.

Truly – Lombok is a magnificent island, a natural beauty in its own way. The rice fields are green, the waterfalls lush and refreshing, the Hot Springs are hot, the mountains high and majestic. Exactly what you would expect from an island paradise in the tropics:

written by Chris

Freedom of Speech and Expression are cornerstones and the lifeblood of any democracy. For a free people in mature societies to govern themselves – they must be free to express themselves – openly, publicly, and repeatedly; in speech and in writing.

How else can one put the finger in the wound and take part in discussions about what hinders a country in its progress?

Most Westerners don’t know that Indonesia is a very young democracy. This leads to surprising insights, which surface when you look a bit deeper into the woven society fabric on its long-winding road towards ‘real’ Democracy:

written by Chris

While some of Indonesia’s famed airlines obviously try their best to get their acts together – this can’t be said about the most notorious suspect – Adam Air.

Over the last 2 years, there were various rumors that Adam Air’s license might be revoked, if they didn’t clean up their mess and come up with concepts how to improve their safety standards and maintenance regime.

But – as often in Indonesia – nothing much followed, except maybe some money changing hands and things continued as usual.

Nothing much followed? Not exactly:

written by Chris

In general, Bali is a beautiful place on our planet, where you can survive pretty well on a very small budget. The Cost of Living here is dramatically lower than in the US, old Europe, Australia or even some other parts in Asia.

I was asked many times by readers how much I spend here and what the Costs for my daily expenses are. There isn’t a general answer to these questions – after all it depends a lot on your personal preferences and demands.

Show me the money:

written by Chris

I wrote last year about the colorful creations called Ogoh-Ogoh, which are paraded just before the begin of the Hindu New Year in Bali. This year was even more crazy. I’ve never seen so many quality monsters in one place.

The rainy season is almost over and for the Hindus, the New Year is about to start. A whole week of processions, ceremonies, celebrations, fireworks and parties.

What’s an Ogoh-Ogoh?

written by Chris

If you are traveling without your own laptop for an extended period of time – chances are you will use Computers in public Internet Cafes to stay in touch with loved ones and friends around the world.

Using a computer in any Internet Cafe in Shanghai, Vientiane or Fiji sounds like a comfortable form of getting things done, considered you have decent connection speed and bandwidth. Sure, sometimes those places feature outdated equipment and the comfort factor isn’t on par with your hotel room – but hey!

Unfortunately there are much darker dangers lurking in the shadows of those locations, some not clearly visible to the unsuspecting eye:

written by Chris

Many people dream of doing a ‘Round the World’ Trip (RTW) at least once in their life. There are many excuses why they don’t do it in the end.

The fact is: more and more of travelers ARE able to fulfill this dream – and they DO it. They plan a route, give up their rented home, pack the essential travel things and off they are!

You won’t see them back for the next 1-2 years – sometimes even longer. Some people even make it their life goal to permanently travel the world.

written by Chris