TRAVEL

Mud, Milk and Mischief: Visiting the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi

Some days out are pleasant. Others leave you grinning for a week. Our afternoon at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya was firmly the second kind.

On a Sunday afternoon in late October, a group of my colleagues and our families piled into the elephant nursery on the edge of Nairobi National Park for a 3pm visit. For those of us in Nairobi’s expat community, it was the kind of weekend outing that reminds you why you love living here, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Nairobi with kids.

Here come the babies: bottle-feeding the orphaned elephants

We heard them before we saw them. Then, out of the bush, came a stampede of little elephants, ears flapping and trunks swinging, running flat out toward their keepers.

If you’ve never seen a baby elephant run, it’s hard to describe. Picture a toddler who has just spotted the ice cream van, then make that toddler weigh a few hundred kilos. There was a collective “awww” from our whole group, adults included.

The keepers were waiting with giant bottles of milk, and the calves knew exactly where to go. Some grabbed the bottle with their trunks and tipped their heads back. Others gulped so eagerly that milk ran down their chins. In a matter of seconds the bottles were empty, and the calves were looking around hopefully for seconds.

What struck me most was the bond. These orphaned baby elephants lost their mothers, and the keepers have stepped into that role. You could see the trust in the way the babies leaned into them.

A Sesame Street celebrity with an attitude

The nursery has a famous resident right now. Earlier this month, PBS aired Sesame Street and the Great Elephant Adventure, in which Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Nina travel to the Sheldrick nursery to meet an orphaned elephant they had adopted. So, naturally, we were hoping for a close-up with the star.

The star had other plans. Fame has clearly gone to that little head: the keepers told us the youngster was being naughty that day, and they kept a careful distance between our group and the mischief. We got a good look from afar, which, honestly, only made the kids love the little troublemaker more.

It was a good reminder that these are wild animals with big personalities, not props. The keepers know each one intimately, and their call was the right one.

Splash zone: the elephant mud bath

After the milk came the mud. One of the calves wandered over to the mud pool, dipped his trunk in, and calmly sprayed a thick coat of mud across his back. Sunscreen and bug spray, elephant style – spraying a good chunk of our group. There were shrieks, then laughter, then a lot of people inspecting their shirts. The kids thought it was the best thing that had ever happened. A few of the parents were slightly less sure, but everyone was smiling.

Tip for future visitors: don’t wear your nicest whites, and if you’re standing near the mud pool, consider it a splash zone.

Not just elephants: a baby black rhino and his zebra friend

Just when we thought the afternoon couldn’t get any better, the keepers introduced us to two more orphans: a baby zebra and a baby black rhino. The pair are inseparable. Tytan, the young rhino, was orphaned as a calf, and Notty, the zebra, has made himself Tytan’s shadow, trotting along wherever his friend goes. A stripy best friend for a rhino is not something you expect to see, and it melted every heart in the group.

Black rhinos are critically endangered, so seeing a calf this young up close felt like a privilege. Like the elephants, Tytan is being raised to one day return to the wild in the surrounding national park.

Meeting Maxwell, the blind black rhino

Then we walked over to meet the nursery’s elder statesman: Maxwell, a black rhino who has been blind since birth. Keepers found him alone in Nairobi National Park as a yearling back in 2007. Because he could never survive in the wild, the Trust has given him a forever home, and he’s now about 20 years old.

Maxwell can’t see you, but he certainly knows you’re there. He is calm, curious and surprisingly gentle for an animal built like a tank. The keepers call him the nursery’s patriarch, and he has a reputation for befriending the orphaned elephants and the warthogs that wander into his enclosure for breakfast.

After the chaos of the mud bath, those quiet minutes with Maxwell were a lovely way to slow down. It was a reminder that the Trust’s care doesn’t end when an animal can’t be released.

How to visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been rescuing orphaned elephants, rhinos and other wildlife across Kenya since 1977. The Nairobi Nursery, inside Nairobi National Park, is where most rescued calves begin their journey. Nursery-age orphans are fed milk every three hours, and the long-term goal is always to return them to the wild.

If you’re planning a visit:

  • Book ahead. Entry is by advance booking only; you can’t just turn up.
  • Pick your slot. The public visiting hour runs daily from 11am to noon (closed 25 December). Tour operators also arrange private afternoon visits around 3pm, which is what our group did.
  • Budget for park fees. Kenya Wildlife Service now requires all nursery visitors to pay Nairobi National Park entry fees, on top of the Trust’s entry donation. Expats with Kenyan residency usually qualify for lower resident park rates, so bring your alien ID card.
  • Dress for mud. See above.
  • Adopt an elephant. You can foster an orphan online, and foster parents can book a special evening visit to see their elephant come home for the night.

Sources: SWT Nursery Visiting, SWT FAQs, SWT field notes, Jan 2024, Sesame Workshop, SWT on Maxwell, Tytan and Notty

Why it stays with you

It’s an hour of pure joy, but underneath it is a serious story about loss, care and the patient work of giving these calves a second chance at a wild life. We went for the cute baby elephants. We left with mud on our clothes and a lot more respect for the people who raise them.

Whether you’re planning a Kenya safari, settling into expat life in Nairobi, or just have a free weekend, put the Sheldrick elephant orphanage on your list. Just leave the white shirt at home.

LIFE, SCOUTING, TRAVEL

September Blur: Karura Forest, Tigoni Camping & a Garden in Progress

September has been a blur! Between settling into our new life in Nairobi, exploring the green corners of the city, and sneaking away to the Kenyan highlands, the month flew by.

If you’re an expat in Kenya, you’ll know the feeling: half your life is here, and the other half is still in a shipping container somewhere. We are still waiting for our household goods to arrive from Jakarta. Until our boxes show up, we’re living light and spending as much time outdoors as we can. Here’s what we’ve been up to.

The house is still virtually empty.

Hiking Karura Forest: Nairobi’s Green Escape

Jackson has been hiking in Karura Forest.

Karura Forest is an urban forest right inside Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It is often described as the second-largest urban forest in the world, after the Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Shaded walking trails, cycling paths, and quiet forest scenery make it a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy city.

While Jackson tackled the hiking trails, I was enjoying a peaceful cup of coffee at the onsite café. Honestly, I think we both had the perfect afternoon. If you’re looking for weekend activities in Nairobi that suit both the adventurous and the coffee-loving, Karura Forest is a must-visit.

Camping in Tigoni: Tea Country Weekend Getaway

We also escaped the city to Tigoni, Jackson was camping and, as it was so close to the city, I went out for the day.

Perched at an elevation of about 7,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, Tigoni is famous for its cool, misty climate and rolling emerald tea plantations. It is also known as the birthplace of Kenya’s commercial tea industry. Locals nickname it the “richest village in Africa,” and it’s easy to see why it has become a premier countryside escape for day trips and weekend retreats from Nairobi.

Waking up to mist drifting over the tea fields and then hiking to the nearby waterfall was magical. Pack layers: the highland nights get chilly!

Setting up camp at Tigoni, Kenya
Setting up camp in Tigoni

My Nairobi Garden: A Work in Progress

Back home, I’ve been watching my garden grow. Nairobi’s mild climate makes it a gardener’s dream.

I’m sharing photos of my garden in progress, and together, we can watch it grow. It is spring here in the Southern hemisphere.  You can follow along for updates as the beds fill in and the first blooms appear.

Baby Hydrangeas
Baby Hydrangeas
Baby Lavender - the monkeys came along and ate the flowers.
Baby Lavender – the monkeys chewed off most of the flowers!
The Garden: with herbs, veggies, and some fruits. Can you guess what is growing?
Baby Ferns

Until Next Time

From forest trails and highland tea fields to a garden just getting started, our first months in Kenya have been full of small adventures. Hopefully our shipment from Jakarta arrives soon, but in the meantime, we’re soaking up everything Nairobi has to offer.

LIFE, TRAVEL

From Jakarta to Nairobi: New House, New School, New Job, and a Tortoise Named Flash

We did it! After our move from Jakarta, Indonesia to Nairobi, Kenya, we’ve moved into our new house, Jackson has started at his new international school, and I’ve started my new job. Relocating overseas as a family is never simple, but this latest chapter of our expat life in Nairobi has already been quite the adventure.

Our New Nairobi Home: Old-World Charm (and Not Much Furniture)

The house is wonderful! It’s an older home with lots of charm and character, exactly the kind of place that makes moving to Kenya feel worth it. That said, it’s currently a bit of an echo chamber. We’re living out of our suitcases and a small air shipment while we wait for our household goods shipment from Indonesia to arrive. We’ve been without our “stuff” for about four months now, so fingers crossed it arrives this week! Anyone who has done an international move knows that feeling of wanting your own pillows back.

From Neglected Yard to Dream Garden

In Kenya, the yard is called a “garden,” and ours was in pretty rough shape when we moved in. I’m working on a garden makeover and filling it with some of my favorite plants: lavender, roses, hydrangeas, lemon trees, vinca vine, and lots of ferns. I can’t wait until it truly feels like a garden, a green, fragrant little retreat to come home to.

And we inherited a new family member! The previous residents left behind their leopard tortoise for us to care for. We’ve named him Flash (yes, the irony is intentional), and he’s thoroughly enjoying his Nairobi garden.

Starting at a New International School in Nairobi

Moving abroad with kids always comes with a bit of worry, but Jackson has adjusted beautifully. His new school in Nairobi hosted a few welcome events, which helped him make friends quickly, and he’s settling right in.

In the interest of full honesty, I should mention that he still misses Indonesia and remains firmly convinced that his school in Jakarta was superior. Thankfully, he’s been able to keep in touch with his friends back in Jakarta, which has made the transition much easier. Staying connected really does help third culture kids feel grounded through big changes.

A Warm Welcome at My New Job

Starting a new job overseas can be daunting, but my colleagues have been wonderful and I’ve been made to feel very welcome from day one. It makes all the difference when you’re building a new life in a new country.

Expat Life in Kenya: The Little Things Nobody Tells You

Every move abroad comes with its own learning curve, and living in Nairobi is no exception. Here are a few things we’re still getting used to:

Switches on the outlets. Kenyan electrical outlets have their own on/off switches. So when you think your phone is charging or the frying pan is heating up on the stove, it may not be, because someone flipped the switch off!

Getting around Nairobi. Uber and Uber Eats are available here, but the service leaves a bit to be desired, so I’m exploring other transportation and food delivery options in Nairobi. I’ve also bought a car imported from Japan, which should arrive in a month or so. It’ll be a relief not to rely on ride-hailing apps every day.

Washing produce. All fruits and vegetables need to be washed thoroughly before eating. It’s a simple habit, but an important one for staying healthy while living in Kenya. I’m trying to avoid washing fruits and veggies in bleach, so I’ve tried a vinegar solution, a baking soda solution, and I’ve even tried a local produce washing solution from the brand Grounded.

Monkeys! Yes, we have monkeys in Nairobi. They’re cute and adorable, right up until they decide they want to come inside your house. So far we’ve been diligent about keeping doors and windows closed, but summer is around the corner, and I suspect the monkeys and I will be negotiating soon.

Settling Into Life in Nairobi, One Day at a Time

We’re still finding our rhythm, but between the charming house, the growing garden, a happy kid, supportive colleagues, and a tortoise named Flash, our new life in Kenya is off to a great start. Jakarta will always have a special place in our hearts, but Nairobi is quickly starting to feel like home. Stay tuned for more updates on our expat adventures in Kenya, and hopefully, a post celebrating the arrival of our shipment!

CELEBRATE, LIFE, TRAVEL, vacation

It’s Been a While: A Year in Color, Miles, and New Beginnings

Jackson is 12!

Jackson turned 12 this year, and he’s now a 2nd Class Scout. Watching him grow up while we’ve been on the move has been one of the great joys of this season of life.

Adding Color to My Life

This year I continued to practice calligraphy and dabbled with watercolors – making cards and posters for my family, colleagues, and friends. I’ve been photographing the process and sharing it in a few places:

I’ve been learning so much, and honestly, just having fun with it.

We Traveled — A Lot

Christmas at Home

In February, Jackson and I flew to Phuket, Thailand for the Chinese New Year holiday. We stayed at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa and had a genuinely lovely visit. The only rough patch? Leaving — it seemed like everyone else in Phuket was trying to fly out at the exact same time we were.

Spring Break: New Zealand and Australia

In March, we took advantage of being “in the neighborhood” and flew to New Zealand and Australia for Spring Break. Here’s how that trip unfolded:

  • Flew into Auckland, picked up a rental car, and drove down to Rotorua, where we visited a Kiwi conservation park and saw real kiwi birds.
  • Drove on to Wellington, stopping along the way at my favorite chocolate shop in Greytown — Schoc Chocolates, if you’re ever in the area.
  • In Wellington, we caught up with old friends, toured Weta Cave, and — because I’m that person — checked out the local grocery stores.
  • Flew down to Dunedin to look for glow worms and penguins. It was there that I learned we had lost Aunt Darlene. It’s strange how a trip full of wonder and a piece of hard news can land in the very same place. I’ve carried both with me since.
  • Flew back to Auckland to squeeze in a visit to Hobbiton before heading home.

It was, once again, an amazing trip — until it was time to leave. We hit heavy traffic on the way back into Auckland and missed the rental car return window before the location closed. Our flight home was the next morning, so I figured I’d return the car at the airport location instead. Two problems with that plan: it wasn’t open yet, and it turned out to be several miles from the airport. A fitting end to a very “us” kind of trip.

A Cruise to Nowhere

We managed to squeeze in one more adventure — a Disney Cruise sailing out of Singapore. It was a “cruise to nowhere”: three days at sea with no port stops, just sailing out and back. Simple, and surprisingly fun.

Heading Home for the Summer

By summer, it was time for the big transition. I packed up the house and said goodbye to our life in Indonesia, where we’d lived for four years — the longest I’ve stayed in one place in as long as I can remember, and the longest Jackson has ever lived anywhere.

Jackson went to visit his dad, and I helped my cousin Kelly clean out Aunt Darlene’s house, spent time with my dad, Jerry, and Josh. It was the first time I’d seen my older two boys together in about 14 years — a moment I’m still a little in awe of.

The Road Trip

I picked Jackson up in Charleston, and from there we hit the road for the Smoky Mountains. Highlights included Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and — I can’t stress this enough — an unusual number of bear sightings. We met up with Kelly and Shawn a few times that week, spent a day at a water park, had dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse, and just enjoyed being together.

From there, the road trip kept going:

  • Pittsburgh, to see my brothers and their families — and one more visit with Jerry.
  • Washington, D.C., where Jackson attended a Young Diplomats training.
  • Paris, for a 24-hour layover before the next leg.
  • And finally, Kenya.

And Then We Moved to Africa

New house. New job. New school. New continent, really. It’s been an adventure from day one — and I have a feeling the next update won’t take quite as long to write.

LIFE, TRAVEL

July 2025

After school let out for the ‘summer’, we headed to the U.S. for a quick visit. 

I recently started a modern calligraphy class that uses brush pens.  I was excited to learn that there was a stationery store at the Tokyo airport that carried the pens I needed for the class.  And we had a 4-hour layover in Tokyo!  Unfortunately for me, the store was on the outside of security…and we could not leave the airport.  ☹

After 30 hours of travel, we finally made it home. 

Jackson went to see his dad, and I hung out with my dad, taking him in for knee replacement surgery. 

While he was recovering, I stocked up at the Scout Shop, Michaels and Hobby Lobby – to get those brush pens – and I got my fill of Chick Fil A. The best part was that my middle son flew in from Portland, Oregon to visit! It’s never enough time to catch up, but I’ll take what I can get. 🙂

I got to hang out with my dad’s dog, breathe in some fresh air, and saw a double rainbow and even the stars at night!  (although it did get up to 106 degrees!)

CELEBRATE, Cub Scouts, LIFE

June 2025

June flew by as the end of the school year does.  We wrapped up the scout year – and for us, we wrapped up six years of Cub Scouts.  We’ve ‘crossed over’ and I now have a Boy Scout!

I’ve started putting together a shadow box of his memorabilia. This is going to be a challenge!!

Shortly after, we wrapped up the fifth grade, and I now have a Middle Schooler!! Friends are moving away – so it has been a bittersweet time.

In the middle of all the madness, we celebrated Father’s Day.  I made my dad a cute poster of his ‘homestead’ and his favorite – strawberry shortcake!

Cub Scouts, LIFE

Farewell Cub Scouts: A Memorable Last Camping Trip at Desa Laguna

As we prepare to cross over into the next exciting chapter of scouting—joining the Boy Scouts—our final Cub Scout camping trip was one for the books. We spent an unforgettable weekend at Desa Laguna, a peaceful eco-resort nestled in Indonesia’s Thousand Islands. This trip was more than just an adventure—it was a celebration of everything we’ve learned and shared as Cub Scouts.

The Journey Begins

Our adventure started early Saturday morning as we departed from Ancol Marina at 7:30 AM. Riding a slightly aged but comfortable speed boat equipped with air conditioning and life jackets for everyone, we enjoyed a scenic 90-minute ride to the island. Upon arrival at Desa Laguna, we were warmly welcomed with cold drinks and sandwiches—exactly what we needed to kick off the day.

Island Life & Eco Living

Desa Laguna immediately impressed us with its commitment to sustainability. We learned that while fresh water is brought in for showers, saltwater is used for flushing toilets. The island has no air conditioning, but the ocean breeze and thoughtful layout made the heat bearable.

Accommodations varied: some scouts stayed in cozy bungalows, others in stylish ‘glamping’ tents, and a few brave souls in dome tents under the stars. Despite the range of setups, everyone settled in quickly—and the fun began.

Scouting Adventures

Older scouts got busy working toward their Citizenship, Paddlecraft, and Fire Safety badges, while the younger scouts focused on Whittling and Knife Safety. At night, they gazed in awe at the moon and constellations dotting the clear island sky.

Meanwhile, the Boy Scouts—already preparing for more independence—set up their own tents and cooked their own meals, learning essential outdoor skills.

We all joined forces to take part in a meaningful service project, planting coral and mangrove trees and cleaning up the beach. We also snorkeled in crystal-clear waters, tried our luck at fishing, and ended the night around a glowing campfire, roasting marshmallows for classic s’mores.

Meals, Moments, and Memories

All meals were served on the breezy outdoor deck, lovingly prepared with both local and Western flavors. Vegetarian options were available, and the food was fresh, flavorful, and filling. Coffee, tea, water, and juice were included, with cold soft drinks available for purchase.

Though there’s no A/C on the island, the “lounge” area—where Wi-Fi is available—became a communal space for cooling off, relaxing, and sharing stories. Bungalows had electrical outlets for fans and phone charging, adding a little modern comfort to our rustic adventure.

Planning Your Own Island Adventure

If you’re inspired to visit Desa Laguna yourself, the resort can host up to 55 guests. For around 2–2.5 juta IDR per person, you’ll get lodging, meals, drinks, and activities all included. We were lucky enough to reserve the entire island for our group, but if you’re visiting with a smaller crowd, you may share the dining area with other guests.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

As the sun set on our final day, we gathered one last time as Cub Scouts—full of sand, laughter, and a little nostalgia. Desa Laguna gave us more than a destination; it gave us memories we’ll carry into our next scouting journey.

Here’s to new adventures, new badges, and the next big step as we bridge over to the Boy Scouts.

CELEBRATE, PARTY

Mystery on the Orient Express: A Whimsical Administrative Professionals Day Celebration

This year, I had the pleasure of organizing a one-of-a-kind Administrative Professionals Day networking event—with a glamorous twist of mystery and intrigue! Inspired by Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, we hosted a themed celebration that transported our hardworking admin professionals straight onto the luxurious rails of the famous train (minus the murder, of course!).

To get into the spirit, I revisited the 2017 film directed by Kenneth Branagh and soaked up every clue from the audiobook—beautifully narrated by Dan Stevens on Spotify. These helped shape the tone and aesthetic of the event: stylish, suspenseful, and just a little bit cheeky.

Invitations: First-Class Tickets to a Mystery

I designed invitations that combined elements from the original book cover and a map of the Orient Express route. In the interest of workplace friendliness, the word “murder” was swapped with “mystery”—a small edit that kept things fun and appropriate.

Decor: Champagne, Crystal, and Clues

Our setting evoked the refined charm of 1930s rail travel. Think: champagne flutes, white gloves, pearls, and vintage-style crystal glasses. Mustache props, paper magnifying glasses, and fingerprint graphics added a playful layer of sleuthing fun.

A Potluck with a European Twist

In true team spirit, our event was a potluck. For my contribution, I leaned into flavors from the regions the Orient Express might pass through:

  • Hummus and Shopska Salad (a fresh and tangy Balkan dish)
  • Pita Bread & Simit – Turkish sesame-covered bagels that were a big hit
  • Apple Cardamom Muffins – served with little mustache-topped toothpicks for a detective-worthy garnish
  • Apricot Kolachke Cookies – a sweet nod to Eastern Europe

It was a delicious spread that perfectly complemented the event’s international flair.

A Celebration to Remember

Organizing this event was a creative joy, and seeing everyone get into the theme made it even more rewarding. Administrative professionals are the engines that keep everything running—so what better way to honor them than with a first-class journey full of elegance, fun, and just a hint of mystery?

CELEBRATE, TRAVEL

Chaos, Connection, and Cake: Cambodia – March 2025

March is always a whirlwind for us—and this year was no exception.

Jackson turns 11!

We kicked off the month with a magical celebration: Jackson’s birthday! This year, he chose a Harry Potter-themed escape room, and it did not disappoint. The kids gathered at our place in the morning and we took a hired bus to the venue.  It was so much fun having all the kids together in the bus – sharing snacks, excitement building.  When we arrived, we locked up our phones (so no pictures!) and we began our adventure.  Wands were waved, spells were cast, and puzzles were solved. After escaping Hogwarts just in time, we headed home for pizza and birthday cake.  I’m ready for the birthday parties to get a bit smaller and more intimate, and this was perfect.

Not long after, Indonesia entered the sacred and festive time of Idul Fitri. I wanted to do something meaningful for my colleagues who were fasting, so I put together Buka Puasa boxes for them to enjoy as they broke their fasts. I filled little boxes with dates, dried apricots, roasted almonds, banana muffins, and almond crescent cookies.  It was a small gesture, but one filled with gratitude and respect for the beautiful diversity of traditions here. Sharing food has a way of bridging cultures—and it’s always one of my favorite parts of living in Indonesia.

Wandering Wonders: Our Cambodian Adventure

After a busy March filled with birthday celebrations and local traditions, we capped it off with something truly unforgettable—a journey to Cambodia.

Our travel got off to a bumpy start.  I booked the trip at the last minute.  There were no direct flights available, so we had a layover in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The originating flight was delayed in taking off, so we missed our connection.  There were no other flights out the same day, so we had to stay overnight and try again the next morning.  The airport shuttle did not show up, so I had to download the Grab app and take a Grab taxi to the hotel.  In the morning, we were to head back to the airport.  Unfortunately, the shuttle driver was late and still had to stop at another hotel before taking us to the airport.  I had a meltdown on the bus, worried that we would miss the next flight as well.  The driver drove like a madman around Kuala Lumpur and got us to the airport on time!  We had intended to overnight in Phnom Penh and take a car from the hotel.  I reorganized everything, cancelled the hotel, and asked that the driver meet us at the airport.  He did, but because it was now Sunday around noon, the traffic was much worse than originally scheduled.  What was supposed to be a 5.5 hour drive took us over 7 hours.  Luckily, we stopped at a 7-11, and stocked up on some road snacks!  (and we did stop halfway at a ‘rest stop’ with ‘Western’ toilets.)

We FINALLY arrived in Siem Reap—the gateway to Angkor Wat and the heart of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer Empire.

We stayed at a boutique hotel called Jaya House River Park.  After the very long journey to get to Siem Reap, the warm welcome at the hotel was just what we needed.  The cold towels at reception hit the spot.  As we checked in, I was offered a ginger mojito and Jackson requested a Shirley Temple.  (after describing the drink, they made one just for him!)  We loved our stay at this hotel. 

We started out with a photography tour to build up some skills to capture our best photographs.  We started at the Bayon temple and ended at Ta Prohm (yes, the one made famous by Tomb Raider).  We then went to the Apopo museum to learn about how rats are used to find undetonated landmines.

We made the mistake of going to see Angkor Wat in the afternoon.  It was now the first of April and while the sun on the temple gave it a magical golden glow, the sun on us was just too much.  In the olden days, elephants were used to carry visitors the distance to the temple.  Elephants are no longer used, and there are no other options but to walk 45 minutes to the temple in the blazing sun.  It was really hard to appreciate where we were, when we were actively trying not to pass out.  The entire Angkor complex is enormous and awe-inspiring—we wandered through crumbling corridors, peered up at intricate carvings, and then needed to make our way back to the car.  Once in the car, we went directly to the hotel to rest.  Upon our return, the manager noticed that Jackson was miserable and in tears.  He offered to bring him another Shirley Temple!  I agreed, and it really made an impression on Jackson how kind the people of Cambodia are.

Over the next few days, we avoided the temples in the afternoon, and instead went swimming at the hotel pool, went out for gelato, and did some souvenir shopping.

Before we knew it, it was time to head back to Indonesia. We returned with tired feet and full hearts. Cambodia gave us more than just beautiful photos—it gave us perspective, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the history and resilience of this incredible region.  If you’ve ever considered exploring Cambodia—go. It’s not just a trip; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the passport stamps fade.

March reminded me of just how full life can be when you embrace it—celebrating the big moments, honoring the meaningful ones, and always staying curious about the world beyond your doorstep.

Here’s to the chaos, the connection, and the cake.

LIFE

Designing Dreams: My Custom Furniture Journey in Indonesia

One of the unexpected joys of living in Indonesia has been discovering the art—and adventure—of custom furniture making. There’s something incredibly special about watching an idea evolve from a sketch in your mind into a beautiful, functional piece that perfectly fits your space and style.

I’ve found a local carpenter whose work is nothing short of amazing. He has a true talent for taking my Pinterest-level visions and turning them into handcrafted reality. The process is simple, collaborative, and honestly, kind of fun.

It all starts with a few reference photos and some rough dimensions. I send him images of what I’m envisioning—sometimes a mix of different styles or features from various pieces—and he takes it from there. He makes a visit to my home to see exactly where the piece will go, taking detailed measurements and assessing the space.

Then comes the creative part: What style of leg do I want? How much overhang on top? What style of drawer pull? He shows me samples of wood stains, we talk through finishes, and he sketches everything out. His drawings bring the concept to life, and once I give the thumbs up, he sends over a quote. A few weeks later, he’s at my door, delivering a one-of-a-kind piece made just for me.

My latest creation? A stunning custom chest—and I absolutely love it. It’s exactly what I hoped for, and more. The craftsmanship, the personalized details, the way it fits just right in my home—this piece isn’t just furniture; it’s a little slice of art that reflects my taste and lifestyle.

Having furniture made in Indonesia is more than just a design decision; it’s an experience. It’s personal, it’s practical, and it’s deeply satisfying. Whether you’re furnishing a new space or adding a signature piece to your collection, there’s nothing quite like seeing your vision built from the ground up.

If you ever find yourself in Indonesia, don’t miss the chance to create something unique with the help of local artisans. Trust me—it’s worth it.