Yogyakarta: Post Volcanic Eruption

Mendut Temple by daylight

With many of our outdoor activities cancelled due to Mt. Merapi’s largest eruptions in a century, we signed up to experience the indoor Indonesian cultural experiences of meditation and palm reading.   A Hindu temple graciously opened their doors to Tim, Megan and I to witness the monks chant, as well as take part in our own personal meditation time.  The monks were unfortunately away, which allowed more time for the three of us to work on the skill of meditation.  We grabbed our mats, lit the incense and left ourselves alone in silence to meditate on our thoughts.  Let’s just say that is definitely a skill I need to work on, as I focused more energy on hearing Tim’s knees crack and the bird chirp rather than reaching enlightenment.  The following morning the kids and I were greeted by a local fortunate teller from the nearby village.  My palm had only been read once in my life (for $1.00 at a carnival nonetheless)  and I hadn’t  remembered any of the details.  I sat and listened as she predicted incredibly prosperous futures for my three fabulous cousins.  I was nervous as I took the hot seat in preparation to hear the answers to some of life’s biggest questions.  Seeza asked no questions of me as I sat down before her—not my age, career, length of our travels, nothing. 

[SPOILER ALERT! Do not continue reading if you do not want to know what happens in my life!]

Seeza wasted no time as she uttered her first word “WOW!”; a bit unsettling as I wondered if it was a good sort of WOW or a bad sort of WOW.  Fortunately, it was in response to my three fortune lines with a plethora of branches—a sure guarantee at a life full of good fortune.  I couldn’t agree more, as I feel that this whole trip must be due to a long fortune line!  At ease with the knowledge of a fortunate life ahead, Seeza went on to the children line.  Although I didn’t need a fortune teller to inform me of the next bit of information (being a Terry woman is certainly enough), Seeza was ecstatic at the certainty of twins in my future.  Seeza believes four children ahead, with my second birth being twins.  The language barrier prevented me from informing Seeza that I’ve always been given the advice that once they start coming in two’s, YOU STOP!  Seeza started to laugh once she reached my love line, a very similar reaction when I think about my love life at the moment J It was my turn to be elated as the news came that there are three potential men in my life wanting to marry me, one of which I have not yet learned of their feelings.  She spent quite some time on my love line, informing me that I am very confused about a certain man in my life.  Upon further investigation, she not only gave me his correct initials, but also a description of his looks and assured me that when I return from my travels I need to consider this relationship.  My jaw dropped at her accuracy and pleaded her to continue.  My career line was the next stop on the palm reading circuit.  Once again her accuracy freaked me out as she informed me that I am at a crossroads in my career, as I in fact am contemplating my next step professionally when I return.  Seeza believed that I should stay at my current employer when I come back, as I am there for a reason she could not articulate.  Well noted! Seeza went on to diagnose me with good health, although she pleaded me to eat more fruit.  As I got up from the mat thanking her repeatedly, it left me with many things to think about for the remainder of my journey.

Mount Merapi erupting from the airplane

We finished our stay in Yogykarata, relishing in the luxury of the Aman hotel—our own private pool, stunning grounds and incredibly friendly staff.  As we drove to the airport, Mount Merapi continued erupting.  Somehow we were allowed to depart on a plane to Bali.  Only later would we realize how fortunate we were, as not only the volcano continued to erupt, but all surrounding airports have been closed for the last few days! Off to Bali we go..