June 9th was a very informative day!  Early in the morning we participated in a workshop about the history of Indonesia.  Our workshop was followed up by a visit to Taman Mini, a cultural park which highlights the many different aspects of the diverse country that is Indonesia.  While it was a bit like a theme park, it was very educational, and in the limited time we have available here, it was helpful in providing a little perspective on the immensity of diversity here.  And while we were being educated we also had the opportunity to see some of the exotic fauna found here in Indonesia.  Now I did not do it, but some of my TGC friends took the risk of petting a Komodo Dragon!!..anyone who knows me well will understand that I am too accident prone to pet something that could open you up and eat your insides quicker than you can blink...


Uzma!!!  Be Careful!  Komodo Dragons are indigenous to Komodo Island.  These very large reptiles are commonly thought of as scavengers; however, they are also hunters that can take down large prey by sweeping them off their feet with their huge tails! 

While I could not bring myself to open my eyes while holding this thing, Jaqueline was perfectly composed and at ease.

 

Shadow puppets are a huge part of Indonesian culture.

Seth, John, and Uzma checking out the giant Komodo Dragon building