With news that Mount Semeru in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park has erupted, and is pouring ash and smoke an estimated 5.6km into the sky above East Java, i am brought back to the recollection of our trek up Mt Bromo at its northern base from Pura Luhur Poten Gunung Bromo. See ” The…
The Pictures of the New Year were always going to be a little bleak, emerging as it were, from the Year of the Pandemic. In a time when it had become ‘acceptable’ to be distanced and disdained, this cold and wet New Year weekend cast a cold but familiar shudder onto a world seeking warmth…
As memories of an unforgettable winter trip through the sub-temperate island of Kyushu in December 2019 fade into this equally unforgettable time of isolation during COVID in 2020, we are given to ponder over the many blessings, both big and small, that has marked this awakening; an awareness of the bigger world we have lived…
The Conundrum of the Pandemic’s Race to the Finishing Line. The pruned flora was rejuvenating with a vengeance, even as humankind is preoccupied with many of the worries of this world. It would be hard to write this piece one week earlier or later without having to wrap our heads around new discoveries that drives…
News emerged earlier this month that the deers of Nara Park are facing an unprecedented food shortage due to the diminution of tourists in Japan arising from the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. The animals have resorted to searching for food and foraging on the small traffic islands and mall-links in Nara city, away from their natural…
Have you ever wondered at bird-pairs who perch serenely and timelessly on the branches of tress outside your home, even when those trees are themselves at their final breathes of life, as the marrow of their existence is being leached out from beneath? The death of a bamboo grove is not to be trivialized. Bamboo…
Today’s Gospel Reading in the Missal of the Catholic tradition is such a powerful lesson in how to be a steward of God’s talents and remain a faithful servant. Here Jesus gives a master-class in servant leadership, and teaches us (a) how to use our talent (willingly and with great generosity to help others), (b)…
City of rivers, bikes, beers and museums. Beneath the neat and shallow archetypes, there was a real sense of tolerance for diversity than most places, and a beer can be consumed on the move in the streets (unlike in some cities). The travelers’ experiences of rivers (and riverbanks and boat-houses), bikes (and safe biking-lanes), street-side beers…
When we ponder over the idealism of humankind’s strive for progress and perfection, we are captivated by the notion that dissatisfaction with the status quo leads on to great things especially if we have the motivation to embark on such endeavors with a purity of heart and mind. This is unfortunately a tall order for…
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 † As his fellow workers, we beg you once again not to neglect the grace of God that you have received. For he says: At the favourable time, I have listened to you; on the day of salvation I came to your help. Well, now is the favourable time; this is the day…