In the states, what few smokers remain usually ask the people around them the question, "do you mind if I smoke?" when their addiction calls upon them. Fortunately most public places in most cities no longer allow smoking of any kind so we non-smokers hear this question less and less. Additionally, being a smoker in the US is becoming the equivalent of someone publicizing their STD so only the seri...

It would be a shame if an expat came to Jakarta and never sampled local cultural treats or traditions. Still, on occasion, the weary expat may feel the need to be in some familiar feeling environs. I've listed some of my top picks for the expat but they can also be equally rewarding for Jakartans.Top 10 places where an expat feels at home:1. Plaza Grande restaurant level (6th fl I think): You have...

Being a stay at home mom is hard enough but when you lose the help of your husband through illness, it becomes downright dreadful. My poor hubby was diagnosed with "paratyphoid" last week which is a milder form of the full blown "typhoid". You get this illness by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Here's where it gets gross so brace yourself. By "contaminated", I mean someone has served...

Being a stay at home mom is hard enough but when you lose the help of your husband through illness, it becomes downright dreadful. My poor hubby was diagnosed with "paratyphoid" last week which is a milder form of the full blown "typhoid". You get this illness by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Here's where it gets gross so brace yourself. By "contaminated", I mean someone has served...

Gymboree is a company that offers music and play classes for young children as well as a clothing line in the states. We have been attending their classes with our little girl for awhile now and especially enjoy the play sessions during which the instructor uses a combination of music and props to get kids doing all sorts of fun things. I wanted to mention Gymboree because each time I come away fro...