World wonder world wonder

Holding a glass of Java coffee

tight in both hands

closing eyes wishing

the warmth will travel

from fingertips and lips

through my throat

to my toes

I open my eyes but see the same

blackness before the light of day

slowly clouds roll out

revealing trees and hills

as the sun hits the earth

skies turn clear

I pinch myself to believe

what I see is real

Night time herbalism

When night falls over Kasongan, workshops close their doors. Ceramics, batik artworks and woodcarvings are hidden inside. Streets smell like sweet corn and sugar cane. Women gather around a table. They take seats on plastic chairs and wait patiently. Two herbal medicine makers take orders, stir scented spices in coconut shells. Turmeric stains their hands yellow. They sell potions, dried herbs, duck eggs. Evening is the right time for healing, washing smog and worries of the day away. 

Sweet soup

Two Javanese grandmas are drinking soup from ceramic bowls. I join them and order the same. When I ask them what they are drinking, they smile, look confused and answer "ice". It's true, I can taste ice cubes in the sweet soup of jelly the lady puts in front of me. I stir the white liquid until it becomes brown with coconut sugar. The jellies float on top and I can't help but laugh, I love Asia for this. Drinking candy soup next to old giggling women. Pure happiness.