Notes: Many Yet One

This project was really easier than I made it out to be, from beginning to end. I had all the characters, settings, and plot sketched in my head within a week of picking up the research at the library and talking to my favorite Indonesian muse - Elizabeth Gandawidjaja.
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Thanks Betty, for everything.

The only thing I really didn't delve into was the importance of badminton to the Indonesian sports culture. I don't even think I went fare enough into Sepak Takraw. It's a super interesting sport to watch - I've watched several matches on YouTube and wonder why these Southeast Asian nations can kick a softball-sized ball over a 5 foot high net and juggle the ball like volleyball players, yet cannot score goals in world cup play.

Something must be lost in the translation.

I was glad I also got to elaborate on the diverse multi-cultural mix that Indonesia exhibits. There are strong representations of Hindus, Christians, Catholics, and Muslims. There are still indigenous Javanese and Balinese peoples, as well as Chinese, Turish, Japanese, Dutch, French, and Australian immigrants. For those reason alone, they not only rival, but surpass America's 'Melting Pot'.

I also felt lucky to describe plate tectonics and the contributions of Sir Wallace to biodiversity in this regeion without bogging down either storypoint.

After writing this, I couldn't see any reason why I wouldn't love to visit any part of Indonesia. Unfortunately, 7000 islands have different cultures, and no amount of time would be enough to absorb it all.