Yesterday we had our first fog of the winter in Canberra. It was chilly, the kind of cold that makes your fingers tingle, and everything was draped in a misty grey. I could not see the house next door, so thick was the fog. The fruit and veg seller we buy from at the Fyshwick Markets said it started rolling in from 10pm the night before. He then reminded me how he’s known me since I was little (‘this high!’ he said, indicating near his mid-thigh) and how we were all so much younger then. Although I moved to Indonesia in November 2011 and spent most of my post-university life there, and while Jakarta feels like home to me now, Canberra still holds a very dear place in my heart.
Fortnightly wrap-up to come on Monday, which is a holiday here in Canberra (Reconciliation Day) as well as in Indonesia (Pancasila Day). It’s also my partner’s birthday - say happy birthday to James, everyone! Sadly he’ll be celebrating without me and also having just recovered from dengue… Not ideal. Poor soul. Thank goodness for a wonderful housemate.
As always: paid subscriptions are available for US$5/month or much much cheaper at US$40/year. Have a lovely weekend.
Read
We’ve all seen the horrific video of a white woman calling the police on Christian Cooper, a black birder, in New York’s Central Park. Now read J. Drew Lanham on birding while black, written a few years ago after some experiences in which he thought he might end up dead.
Have reports of Bali’s collapse from COVID-19 been greatly exaggerated? James Guild argues yes, saying that even though the pandemic has hit the island hard in terms of a total loss of tourism, the Balinese are struggling through and doing ok.
John Gapper on Japan’s unusual cherry blossom season, and the history behind cherry blossoms becoming a cultivated national symbol.
Ursula Florene took a look at how Indonesians are using social media and open source technology to help each other during the pandemic.
Struggling to read anything lengthy? It’s understandable. LitHub has a list of 50 contemporary novels under 200 pages.
Watch and listen
A conversation webinar between writer Rebecca Solnit and director-actor Brit Marling about having and using their voice, how they’re dealing with and understanding the pandemic and how they’re trying to be of use while continuing to tell stories.
Jess Hill and Sanam Maher, both journalists focusing on gendered abuse, talk about male entitlement and female vulnerability. A live recording, hosted by reproductive rights journalist Gina Rushton.
I’ve been really interested in learning more about Sichuan food recently, so this podcast chat with British chef and Chinese food specialist Fuschia Dunlop was both useful and fascinating. I’m now scouring the shelves of every Asian shop in Canberra for Pixian doubanjiang.
Cook
I found some frozen cassava (no fresh stuff available here, sadly) and successfully made kue talam singkong, a type of Indonesian traditional steamed kue with cassava, palm sugar, coconut, and coconut milk topping. Here’s a recipe I translated!
We bought a beautiful cauliflower to make this roasted cauliflower with lentils and coconut turmeric sauce. We’ve cooked it a couple of times before and I’m always amazed at the depth of flavour.