What inspired you to go abroad?
After a financial disaster with a failed franchise venture, which led to my divorce after 25 years of marriage. I wanted to escape the UK, travel to parts of the world I had never visited, and do some useful environmental conservation work. I specifically wanted to go to Southeast Asia, an area that had fascinated me from an early age.
Why did you choose Nature Care Volunteering?
This program offered volunteering opportunities in Indonesia for 3–6 months. The information on GoAbroad's website interested me, and I was further encouraged by the prompt answers to my questions from the administrator/Director of LPTM in Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia. It offered the chance to stay in a local village and plant trees, meet people, and discover more about an Islamic country.
What was your favorite part about Indonesia?
Indonesia is a very interesting country and is growing rapidly economically. I stayed in Makassar, a vibrant and bustling city in South Sulawesi. I learned much about the history of Indonesia, the Islamic religion, ancient traditions and beliefs, but above all I loved meeting the people and sharing my Western culture with them. I much enjoyed discussing philosophical questions with my host Director, Dr Baharuddin Abidin.
I learned to live on my own, and discovered inner resources that I never knew I had. After 35 years of working in the UK, I enjoyed the freedom of going where I wanted and doing exactly what I wanted.
Tim Taylor from England with fellow volunteer Laura Sykes from Australia, in Governor's Office, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. 2008.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Sharing experiences with the Indonesian people, learning about Islam, discussing deep philosophical questions about the meaning of life, working hard but enjoying the environment and new experiences. I also, of course, met other volunteers from all over the world and learned about their countries, their own motivations, and lives back home.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
My host, Director Dr Abidin, and his family supported me throughout the program. They answered my questions and were very friendly and hospitable. The staff of LPTM (as it was then called) were also very professional, polite, and helpful; they made my experience even more enjoyable. I learned a little of the Indonesian language and was able to communicate with the villagers and other Indonesian friends I made in the city.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I cannot say that there was anything I wish I had done differently. It was all a new experience, and I had to learn quickly as I went along. There may have been some differences of opinion when discussing religion and Islam with my host, but it was good-natured and not at all disagreeable, as he was a wise man and lived according to his devout beliefs, and we both greatly respected each other's views.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day was to get up early, wash or shower, then try to find breakfast. I then reported to Director Dr Abidin and discussed the day's work with him. He often got sidetracked into telling me many amusing or interesting stories, and he seemed to enjoy my company and my responses to his humor! Very occasionally he was serious, bothered by a family or business problem, but he always explained to me what the problem was and how he was going to solve it.
After these discussions, we went about our work of preparing tree saplings for planting out. I often accompanied Dr Abidin to his many meetings with the Rotary Club of Makassar or the Chamber of Commerce, or his University lecturers, and he wanted me to participate. He was extremely generous in sharing all his interests with me, so I gained a full picture of his life, his family and business, and visions for the future.
In the evenings, I usually had dinner with fellow volunteers or other friends in local restaurants.
Tim Taylor, British Environmental volunteer in Indonesia, with fellow volunteer Laura Sykes (teaching volunteer) Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia . 2008.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
Makassar is a very interesting city, heavily influenced by Dutch colonizers from the seventeenth century who traded exotic and valuable spices from the Indonesian islands to Europe. Fort Rotterdam has an interesting museum with old cannons, fortifications, and cultural artifacts and costumes on display.
I enjoyed going to fish restaurants and hearing about the history of the place. I loved going to see the ancient caves of early human habitation at Leang Leang and exploring the karst limestone Stone Forest at Maros-Pangkep.
I was taken to Lake Tempe, about a 5-hour drive from Makassar, where fishermen catch fish in large nets and live in shacks on stilts above the water. I also went to Toraja, a famous region where they place dead bodies in stone caves or hang coffins on ledges in steep cliff faces.
I learned much about the many different tribes of Sulawesi, such as the Buginese, and the wars and conflicts over thousands of years.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
In Makassar, I stayed in student accommodation near the city center. This was a pleasant enough building, with the students' rooms surrounding a courtyard. The room was basic but comfortable, with separate toilet and shower facilities, a bedside table, and cupboards. There was a fan and blinds, as it grew very hot during the day.
In the village, I stayed in half of the house of the village administrator who was responsible for paying pensions to the locals. My room was very basic and bare, but had a bed and some storage space. I ate in the living room next door. Despite the dirt and rubbish, I survived for a month in this house and tried to teach the locals about waste disposal, although it was challenging to see much change.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
In my case, I was on a placement in Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world—about 250 million people. Participants must observe the rules in this Islamic country, including modesty, moderation, consideration of others, orderly behavior, and no alcohol for Muslims. My host organization, LPTM, warned me about the rules and requirements so I was prepared.
Would you recommend Nature Care Volunteering to others? Why?
Yes, I would certainly recommend this organization and volunteer opportunity to others. LPTM's volunteer program recently changed its name to Nature Care Volunteering to distinguish it from the construction training program.
Nature Care Volunteering has clear aims and objectives. It has clear instructions and information about its many programs. It answers questions fully and promptly. Its comprehensive website explains opportunities, fees, accommodation, and what to expect in Indonesia. Above all, the programs are what they say in the introduction, and offer an amazing experience for young and old alike.
Tim Taylor, British environmental volunteer, with Laura Sykes and staff of LPTM (now Nature Care Volunteering), Makassar, Indonesia 2008.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
Undoubtedly, travel and volunteering overseas can broaden your mind and outlook, as well as change your preconceptions and life. I loved the freedom to choose which country to go to, the programs, and the work.
After many bad experiences in the UK, I recovered my health and mental state by traveling and meeting different people from all over the world, and living with my host family and friends. I was able to rebuild my life after my volunteering experiences, and I wrote a book showing that personal disasters and setbacks can be overcome. Dust in the Sunshine is a paperback published by Pegasus Publishers in the UK and available in the US on Amazon, Google Books, Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I now live in Nepal with a Nepali wife and a 10-year-old daughter. I have built a new life, with new priorities and objectives. And I also like to share that travel can certainly help you overcome many problems in your life.
My book, "Dust in the Sunshine," narrates how travel has impacted my life.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I am the sort of person who likes to learn from every situation and experience. For me, travel is most meaningful when I can experience the country and connect with its people, while also feeling safe and comfortable. I enjoy learning about the people and cultures of the places I visit and prefer experiences that go beyond sightseeing.