Okay, so I am going to try this Blog out and see how it
goes. Well for those who do not know, I am in Indonesia for the year teaching
abroad yay! Okay here is some basic info, ready? DISCLOSURE: I will only state
what I see and have been exposed to. No political or religious propaganda.
Let me get all wikipedia on your for a second. Indonesia is
an archipelago with over 17,500 islands, dozens of cultural influences
including Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, French, and Indian, and religions, however;
Islam is dominant with over 80% of the population being Muslim-Sunni. I,
however, live in the capital Jakarta on the Island of Java! If you want to know
more about its EXTENSIVE and many times brutal history, geography, and other
contents…google it.
When I first arrived and stepped off the plane my initial
reaction was “HELL NO!” I cannot do this for a year; I need my return ticket
ASAP. The smell oh god…just imagine heavy-duty smokers indoors and outdoors
your lungs will love the hell out of you for that, trash because they burn
their shit LITERALLY, sweat and dirty must and because the concept of personal
space is long gone…my friends get ready to make new best friends with people who
do nothing but stare at you while rubbing against your arm and side, and all
the polluted toxic waste dumps that are always nearby that you will step on and
flick on your pant legs throughout your walks. I mean, I’ve lived in Iran, I
knew it would be similar to Indonesia in several ways, but smell is always a
difficult thing to become acquainted with. Oh and my cold showers, first you
must say goodbye to warm water and hello to cold water and hello to the rustic
iron smell that exudes throughout the wet room. HELLOGOODBYE!
When I was finally given my moment with Indonesia, that
moment I knew I could do this for a year I started introducing myself to things
I did not like--differently. I mean, come on, you cannot change a culture or a
lifestyle that’s been embedded in the minds of every generation for centuries
you either learn from it or go home. I chose the latter…to make it my
home.
My 4 mile walks to and from work are the highlights of my
day instead of dreaded like any westerner would see it when there are
flashfloods, and rats the size of “Jack Russell Terriers” (as my roommate Megan
puts it) running rapidly inches away from your feet. Instead you embrace the
warm raindrops for either way they will break your umbrella because they do not
want you to have any form of protection from their strength. You find yourself
playing hopscotch near the congested traffic (that LA-SF SHOULD NEVER COMPLAIN
ABOUT), to avoid the very muddy to the not so muddy puddles, sometimes you fail
and fall shin deep, you laugh, well because you cannot do a dang thing about
it. My favorite part, is walking nearly barefoot on the blackened street with green
bamboo trees on the surrounding edges and dark clouds hovering over me with no
sign of hard rain yet, just as the Azan plays (the call of prayer for Muslims).
That moment, I truly feel infinite and say few words of thanks aloud. I talk to
myself a lot during my walks. The Indonesians probably think I am nuts ahah. A
friend of mine, a fellow teacher told me the moment she heard the Azan, her
reaction was “it is a moment of belief, even if you are not a believer.”
The people of Indonesia are the kindest humans on the
planet, all they want to do is share their smiles and basic English with you.
“HELLO MISTER”, regardless if you are a man or woman you will hear this repeatedly
on a daily basis. When I have a chance to snap a photo, they are more than
willing to pose for me; they actually really love photos, which is surprising
for me since it is an Islamic country and most women would want to protect
their identity, however, keep in my mind there is no Shariah Law=Islamic Law in
Indonesia. I will talk about Islam
in this country in another entry. You get used to the constant stares, hollers,
and howls that you learn to mute it out. I realized that it comes in handy
being a foreigner because EVERYONE and their moms (literally) know who you are.
The security guards in my neighborhood, I am not sure how, know my name so
every morning I get a “good morning melohhhdeeee” with their mobile phones aimed at my face for a photo. The time that I was lost, the random far away
neighbor knew how to get me to my door. It comes in handy, especially for a
“directionally-inept” person like me haha.
As far as teaching, I am in training right now so I have not
received my own sets of students yet. But, they all seem so adorable! Some of
them will be little “pet demons” as one of the teachers puts it hahah. I am
looking forward to teaching someone the language that can bring him or her
endless opportunities. It will be difficult since Bahasa Indonesian has
absolutely no tenses, and each sounds remain the same, for example “A” is
always “AHH”. So it will be difficult, but the challenge is accepted. Learning
Indonesian on the other hand is not TOO bad, but I am still a long ways to go
lol.
I am grateful that I have made a good group of friends here
especially my roommates, and have met some extraordinary women from all over
the world! I think Indonesia is the best place to bring people together, to
share and take experiences. I mean their nightlife alone is like the Asian
Dubai, very extravagant and top of the line that draws people from all over the
place. Definitely did not expect that. On another note, everyone has their own
story and they just need someone to listen even if you do not speak a word of
their language, it’s the patience and kindness that counts. Well, I am here to
listen!
Silly fact: I sleep with my lights on because I am scared
the lizards will sleep on my face in the dark or a rat will appear as my pillow.
Long term Goals: A few of my goals here are to obviously
teach English, travel (twice a month), meet and greet everyone, and to learn
more about my personal spirituality and Islam.
If you have questions, I am here!
Thanks for reading!
Cheers!
xo
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| This is the river by my house! The locals fish here! Jakarta, Indonesia |
