Life in Indonesia Begins...

I can’t believe that it’s already been 3 weeks since we first arrived in Indonesia! Besides the first few days when time crept by because of jetlag and no sleep, the time here has flown by. I wanted to include what I've done over the past few weeks, so this blog won't be as detailed like I'd like it to be. I will include more info later. I’ve been busy exploring and familiarizing myself with Malang(which still hasn’t completely happened J), meeting new people, finding a home, settling in and beginning language school. I’ve been able to figure out where things are and have gotten around fairly easily by taxi, but mostly by blue buses and walking. I can’t say that I’ve figured out the structure or rhyme or reason to the public transportation here, but I’m sure I will eventually. I will say one thing…I will never complain about Boston’s MBTA again! J I wish I had more pictures to post of Malang, but I’ve tried to refrain from sticking out more than I already do as a “bule tinggi” as they call me…tall white person. Here are a few from the flower and animal market I’ve been to and from the roof of my “kos” that looks out to Malang.

"Pasar Bunga"- The Flower Market...a great place to practice my bahasa Indonesia :)

The Bird Market--Not the right name since they sell everything here...



...Like Giant bats.



The view from the roof of my kos looking out to Malang.

“What the heck’s a kos?” you might ask. It’s where most young adults here live. They are set up much like dorms, where there will be anywhere from 10-20 girls living in a house with their own room along with a common room and typically a small kitchen to use. The Ibu, or house mother, usually lives downstairs or next door and she will rent out the bedrooms to girls. I was able to find one close to where Danny & Lisa live and the language school, which is great! There are 10 girls who live here(I’ve only met 2 so far) and it’s a mix between university students and young women who are working. I’ve kind of been limited to how much we can converse since my Indonesian is like that of a 2 year old, but hopefully they’ll be patient with me and I’ll be able to speak more soon! I’m looking forward to getting to know them better throughout the year. Most of you know that sleeping isn’t something I’m very good at. It’s been a challenge adjusting to all the noises at night and getting good sleep. Between the stray cats, the rooster outside my window at the kos and the mosque down the street, Boston seems quiet. Usually the mosque has a loudspeaker that they play the call to prayer 5 times a day, beginning at 4:30, but because of Ramadhan, which began last week, they play more continuously until later at night. Below are some pictures of my cozy home, complete with pictures of my bathroom. It has been pretty humorous getting used to using a mandi (using a bucket for showering and flushing the toilet). One good thing that’s come from it is getting me to exercise a little. Since it’s cold water, I have to do a few jumping jacks or sit ups before I shower to work up a sweat!  I’d love to share some funny stories with you if you want to ask, but to save myself from public embarrassment, I’ll refrain from posting it on the blog J

Another view of my bedroom... not a lot to show yet(except the pepto pink walls :)) since I just moved in. I'll decorate soon!

A picture of my bathroom...the tub of water an bucket is used for showering (called a mandi) and flushing.

I’ve been in language school for 2 weeks now. I’ve come to realize that it is going to be like my full time job here for a while. I am in class, with Danny & Lisa, for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week and then spend time at night studying. It’s been pretty overwhelming learning so much and trying to remember so much information and so many words. I have to continually remind myself that it’s a process and unfortunately I’m not going to be fluent in a week. I am pretty amazed, though, even after just 2 weeks how much I can comprehend when I meet people or go to the store. It’s been fun(hmmm not sure if fun’s the best word!) trying to practice and I’ve definitely noticed a difference already. I have 2 different teachers, one from 8-10am and one from 10 am-12 pm, who have been great and so patient and helpful! I’m really looking forward to when I can actually go out and not be completely useless and to be able to engage in a conversation with someone on the street.