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Amy's Indonesian Experience

Welcome to Amy's Blog. This is where I will be keeping an online diary and a few photos of life over in Indonesia. I am working over here in beautiful Bandung until Sept 2008. Please feel free to leave a comment for me or email me at-
amywiles@hotmail.com

Diary Entries

Monday, 30 June 2008

Location: Bandung, Indonesia

Week 40 – Power saving across Java is still continuing, which is highly disruptive to my work. As a result I have been writing reports, working on translations and spent some time exploring and running chores around Bandung.

On Thursday and Friday Lucinda (a volunteer in Kalimantan) came to visit me during her holidays. I got to show her some of the best things about Bandung, which were a shock to her system after 6 months of living in the jungle. We went shopping, big time, both getting many bargains at the factory outlets, Malls, markets and other boutique stores. We wandered along Jalan Asia-Afrika and Jalan Braga to look at the renovated or run down colonial buildings and have coffee and cake in the European cafes. We people watched at the alun-alun (town square) and main Mosque. I took her to my local Sundanese restaurant, and then to my favourite pasta joint. We spent an afternoon on my bike riding through the mountains to visit Curug Cimahi (Cimahi waterfall) and looking at the beautiful gardens and views. We also did a bit of exercise, climbing down to the waterfall, Friday morning aerobics class at my work, walking all over Bandung and then going out to Embassy nightclub to dance.

On Saturday I went down to Jakarta to join other volunteers (Tim N, Olivia, Erin, Tam, Jacky, Nicole and Tam) at a Festival up at Ancol – a beachside suburb and theme park area in Jakarta’s North. We missed getting there for sunset as we severely underestimated how long it takes to travel around Jakarta, over 2 hours for around 20kms!! But we did get to wander around the Urban Street Festival; watching bands, graffiti artists, browsing stalls and looking at other street art. It was fun to be in a festival atmosphere with cool coastal breezes. Then we went into Seggara Bar and chilled out at a function called ‘Beats by the Bay’, sitting in the sand with beers and watching the rich Jakarta kids partying.

Yesterday I spent the whole day relaxing, watching cable TV, in the pool, DVD shopping, visiting friends and eating all the baked goodies Betty Crocker (aka Olivia) cooked. Then in the evening Erin and I went to the airport to pick up relatives; Mum, Nick and Dad are here to visit me for just over 2 weeks, which I am so excited about. We made it back to Bandung late last night and I look forward to showing them around my work and my new hometown, and exploring more of Indonesia.

This week’s Indonesian lesson is about queuing up. Basically, there are no queues. Everyone has to push and fight for themselves, but somehow it works. Get those elbows and shoulders out there when trying to push onto buses – and don’t worry about the mother with a baby or the elderly man – they will be pushier than the rest. In the bathrooms you can just walk into an open cubicle if you can get there first. When getting your fruit and vegies weighed in the supermarket you have to put your produce on the scales before someone else does. Drinks and food ordering is easier if you are the loudest or waving your arms the most. And this all goes double on the roads – squeeze your car or bike in any gap at a traffic light or toll booth. While it’s obviously extremely frustrating at times, if you adopt a relaxing attitude and are not in a rush it’s an interesting time to observe different social customs!

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Location: Bandung, Indonesia

Week 39 – Arriving back in Jakarta, I was happy to be back into tropical climates and the mayhem that is Indonesia. I also had a relieving sense of coming home once I reached my house in Bandung.

I had to get stuck straight into work to catch up on the week I missed. The first half of the week involved preparations, and during the second half I was involved with a new training program we are holding at my work. International Standard High Schools (SBI) are becoming more popular across Indonesia, with classes taught in both Indonesian and English. I taught classes about laboratory management and safety in English and also assisted with science terminology and pronunciation. Can you imagine me in front of a class of 30+ teachers reading through the periodic table and having them repeat words after me; “Praseodymium”, “Dysprosium”, “Hafnium”, ”Seaborgium”... even I had never read these words before, so I’m not sure what help I could have been. Anyway, we are spawning new teachers with Aussie accents now! Hehe

I also spent the week scooting around town running errands in preparation for my family arriving next weekend, booking hotels, flights, cars etc. I’m excited to show off my hometown and impression of Indonesia (which is no doubt very different from my Mum’s idea of Indonesia of more than 30 years ago).

As there have been many renovations going on in the guesthouses at work (where I live), I had to get away over the weekend. Bu Tati (one of the chemistry Instructors) invited me to stay at her house at Sumedang, in the Mountains around Bandung. Even though it’s only 50kms away from Bandung, with Indonesian roads, traffic and driving it took us over 2 hours. We did stop to pick up a snack of Surabi, a strange mix of rice, flour, nuts, egg, MSG and topped with ‘pizza’ flavoured spicy mince. Strange, but still delicious, I’m always amazed by the variety of snacks available at the little travelling stalls!

In Sumedang, Bu Tati and her children Adzie and Dian showed me around the town. We also met up with another work colleague Trina and her niece Narita. We took in the alun-alun (town square), the Bupati’s (like the Mayor) Residence and Sumedang Museum, Gunung Kunci and the old Dutch caves dug into it, and then Toga Hills where we had lunch with a view over Sumedang and all the surrounding mountains then spent the afternoon swimming. To finish off the day I got to shop at the factory of a local designer and pick up some cool clothing, get some more plants from Bu Tati’s parents-in-law Pak and eat tahu Sumedang, the famous oleh-oleh of the area, and the most delicious tofu in Indonesia!

I returned to Bandung very early on Sunday morning and have been put up in a different room while my bathroom is renovated. I spent most of the day out and about in Bandung to avoid the noise of jackhammers – checking out the Sunday markets at Gasibu, having a hair spa and pedicure, shopping at the malls and re-potting my new plants.

The Indonesian lesson returns this week, and is about the roaming food carts. I heard a funny thing last week; one of the cart owners referred to his other carts as the other ‘branches’ and the guys who make the food at them as the ‘managers’. Food carts roam around the streets and kampungs (housing areas) and each have their own distinct sound, i.e. – yelling the food items, tapping on wood for soup, bell tinging etc. You can buy an amazing variety of food items from these mobile carts, some which I would not dare to try (like chickens feets which have not been refrigerated all day)!

Sunday, 15 June 2008

Location: Sydney, Australia

Week 38 - I’ve been lucky enough to spend a wonderful week back in Sydney – the flights were quick (only 5:40mins from Jakarta to Sydney!) and cheap, the time was right and it was the physical, emotional and motivational boost I needed!

Breaking from my usual over-organised self, I didn’t make many plans which meant the week was very relaxed and most enjoyable. Jam karet (rubber time) was also very kind to me and 1 week felt like 3. I was able to completely soak up being surrounded by family, good friends, the wonderful man I have fallen for Alessio, and all the usual comforts of Australia. Think clean public toilets, normal flavours of food, quiet neighbourhoods, no 4:30am wake-up calls, traffic rules, orderly queues and polite attitudes in public.

Amongst the touristy things I did were; a day trip up to the Blue Mountains with my family to see The Three Sisters and have lunch at their Buddhist Meditation Centre, a boat trip with Nick, Dad and Alessio around Sydney Harbour and shopping at Paddy’s Markets for souvenirs for all my friends back in Bandung.

I got to have a taste of some of the best parts of my old life too. I saw lots of my friends and family; dinner with Mum, Dad, Nick, Grandma and Mum’s sisters Sianna and Tienne, heading out for breakfast in Manly with Anika, Cel and Alessio, seeing the Sex & The City movie in the city with my best girlfriends who are still in Sydney – Cel, Catherine, Anika, Bethanie, Monique and Jaz, catching up with Arch before he jet sets around the world on tour with Doomfoxx, relaxing at friends houses and drinks out in Manly with the girls.

I got to do familiar things like eating Sunday eggs, bushwalking near my parent’s house, shopping at Warringah Mall, driving my car around the city and the beaches, eating ice-cream down at Manly, and sleeping in my heavenly bed.

The cold weather was a fun novelty at first, call me crazy but I even went for a swim in the harbour. But as the week goes on I am beginning to crave being back in the tropical Indonesian climate!

My love for Australia and Sydney has not diminished in the slightest after all the time I spend away. However, as I was departing from Bandung I realised that I was not yet finished in Indonesia. This was a good feeling for me, I have found a comfortable place to live at the moment even though it is worlds away from my usual life. So I am looking forward to returning to Indonesia and getting as much as I can do done in the next 3 months, be it learning the language, achievements at work, travelling, cementing friendships and enjoying the life I have built over there. And I'm definitely going back with a wonderful feeling of contentment, a happy heart and a few extra kilograms - which will make my Indonesian friends happy!

Aku beruntung sekali (I feel so lucky)!

Friday, 06 June 2008

Location: Bandung, Indonesia

Week 37 - It has been a busy week here in Bandung. Not only have I been preparing for a visit from my AYAD managers , I have been trying to get ready for my holiday home! I'm so excited to be popping back to Australia for a few reasons; seeing family and friends, a week of Winter, eating familiar foods, sleeping lots and shopping :-)

A visit from the AYAD management team; Anthony, Bharat, Nani and Bobby, meant that I had to prepare a report on the work I have been doing here at PPPPTK-IPA, looking at the objectives, successes and challenges of my assignment. The best part of the visit was that I got to become more aware of how much my presence and work here has meant to the staff. We had a group discussion and I realise that although there have certainly been frustrating times, I have managed to achieve lots in 8 months. So now I am motivated to continue positive changes during the last 4 months.

There were several reasons that I had to be well organised this week. I have been trying to get lots of work done, including preparing for some classes I will be teaching ina few weeks and trying to get ahead so that I could just relax during my week holiday in Aus. I have also been trying to think about what to take back to Sydney now - I have bought so souvenirs and clothes during my time and travels across Indonesia. I have easily packed 20kgs to take with me next week! And I have been emptying out my fridge, eating all sorts of strange combinations of foods!

This morning's aerobics class was lots of fun, I was ready with my camera to record some of the fun. I cannot help breaking out into giggles when we learn a new more complicated routine, and all my friends at work are neatly lined up dancing to ridiculous songs. Like techno versions of 'if you're happy and you know it clap your hands' or christmas carols. I particularly enjoy it when we all start cheering for no reason, everyone is so full of spirit.

So this afternoon I am flying back to Australia for a well deserved week long holiday. All my friends at work have wished me a nice holiday and are looking forward to having me back healthier and more relaxed.

The Indonesian lesson for this week is about goodbyes and sayings lost in translation. I still find it weird when Indonesians say 'I love you' or 'I miss you' when they say goodbye. I suppose when translated to English the words carry more significance for me than for those who say it. All my Indonesian friends wanted me to send their regards to my family, even though they have never met. And of course there were many requests for various types of oleh-oleh from Australia, some straight forward like T-Shirts, others more complicated, like an Aboriginal patterned jilbab!


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Recent Messages

From The shadow
Hey Wilesy
How are ya? Not bad photos you've got. What happened to that Andrew guy he seemed like a champ?
Response: Hey Shandy, got a bit of extra time on your hands still? All good, been talking about you lots on the weekend and the impending return - very exciting. Can't wait to catch up on months of gossip!
From SAGEJAM
Thought you'd liketo know Georgia is enjoying soccer, she kicked her first goal last weekend and so far their team is undefeated. She's also enjoying band, not that we get to her practise at home too often.
We are enjoying your updates. Sorry we don't write more often but home life compared to your adventures seems a bit boring. Lovev Jane and co. xxxx
Response: Hi guys, I'm looking forward to having a kick around with Georgia when I'm next in Melbourne! Georgia - score a goal for me :-)
From Evan
Hey Amy!

How's Indo treating you? I can't believe you and James haven't met up yet! I guess you two actually do work...

Aceh sounds kinda creepy. That freighter! wow... I think locals should think about following Allah further inland where land is more dry and holy.


Response: Hi Evan. Indo is good! Yeah, time has flown and the times I've tried to meet up with James it doesn't work out. Maybe we need you to come over here and be the reason to catch up! I hope all is good back in Manly :-)
From Tom
Hey where'd my message go?

...Waiting for the next chapter :D
Response: Next chapter coming right up =)
From Tom
Hi Amy
I've gotten way better at keeping up with your stories. I think to the point that I'm getting hooked.. When's the next one coming?? :)

Love your little lessons at the end of each episode.
Response: Uh-oh Tom... I hope I can keep up with your addiction!! I'm pretty stoked with nearly keeping up with Monday installments. Glad that others can learn something from my experiences here.
From me :P
were are all the photos of you and dean traveling?
i wanna see
Response: Hey bro,
There are too many photos to put up! I'll show you the best when you come here...
From Mick
Hi Amy,Nothing like a bit of shopping for a female to get the redness back into the cheeks.Are you doing anything for ANZAC Day?Good luck with your manual, if they like it they may name a Wing where you are staying after you.Mick
Response: Hey Mick, I think Anzac Day dawn will be spent participating the aerobics class at work and performing Indonesian Military-like drills at our weekly assembly. Nothing commemorative like our trip to Gallipoli... I hope you find a nice service to attend :)
From Jane
Hey amy,
Hope you are feeling better now. I am still enjoying reading your entries! We drew 1 all in soccer on Sunday against DY....not bad for our first game in div 2. Keep having fun. Love Jane xo
Response: Congrats! I so miss being there on Sunday mornings to play with you guys, say hi to the team for me xx
From Tim
Hey Amy
Just stopped by to check your progress- you're so organised - I got through three posts on my planetranger and got over it...congrats! Sounds like you're killing it - I'm sure you're making a big difference which will become apparent soon I'm sure.
We're back in Sydney - I'm job hunting. It's a BIG anticlimax. Live it up my AYAD sister, and contemplate staying there! Forever...
Tim xox
Response: Hey Tim, I heard you & Ag were already home, and that is a scary concept for me. The AYAD experience is so great and I don't want it to be over. But I will look forward to having a boogie with you guys and a few tequila shots when I return, haha. Good luck with re-settling, bet you are missing the $2 massages and $1 beer in Cambodia. x
From mick
Hi Amy,Glad to see you have not forgotten where you come from.Sounds like another good Aussie Day party was had by all.Sorry, I cannot find Triple J on my radio, I had it blocked years ago.I am back at work now after surviving a Darwin cyclone just after the new year.Had lots of wind, a little rain but not much damage done.Keep smiling.Mick
Response: Hi Mick, the countdown was good, it was fun to hear familiar voices of the radio presenters!
From mick
Hi Amy, I have also tried "pinang",while over the other side of the island about 15 years ago during 'hearts and mines" with work.I accidently swallowed some as well.....bloody awful stuff...I am really enjoying your reviews.
Your descriptions of all your adventures are better than any "Lonely Planet" or "Getaway" guides.
Am still waiting for the 'WET' to arrive here(getting close now).Thanks for the Xmas greeting, all the best to you and watch out for the prawns over the holidays.Mick
Response: Hey Mick, I've just truly experienced the wet season in all it's glory - I will never again dismiss warnings of travelling in the rainy season again! haha... I hope the rains don't hit you too hard!
From Tahme
amy this blog is amazing! have just read everything and have such a good idea of what it's like over there. Indo seems like one big incredible adventure. You are too funny. We are about to move to Canberra in january which is somewhere new (i hear the people smell there too tee hee). love you! Tahme xox
Response: Hey Tahme, I love being able to share my exeriences :) I'm guessing you got that job in Canberra - congrats! Good luck with the move...
From Lizzie
Wow! Looks like you're having so much fun! Just finished uni for the Xmas hols over here so've had chance to catch up on what ur up to. Keep enjoying urself & have a great Christmas!!
Response: Hey Lizzie, enjoy your hols, hope it isn't too cold. Are you heading back to Nottingham? Say hi to all the family!
From mick
Hi Amy,Are you covered for medicial insurance while you are attending Uni their?We dont want you being evacuated back to Aussie in a military aircraft because the prawns were not cooked or being knocked off "CHAS".Well done on your presentation your friends and family must be very proud of you.Are your "Western Goodies", expensive?
Response: Hey Mick, I hope not to be evacuated, but if I'm in Darwin I'll have to say hi! Western Goodies are at Western prices, which is considerably expensive for over here...
From Susan
Hey AMY,
I have been a bit slack, but now that i have read all your logs i feel up to date ;-) A real Slacko. Sounds as though you are having a brilliant time. I cant get over how cheap everything is. Just keep thinking WHAT an EXPERIENCE. Love the new bike. You be careful on those CRAZY roads ;-) What are you going to do over chrissie? you hinted some travel. Where will you head off to? ANyways just wanted to say hi and sorry for being a slackass! Hope u are well and look forward to the next update.xoxox
Response: Hey Sus, great to hear from you! I am being more than cautious on the roads - I am staying away for now, haha. Lots of travel plans for Xmas with all the visitors, not sure where too just yet... tough life hey! I'm lovings things here, but missing the Sunday soccer games. Hope all the wedding plans are coming along. Ciao x
From Mick
Nice bike, do you need some kind of pemit to ride?But the big question is which way are you going to wear your raincoat.Buttons at the front or back?
Response: Yeah, I'm trying to figure out how to get a license. But for now I can manage paying the fines/bribes if I get pulled over! I am also going to have to get a plastic suit for bike riding in the rain, slightly more sophisticated than a raincoat :)
From Edi
Amy, do you remember Edi from Banten.
Response: yeah, hi! I think you are still in Bandung now? I am glad that I did not go to Krakatau this weekend now that it is erupting a little bit!
From Muzz
Hey Ames! Dont do too much site seeing otherwise we wont have anything to do when i get there. I cant do karaoke for 10 days straight. Hope your enjoying yourself. Speak soon.
Response: Are you the proud holder of an airline ticket yet? Trust me, there are plently more things I want to do here, let me know your dates and I can start organising trips :)
From Dee
Well Amy, i'm glad to see that you're "working hard" over there! a girl could get used to all this holidaying!
Next time i'm picking at a Mama pizza at DY RSL i'll think of you :)
Keep up the postings, they are a great escape for me. Luv Dee :)
Response: I have actually begun working now so no need to be too jealous of me! Loving every minute - but jeez a Mama's pizza would be nice. haha
From lewie
Hello. so glad that Bandung seems a nice place. have fun settling in! i would love to come up with tam for a visit! send us some pics when you have em.
have fun!
Response: I wish that we had been able to go riding - it will take me a long time to feel confident driving amongst the mayhem. Going to have a driving lesson now in exchange for an English lesson :) I hope Tam's party goes off! Send her a hug from me.
From Mick(ANZAC TRIP)
Hi Amy,
Thanks for putting me on your mailing list.I'm here in Darwin waiting for the wet season to arrive.just like you.Have a great 12 months away working and playing drinking games.I will look forward to being entertained by you over the next 12 months.Keep smiling.
Response: Hey Mick, I bet it's hot there too. No drinking games - it will be a pretty dry year - my liver will enjoy this Muslim country!
From Sascha
Hey Amy,
Reading your diary entires reminds me how much more travelling there is to be done. Turkey was so much fun. I wish i could have come with you for the rest of your travels.
Shaun and i will be home in early Feb so we must catch up and exchange stories.
Take care oxox
Response: Keep enjoying it while you can, looking forward to catching up!
From Emma
Welcome back Amy!! I've enjoyed your travels almost as much as if I'd done it myself. Well maybe not that much, but it's definitely been interesting following you. At least it's nice sunny weather here to come back to! Good timing. Might see you at the Grand Final today! :)
Response: Thanks Em... I'm looking forward to reading all about your trip to Africa later!
From Mick
You said you were coming to Melb for a weekend.I cannot find Melb on your map.Watch out! you might enjoy the visit.Bring raincoat,sunscreen,shorts,thongs and overcoat,and try to get to Lygon St to eat.
Response: I will be there as soon as I can afford it (think a few months time) hehe
From Tim
hey Amy
looking forward to a catch up drink with you!!!
It seems so recently that we were at the Steyne for your farewell!
Safe journey home!!!
Response: Yep, looking forward to heading back to the good ole Steyne again! See you soon...