So much happening yet so little I wish to talk about here.... Just thought I'd let you know I'm still here and traveling along nicely, thanks. Went with a couple of lecturers to visit the district offices in Sidoarjo where the hot mud is bubbling away. Stopped at the site on the way back and it really is a disaster! That was nearly two weeks ago and I've since been 'wading' through the mountain of information I have accumulated. My pembimbing (supervisor) has arranged for me to speak with some politicians to gain their party policies on this situation. I wasn't keen on this but have decided I can later go to the people who are effected and base my interviews on "policy verses reality". I read that sometimes the weight of such mud, on top of earth that's obviously unstable, can cause the ground to collapse by as much as 500 metres! Hate to be around if that happened. Fortunately 'this' mud is quite watery so it probably will never happen.
Because I've been reading so much I haven't been out there practicing my language as much as I'd like but figure there will be plenty of time, so not stressing...YET.
I have, however, learned somethings even in the 'comfort' of my room....
1: When squashing a cockroach limited pressure is required or they WILL splatter!
2:Watermelon can be fermented within 24hours, storage in a black plastic bag is recommended if this is the desired outcome...
3:Masuk Angin exists! This illness is the Indonesian version of feeling a bit "crook". I know it is real as I was invited to a function at 7am (YES SEVEN IN THE MORNING) so used the 'masuk angin' as an excuse to not attend. You guessed it, before the day was over I had the symptoms. Eating fresh pear was suggested to me so I did (and took flu pills) and I am now well on the way to recovery. Strangely enough this morning I did have a little "panas dalam" (hot inside) which is the other Indonesian excuse for a sickie!
Since living in Malang I have realised I am a water waster...hangs head in shame. I buy my drinking water in bulk and drink 20litres a fortnight which is fine, but my bath and laundry water I am now aware of because I must run downstairs to turn on the mains when I want to fill my "mandi" (eerrr plastic tub to you). I use this to bath, flush and do my laundry...NOT AT THE SAME TIME! I seem to be forever sitting on the bottom step waiting for the tub to fill, it would hold about 30 litres and I fill it about ten times a week! Shame shame.... And yes you heard right...do my laundry; by hand! I do this for a couple of reasons...
1: Why not, there's only me and most Indonesians hand wash
2: I am sick of having the life "scrubbed" out of my clothes at the laundry... I'm now the proud owner of several pairs of 'whitish' jeans (also funny how your nicer things disappear in the wash....)
3: I can't be bothered carrying it up and down stairs to a laundry...this is the prime reason actually hahaha
4: My landlady irons it if I leave it out, even bras and towels...what a star!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Couldn't have been more surprised if they'd given me a live fish
I received a jacket at University the other day, a nice red one, you saw it...RED. Yep should get a lot of wear out of that! Couldn't have been more surprised if they'd given me a live fish....maybe if I get a job as a sports reporter it will come in handy. It has the Muhammadiyah logo on the front so I will know it if anyone tries to steal it. Guess that comes out of my fees, glad they're going to good use.
After my key didn't fit the other day Ibu apologised and explained the lock was simply difficult to open, so no problems for the future as its now 'greased' beyond necessity.
Finished with the introductory lectures on campus and ready to get out in the field and speak with people about the effects of the mining disaster on their lives and future expectations. Lapindo is a part Australian owned company that, during exploratory drilling, caused hot mud to pour from the ground. More than 10,000 people have already needed to evacuate their homes and the mud flow is yet to slow down. My lecturers seem to think I will be investigating the political side of this but I need to improve my language and believe the general public can help me more than some politician or CEO who would need to protect his company and therefore be less forth coming with information... and maybe less tolerant of my Indonesian. Besides my interest lies with the people and their lives.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Sunday Aimee! Yep she's a big girl now, 28 already; lucky I had her when I was 10 or I'd be getting old too! By the way...there's about five million Indonesians wanting to marry you; told them you'd get back to them.
After my key didn't fit the other day Ibu apologised and explained the lock was simply difficult to open, so no problems for the future as its now 'greased' beyond necessity.
Finished with the introductory lectures on campus and ready to get out in the field and speak with people about the effects of the mining disaster on their lives and future expectations. Lapindo is a part Australian owned company that, during exploratory drilling, caused hot mud to pour from the ground. More than 10,000 people have already needed to evacuate their homes and the mud flow is yet to slow down. My lecturers seem to think I will be investigating the political side of this but I need to improve my language and believe the general public can help me more than some politician or CEO who would need to protect his company and therefore be less forth coming with information... and maybe less tolerant of my Indonesian. Besides my interest lies with the people and their lives.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Sunday Aimee! Yep she's a big girl now, 28 already; lucky I had her when I was 10 or I'd be getting old too! By the way...there's about five million Indonesians wanting to marry you; told them you'd get back to them.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Terrific...just wonderful!
So my kos DOES have a "jam malam" (curfew)! Ibu kos assured me I may come and go as I please but tonight I found the key I was given to the gate doesn't actually fit! God knows I made enough noise trying to open it, if they intended to let me in they would certainly have been woken by the rattling gate!
I went out, first time since I've been in Malang. There's a bowling alley here and as lame as bowling might be its better than sitting in this internet place. So I decided to join the group and went for dinner then bowling. Gotta tell you I really got my game in too! Haven't bowled for years and bowled 150. Was thinking of joining a league but don't know if I want to spend every bowling night in this internet cafe waiting for dawn so I can get into my room. Guess I could go to a hotel but I live next to the university and there's very few taxis and even less hotels around! Besides I really needed to pee and the facilities here are at least clean.
Me thinks lectures are out of the question tomorrow. Never mind, I usually skip 20% of them and these ones only go 10 days so it'll still be better than average.
I'm meant to hand in some background material which I haven't completed...was my plan to finish it after bowling.
Thing with Indonesians is I'm not 100% sure I will have a room to go to...I don't know how forgiving Ibu will be. No matter that I was locked out..I am at fault for being late (late=after her bedtime). So maybe I am now kos hunting again and don't even know it yet hahahaha!
Got plenty of time to kill so want to tell you a random thought I had last night... Was eating some steamed corn on the cob, if you look at corn its really an interesting and quite beautiful fruit with its regular pattern. As I peeled back the husks from the second cob I noticed the kernels were a paler yellow and smaller than the first one I'd eaten. Was thinking what a wonderful thing it is that there are so many patterns that can be formed yet it is still corn...still recognizable as the same thing. Suddenly I realized "I" was the first person to ever see inside that cob and because I ate it I was the last too! I was wondering if God enjoys making such small miracles or if he just does it to give us the delightful pleasure in finding them. I'm thinking both....and may I always enjoy such fascinations.
Wow still two and a half hours until sun-up...hope they've got cards online here!
I went out, first time since I've been in Malang. There's a bowling alley here and as lame as bowling might be its better than sitting in this internet place. So I decided to join the group and went for dinner then bowling. Gotta tell you I really got my game in too! Haven't bowled for years and bowled 150. Was thinking of joining a league but don't know if I want to spend every bowling night in this internet cafe waiting for dawn so I can get into my room. Guess I could go to a hotel but I live next to the university and there's very few taxis and even less hotels around! Besides I really needed to pee and the facilities here are at least clean.
Me thinks lectures are out of the question tomorrow. Never mind, I usually skip 20% of them and these ones only go 10 days so it'll still be better than average.
I'm meant to hand in some background material which I haven't completed...was my plan to finish it after bowling.
Thing with Indonesians is I'm not 100% sure I will have a room to go to...I don't know how forgiving Ibu will be. No matter that I was locked out..I am at fault for being late (late=after her bedtime). So maybe I am now kos hunting again and don't even know it yet hahahaha!
Got plenty of time to kill so want to tell you a random thought I had last night... Was eating some steamed corn on the cob, if you look at corn its really an interesting and quite beautiful fruit with its regular pattern. As I peeled back the husks from the second cob I noticed the kernels were a paler yellow and smaller than the first one I'd eaten. Was thinking what a wonderful thing it is that there are so many patterns that can be formed yet it is still corn...still recognizable as the same thing. Suddenly I realized "I" was the first person to ever see inside that cob and because I ate it I was the last too! I was wondering if God enjoys making such small miracles or if he just does it to give us the delightful pleasure in finding them. I'm thinking both....and may I always enjoy such fascinations.
Wow still two and a half hours until sun-up...hope they've got cards online here!
Monday, February 5, 2007
Malang
Finally finding my way in Malang and feeling more relaxed about living here for the semester. Initially I was staying in the HELLious hotel and I mean HELL! Gee thanks Phil for recommending that place. Isn't it standard practice to make up the room daily? And what's with half a day's charge if you check out an hour late?
A few days ago I decided to take a stroll around the newer subdivisions in Malang and came across a house that, while not as elaborate as some of the others, had the usual "Terima Kos Putri" out the front and so I inquired and discovered my new home. They only rent two "twin" rooms so I offered to pay the difference and rented a room to myself. Initially I thought the second bed could be a sofa but have since discovered I need the second mattress as protection from the rock-hard bed base! I have an ensuite that is so laughable it's endearing. There's a shower (cold of course) hand basin, western toilet and the standard bak mandi. I soon discovered if I turn on the shower water sprays EVERY WHERE. So I've resorted to using the bak mandi. I must run down the very narrow stair-well to turn on the water main. No need to bother with the hand basin because not only is it not connected to the incoming water it's also not connected to the drain...found this out with a mouthful of tooth paste! ...have since bought a mug for such a purpose. The electrical system is slightly better than the plumbing. There's two power points and I own lamp, fan, water dispenser, hair dryer, mobile phone, camera battery recharger....very creative with what to use and where to plug it hahahaha.
I need to return to Yogya next week-end as my immigration papers are ready to collect. Looking forward to the trip but its a night train so once again I'll miss the sights between Malang and Yogya. The lady at the Immigration office sent me down two flights of stairs three times to have papers photocopied! When I returned puffing from the third trip I asked "is that all?" she laughed and said I need not have had the third paper copied but sent me as exercise! Who said Indonesians lack a sense of humour? She actually knew she was helping me as I need to keep a copy of my visa and hadn't made a copy for myself. She then asked which date would suit me to collect the papers, I told her I was going to Malang so she said to return when I could and ask for her, she will personally keep them so I need not worry about them being lost in the system...as things often do here. She turned out to be a great help as other students had to return on set dates. I have kept her name and number as I've met helpful people before!
I intended buying a laptop this trip and have been looking for the last few days but they're the same price as Australia and then I'll have to pay duty when I return so I'm thinking of going Indo style and using a real "note book" rather than an electronic one; besides where will I plug it in? hahaha Also there's the very real risk of a laptop being lifted...I know , you're in shock, but there are a few light fingered thieves here!
While I was waiting for Aine, my new "best friend" (her words not mine), to accompany me to look for the p.c. this lady, Su something, got chatting and I was very pleased as she is an older woman. Here mature people usually find me either a threat or are too shy to speak with me. She was so funny, she's from Salawasi, 66 years old but me thinks she's fibbing there, and had five children...one died as a child. Naturally after five minutes she asked for money, when I refused she told me I was "PELIT" which means a misery/stingy! Seeeeeeeee I AM learning new words! Aine was running late so I offered to buy Su lunch and after I'd paid for the things she took me to here house and cooked me dinner. I took her photo and offered to return with a copy, she told me not to bother....bring cash or cigarettes! What a treasure.
I didn't mean to write this much as I've not used this site before so don't know how good, or bad, it is. If it turns out easy enough to use I will keep you posted... well more posted than I have in the past!
Take care yall...Love you and HAVE FUN!
A few days ago I decided to take a stroll around the newer subdivisions in Malang and came across a house that, while not as elaborate as some of the others, had the usual "Terima Kos Putri" out the front and so I inquired and discovered my new home. They only rent two "twin" rooms so I offered to pay the difference and rented a room to myself. Initially I thought the second bed could be a sofa but have since discovered I need the second mattress as protection from the rock-hard bed base! I have an ensuite that is so laughable it's endearing. There's a shower (cold of course) hand basin, western toilet and the standard bak mandi. I soon discovered if I turn on the shower water sprays EVERY WHERE. So I've resorted to using the bak mandi. I must run down the very narrow stair-well to turn on the water main. No need to bother with the hand basin because not only is it not connected to the incoming water it's also not connected to the drain...found this out with a mouthful of tooth paste! ...have since bought a mug for such a purpose. The electrical system is slightly better than the plumbing. There's two power points and I own lamp, fan, water dispenser, hair dryer, mobile phone, camera battery recharger....very creative with what to use and where to plug it hahahaha.
I need to return to Yogya next week-end as my immigration papers are ready to collect. Looking forward to the trip but its a night train so once again I'll miss the sights between Malang and Yogya. The lady at the Immigration office sent me down two flights of stairs three times to have papers photocopied! When I returned puffing from the third trip I asked "is that all?" she laughed and said I need not have had the third paper copied but sent me as exercise! Who said Indonesians lack a sense of humour? She actually knew she was helping me as I need to keep a copy of my visa and hadn't made a copy for myself. She then asked which date would suit me to collect the papers, I told her I was going to Malang so she said to return when I could and ask for her, she will personally keep them so I need not worry about them being lost in the system...as things often do here. She turned out to be a great help as other students had to return on set dates. I have kept her name and number as I've met helpful people before!
I intended buying a laptop this trip and have been looking for the last few days but they're the same price as Australia and then I'll have to pay duty when I return so I'm thinking of going Indo style and using a real "note book" rather than an electronic one; besides where will I plug it in? hahaha Also there's the very real risk of a laptop being lifted...I know , you're in shock, but there are a few light fingered thieves here!
While I was waiting for Aine, my new "best friend" (her words not mine), to accompany me to look for the p.c. this lady, Su something, got chatting and I was very pleased as she is an older woman. Here mature people usually find me either a threat or are too shy to speak with me. She was so funny, she's from Salawasi, 66 years old but me thinks she's fibbing there, and had five children...one died as a child. Naturally after five minutes she asked for money, when I refused she told me I was "PELIT" which means a misery/stingy! Seeeeeeeee I AM learning new words! Aine was running late so I offered to buy Su lunch and after I'd paid for the things she took me to here house and cooked me dinner. I took her photo and offered to return with a copy, she told me not to bother....bring cash or cigarettes! What a treasure.
I didn't mean to write this much as I've not used this site before so don't know how good, or bad, it is. If it turns out easy enough to use I will keep you posted... well more posted than I have in the past!
Take care yall...Love you and HAVE FUN!
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