Here are some pictures from my walk around CitraLand on Saturday. These are pictures of the CitraLand sign and Bukit Golf course. I will try to take pictures of the mansions next time and post those.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
CitraLand Pics
Here are some pictures from my walk around CitraLand on Saturday. These are pictures of the CitraLand sign and Bukit Golf course. I will try to take pictures of the mansions next time and post those.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Life in a Gated Community
Sorry, I have not been keeping up with the blog this week. I have been doing my best to keep up with e-mails and, with little internet access, that left little time to do any blogging. With each passing day, teaching gets a little easier. I am so thankful for that! My second week of teaching has been going well. I am still reviewing what the kids should have learned last year. So, I am getting a good grip on what they can and cannot do. This will make lesson planning soo much easier!
This past Saturday I was able to get out and explore my area of Surabaya. I live in an area called CitraLand. It's kind of like a suburb. I decided to walk around so I could see what CitraLand had to offer and also to see how long it would take me to walk places. The nearest coffee shop with free wi-fi is about a 25 minute walk. Not too bad! When I got there, the guys working at the coffee shop asked where I lived and when I told them that I had walked there, they told me that is so far away. Apparently, people in Indonesia do not like walking places. Most people have motorbikes or cars or they call a taxi. But, I love to walk so I didn't mind it at all! There is also a small grocery store attached to the coffee shop. I scoped it out and they have tons of Western stuff! They even have microwave popcorn and Snapple! Yes! I then walked through this really nice with mansions. Not the McMansions pictured earlier but, actual mansions. They were huge! And the place is one huge golf course. It's really beautiful! I walked to the golf course club house and checked on getting a membership. I am not a golfer but, I would love to hang by the pool. The membership is about $50 a month. It's a steal by US standards but SUPER expensive for Indonesia. It really is a gorgeous place but I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money to lay by a pool. Especially since I do not golf. But, they do have a spa there that is open to the public so I might have to stop by for massages every once in a while (or once a week...at least). After the golf course, I walked to the waterpark. It was a gorgeous Saturday afternoon and I think there were 10 cars in the parking lot. But, there were also motorbikes too. The waterpark doesn't seem great but, it is Indonesia's largest waterpark. It only costs $8 per visit. So, I decided that is where I would go when I want to lay by a pool. It looks like they have a sweet lazy river, too. Oh, I also found the CitraLand Marketing Office so I stopped there to get a map of the area. That has proven to be very helpful! I love maps and have felt totally lost without a map to see where I am. Yeah, google maps is not so great for finding places in Surabaya. After all that, I decided I better get home. It took me an hour to walk home from the waterpark. Hmm, I better get a bicycle for that trek. Yes, I have decided I need to get a bicycle for my trips to the grocery store and waterpark. I would rather walk but, don't really want to carry all my groceries home on the 25 minute walk.
I found out last week that we have another 3 day weekend coming up in August. I am planning a trip to Bali with another expat. I can't wait to see Bali and lay on the beach and just relax in the sun!
Well, it's time for our end of the day meeting. Actually, it was supossed to start 5 minutes ago but, I'm sure it won't start for another 10 minutes. Welcome to Indonesia time!
Love and miss you!
This past Saturday I was able to get out and explore my area of Surabaya. I live in an area called CitraLand. It's kind of like a suburb. I decided to walk around so I could see what CitraLand had to offer and also to see how long it would take me to walk places. The nearest coffee shop with free wi-fi is about a 25 minute walk. Not too bad! When I got there, the guys working at the coffee shop asked where I lived and when I told them that I had walked there, they told me that is so far away. Apparently, people in Indonesia do not like walking places. Most people have motorbikes or cars or they call a taxi. But, I love to walk so I didn't mind it at all! There is also a small grocery store attached to the coffee shop. I scoped it out and they have tons of Western stuff! They even have microwave popcorn and Snapple! Yes! I then walked through this really nice with mansions. Not the McMansions pictured earlier but, actual mansions. They were huge! And the place is one huge golf course. It's really beautiful! I walked to the golf course club house and checked on getting a membership. I am not a golfer but, I would love to hang by the pool. The membership is about $50 a month. It's a steal by US standards but SUPER expensive for Indonesia. It really is a gorgeous place but I just couldn't justify spending that kind of money to lay by a pool. Especially since I do not golf. But, they do have a spa there that is open to the public so I might have to stop by for massages every once in a while (or once a week...at least). After the golf course, I walked to the waterpark. It was a gorgeous Saturday afternoon and I think there were 10 cars in the parking lot. But, there were also motorbikes too. The waterpark doesn't seem great but, it is Indonesia's largest waterpark. It only costs $8 per visit. So, I decided that is where I would go when I want to lay by a pool. It looks like they have a sweet lazy river, too. Oh, I also found the CitraLand Marketing Office so I stopped there to get a map of the area. That has proven to be very helpful! I love maps and have felt totally lost without a map to see where I am. Yeah, google maps is not so great for finding places in Surabaya. After all that, I decided I better get home. It took me an hour to walk home from the waterpark. Hmm, I better get a bicycle for that trek. Yes, I have decided I need to get a bicycle for my trips to the grocery store and waterpark. I would rather walk but, don't really want to carry all my groceries home on the 25 minute walk.
I found out last week that we have another 3 day weekend coming up in August. I am planning a trip to Bali with another expat. I can't wait to see Bali and lay on the beach and just relax in the sun!
Well, it's time for our end of the day meeting. Actually, it was supossed to start 5 minutes ago but, I'm sure it won't start for another 10 minutes. Welcome to Indonesia time!
Love and miss you!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Finally Teaching
I finally started teaching yesterday. I taught Preschool, Kindergarten and Grade 2. It did not go well. My teaching time with the preschoolers is 10 minutes so that is not much time to accomplish anything. Most of them do not understand English so I basically just read them a book. However, it does not feel very rewarding as all I do is read a book or do a finger play. There is no discussion. I guess I am just so used to the American kids with their millions of questions. Oh well, I am sure I will get used to this too. The Kindergarteners do speak English and understood a lot of what I was saying but, I did not prepare enough to do. The 2nd graders were way more advanced than I thought they would be so, again, I did not prepare enough. Ugh! It is so frustrating not knowing the kids and what they can do! Oh, and then they totally changed my schedule around but didn't tell me. I found out when I showed up to a class and they said I was supposed to be there 2 hours ago. So, now I also have a few conflicts in my teaching schedule. As always, I wish I could clone myself so I could be in 2 places at the same time. Oh wait, make that about 10 different places at the same time.
Well, today went MUCH better! I prepared properly for the 2nd graders. I was able to find some "teaching" books (you know the kind you buy for your kids for a long road trip or to practice over the summer). But, at least they helped me know what I should be teaching. Today I also taught Kindergarten and Grade 1. By the end of yesterday I was ready to quit, pack it all up and go home. But, I prepared last night and now feel a little better about my abilities to do this job. I said, a little better...I'm still not sure I can do this but, at least I am going to try.
Today I also discovered the computer lab at school! It is empty most of the time. I am so excited about this! Now I feel like I have my own work station. The teachers lounge is always full of teachers and it is hard to buckle down and get any work done. This is also a place where I can Skype or do video calls! Yea!
Love and miss you!
Well, today went MUCH better! I prepared properly for the 2nd graders. I was able to find some "teaching" books (you know the kind you buy for your kids for a long road trip or to practice over the summer). But, at least they helped me know what I should be teaching. Today I also taught Kindergarten and Grade 1. By the end of yesterday I was ready to quit, pack it all up and go home. But, I prepared last night and now feel a little better about my abilities to do this job. I said, a little better...I'm still not sure I can do this but, at least I am going to try.
Today I also discovered the computer lab at school! It is empty most of the time. I am so excited about this! Now I feel like I have my own work station. The teachers lounge is always full of teachers and it is hard to buckle down and get any work done. This is also a place where I can Skype or do video calls! Yea!
Love and miss you!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
MacGyver, creepy creatures, care packages and more
This weekend I found out that I am a little bit of a MacGyver....who knew? I had the "wonderful" experience of hand washing my clothes on Saturday. That was interesting since the instructions for the laundry soap were in Indonesian. But, I figured it out and got my clothes clean. Well, once they were washed, I needed to hang them to dry outside. I quickly realized that my little drying rack was not going to accommodate all of my clothes. Luckily, I had purchased some rope at the store. After figuring out how to tie up a laundry line (the walls around my backyard patio are 15-20 foot concrete walls without any places to tie up rope), I was ready to hang my clothes up to dry. Well, the rope was hanging at an angle, which meant all my clothes would slide down the rope and end up in the dirt. Bagawgan! (that would be Amanda's word for SNAP!) Oh, and I forgot to purchase clothespins. Double Bagawgan! Ok, so here's the MacGyver part of the story, it turns out that bobby pins work like clothespins. Yep, I hung up all my clothes with bobby pins...and they stayed! Bobby pins do squat for keeping my hair in place so it's good to know they are good for something. Ok, so the other MacGyver story is that masking tape works to fix a leaky faucet. Ah, I love these problem solving adventures!
As I was getting ready for bed last night, I discovered this thing slithering across my floor. Thing is the only way to describe it. At first I thought it was a worm but, upon closer inspection, I discovered it had legs. Eww!! I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs for someone to kill it for me but, I do not have a knight in shining armor (or any brothers or dads) in Indonesia and I quickly realized that no one would be coming to my rescue. I know you all know how fiercely independent I am but, when it comes to creepy things, I am all about being girly and letting someone save me. So, I got out the broom and dust pan and started attacking the thing. I cut it in half but, it wouldn't die! Again, Eww!! Eventually, I got all the parts swept up and dumped them out the front door. Yuck! Yuck! Yuck! Yuck! I hate creepy crawly things!
Interesting Indonesian Fact Of The Day: To say that Indonesians are obsessed with being married is an understatement. Every time I meet someone, they ask if I have been to Bali and then they ask if I am married. I say no. Then they ask if I have a boyfriend to which I respond no. Oh, and one girl actually said, "Are you sure?" Pretty sure if I had a boyfriend, I would know it. If the person asking me this question is single as well, they let me know and then tell me how sad it is being single and how they want to be married. Sheesh! Oh, and when we did introductions at school the first thing people stated, after their name, was their relationship status. Example: My name is Alex. Single. I teach math. We single expats have a good laugh over this.
I finally figured out my address here and where I can have people send things! I have a big list of things I wish I had brought with me and things I miss from America. So, if you would like to send me any care packages, just e-mail me. I will let you know what I would love to receive and the address where you can send it. And a big THANK YOU to anyone who wants to send me a piece of home!
Much love!
As I was getting ready for bed last night, I discovered this thing slithering across my floor. Thing is the only way to describe it. At first I thought it was a worm but, upon closer inspection, I discovered it had legs. Eww!! I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs for someone to kill it for me but, I do not have a knight in shining armor (or any brothers or dads) in Indonesia and I quickly realized that no one would be coming to my rescue. I know you all know how fiercely independent I am but, when it comes to creepy things, I am all about being girly and letting someone save me. So, I got out the broom and dust pan and started attacking the thing. I cut it in half but, it wouldn't die! Again, Eww!! Eventually, I got all the parts swept up and dumped them out the front door. Yuck! Yuck! Yuck! Yuck! I hate creepy crawly things!
Interesting Indonesian Fact Of The Day: To say that Indonesians are obsessed with being married is an understatement. Every time I meet someone, they ask if I have been to Bali and then they ask if I am married. I say no. Then they ask if I have a boyfriend to which I respond no. Oh, and one girl actually said, "Are you sure?" Pretty sure if I had a boyfriend, I would know it. If the person asking me this question is single as well, they let me know and then tell me how sad it is being single and how they want to be married. Sheesh! Oh, and when we did introductions at school the first thing people stated, after their name, was their relationship status. Example: My name is Alex. Single. I teach math. We single expats have a good laugh over this.
I finally figured out my address here and where I can have people send things! I have a big list of things I wish I had brought with me and things I miss from America. So, if you would like to send me any care packages, just e-mail me. I will let you know what I would love to receive and the address where you can send it. And a big THANK YOU to anyone who wants to send me a piece of home!
Much love!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Bombings in Jakarta
I just heard about the bombings at some hotels in Jakarta. I wanted to let you all know that I am fine. I live in Surabaya, which is an hour plane ride south of Jakarta so I am not in any danger.
I Love You, You Love Me
Yes, you read that title right. I have been hearing that song non-stop all week! The kids sing it every morning and then the teachers actually sing or hum it throughout the day. And I think they like it! The only thing that gets me through is singing the "other" lyrics in my head every time I hear someone sing or hum it. I'm so tempted to teach it to the kids. Maybe on my last day of school...
I was told before coming here that Indonesians are really quiet and shy. Well, I haven't really seen that. The people at my school and in my community are actually really loud. It seems like they yell all the time, like that is their only volume control. However, no one talks to me so that may be the shy factor.
They often play American music on the loudspeakers at the mall. Only it is cheesy 80s & 90s music, which I love! The other day I was singing along to "I'll Be Your Everything" by Tommy Page! Oh, that takes me back to junior high. Yeah, so there are many times when I use that phrase but, it is just so classic to be listening to Tommy Page and Styx and Air Supply! Now if they would just play a little New Kids on the Block...
Last night I went to the Food Festival with some new friends. I, of course, was the only bule (Westerner) there. It's this outdoor area with a bunch of food shops, carnival games, stores and a concert stage. We ate at a yummy restaurant and then listened to the concert. The guy sang songs in Indonesian but also sang Ne-Yo and Usher. But when they started singing "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men, I about lost it! It was actually really good, so good that I am not sure they weren't lip syncing. But the Boyz II Men part reminded me of going to their concert with Kristi and Travis. Mmm, I still love Boyz II Men! Anyway, at this concert (the one yesterday) there were some guys taking pictures. I swear they had their camera on me most of the time. It's weird. They want to take pictures of me at things because if they get a picture of a bule there, then Indonesians will want to come. So, apparently, I am cool in Indonesia. Oh, if they only knew...
My new house is pretty nice. I like it there. I am excited to have a front yard and a back patio! However, I do not have a oven. I don't think they do ovens here. So, I am trying to figure out recipes that don't require an oven. There goes my thoughts of making Birthday chicken on my birthday! So, if you have any recipe ideas, send them my way! I do have a microwave, toaster over, stove top, and giant rice cooker. And I am thinking about getting a crock pot. I also do not have a washing machine. I am thinking about getting one. They are about $300 here. Starting in August, I will hire someone to come in once a week to clean and do the laundry. And all for $20 a month! I love Indonesia!
So, I discovered the Super Wal-mart of Indonesia. It is called Hypermart. They have lots of stuff for pretty cheap there! Well, everything in Indonesia is cheap. But, they have everything there! I was pretty excited to discover this as I had no idea where to find a broom or mop or dish towels or an alarm clock or ...
Just for your entertainment, let me share with you the typical conversation I have with Indonesians when we first meet:
Me: Hi, I'm Heather.
Them: Hi, I'm so-and-so.
Them: First time to Indonesia?
Me: Yes.
Them: Have you been to Bali?
Me: No, but I want to go.
Yeah, so I have had that conversation no less than 50 times since I have been here. Apparently, Bali is the place to go. Maybe I can make a weekend trip there next month...
Well, I have to get back to searching for teaching ideas. I love and miss you guys! "I love you, you love me ..." Grr!
I was told before coming here that Indonesians are really quiet and shy. Well, I haven't really seen that. The people at my school and in my community are actually really loud. It seems like they yell all the time, like that is their only volume control. However, no one talks to me so that may be the shy factor.
They often play American music on the loudspeakers at the mall. Only it is cheesy 80s & 90s music, which I love! The other day I was singing along to "I'll Be Your Everything" by Tommy Page! Oh, that takes me back to junior high. Yeah, so there are many times when I use that phrase but, it is just so classic to be listening to Tommy Page and Styx and Air Supply! Now if they would just play a little New Kids on the Block...
Last night I went to the Food Festival with some new friends. I, of course, was the only bule (Westerner) there. It's this outdoor area with a bunch of food shops, carnival games, stores and a concert stage. We ate at a yummy restaurant and then listened to the concert. The guy sang songs in Indonesian but also sang Ne-Yo and Usher. But when they started singing "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men, I about lost it! It was actually really good, so good that I am not sure they weren't lip syncing. But the Boyz II Men part reminded me of going to their concert with Kristi and Travis. Mmm, I still love Boyz II Men! Anyway, at this concert (the one yesterday) there were some guys taking pictures. I swear they had their camera on me most of the time. It's weird. They want to take pictures of me at things because if they get a picture of a bule there, then Indonesians will want to come. So, apparently, I am cool in Indonesia. Oh, if they only knew...
My new house is pretty nice. I like it there. I am excited to have a front yard and a back patio! However, I do not have a oven. I don't think they do ovens here. So, I am trying to figure out recipes that don't require an oven. There goes my thoughts of making Birthday chicken on my birthday! So, if you have any recipe ideas, send them my way! I do have a microwave, toaster over, stove top, and giant rice cooker. And I am thinking about getting a crock pot. I also do not have a washing machine. I am thinking about getting one. They are about $300 here. Starting in August, I will hire someone to come in once a week to clean and do the laundry. And all for $20 a month! I love Indonesia!
So, I discovered the Super Wal-mart of Indonesia. It is called Hypermart. They have lots of stuff for pretty cheap there! Well, everything in Indonesia is cheap. But, they have everything there! I was pretty excited to discover this as I had no idea where to find a broom or mop or dish towels or an alarm clock or ...
Just for your entertainment, let me share with you the typical conversation I have with Indonesians when we first meet:
Me: Hi, I'm Heather.
Them: Hi, I'm so-and-so.
Them: First time to Indonesia?
Me: Yes.
Them: Have you been to Bali?
Me: No, but I want to go.
Yeah, so I have had that conversation no less than 50 times since I have been here. Apparently, Bali is the place to go. Maybe I can make a weekend trip there next month...
Well, I have to get back to searching for teaching ideas. I love and miss you guys! "I love you, you love me ..." Grr!
Pics of the Crib
My neighbor's house. When they first dropped me off, I was afraid this would be my house.
My house
The kitchen, minus a stove.
The bathroom. Here the sinks are outside of the bathrooms. The shower is just an shower head and a drain on the floor so no shower stall or bathtub. Interesting!
The back of my house. Yes, that is a clothes drying rack. I have to hand wash all my clothes...for now. I am hiring someone to clean and do laundry once a week. All for $20 a month!
My back patio. I want to put some chairs and maybe a table out here so I can sit outside, even if it is blazing hot!
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