Okay: Key points only... I don’t want this turning into some sappy blog.
So I landed in Jakarta, via Depassar. I ticked the narcotic drug box on my quarantine piece of paper as I was going through customs... Nothing. They didn’t search me or anything. Just waved end through. I’m half waiting for them to barge through my host family’s door and arrest me. I thought that was funny.
(Me and Leo On the Bus to Bandung!!!) Wasn't expecting it to Flash...
From there I piled onto the bus. Did I mention there are no road rules in Indonesian. And me and Leo had the first two seats, right at the front, watching as the bus went from one side of the road to the other into oncoming traffic. Small and thin motor bikes were swerving with great accuracy between the trucks, cars and our bus. Beeps were flying backwards and forth. I discussed with Leo what type of beeps meant what. In the end we agreed;
• Quick and sharp beep: What’s going on ay?/I’m in your blind spot (since I had to move around you because you’re moving too slow...)
• Long and prolong beep: Can you move out of my way now!
• Lots of Long and Prolonged beeps in quick precession: What the F*** are you doing? Cutting me off like that?
When I got off the bus there were men shouting in Bahasa, asking me whether I wanted a taxi and an umbrella. I only know this because the lady I befriended on the seat next to me, told me what they were asking. They kept asking me, eventually I said ‘tidak’ and from then on they just kept staring at me. Especially the small boy leaning on the pole. In fact, here everyone stares at me.
My Host Family sister say’s I should expect to be called ‘Bule’ though it hasn’t happened yet. It means foreigner with white skin and blond hair. My Host Family’s house is really nice. It has two storeys and a HUGE gate outside. I’m still getting use to the toilet and cold shower. But I will manage.
(In the Middle of the Biggest Mall in Bandung) Standing in the Sunflower Garden
I went out yesterday to the biggest shopping mall in Bandung. The streets are so busy and crowded. As Bagus told me the traffic here is very congested, especially so on a Saturday when people come down from Jakarta to shop. As we moved slowly along the roads to our destinations, people walked in the middle of the traffic, either begging or selling drinks or toys. This one time I saw a child curled up sleeping next to a fence. My heart dropped. Sure I have seen homeless children in the streets on Perth, but this child was so young and he looked like he had no mother.
(Crap Toy this Man was Trying to Sell in the Middle of the Street) Note: He didn't leave me alone after I took the picture... Just kept standing in the MIDDLE of the street... Staring at me....
Everything is so raw here. And it’s really hit me in the heart. Basically if you aren’t born into a family with ‘X Y Z’ then your standard of living is crap. Sure I knew that living in Australia, because I was born in Australia in the first place, so I had X Y Z and then some. But here you see it on such a basic and raw level. You see people struggling to survive, taking each day as there last unless they get that 1000 Rp bill from a kind stranger as they drive along.
I was really tired at the end of my first day. Taking everything in, trying to listen to broken English and learn the beginnings of Bahasa. But today it has paid off. I am surprising even my host family with how fast I am learning the language. They say I am a quick learner. I think it is TOTALLY AWESOME learning a new language.
(Dimas my brother and Putri my Sister) They are an Awesome Host Family!!!
Did I mention the children here are SO CUTE!!!! My host family has a little boy called Dimas and a baby girl. Dimas was shy to talk to me at first, but with some English jokes and some shopping he’s come around. The cute baby girl, who is eight months, stares at me as if I am a creature from Mars. I can just imagine her thought bubble “That tall white tree doesn’t look like my Dad or Mum, What the?...” I have taken plenty of photos of Dimas, but haven’t managed to take a snap of the cute baby girl.
Well stay tuned for my next blog. I’m off now to spend the Sunday with my Host Family. I’ll write another post to talk about my day!
Xo Shez
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