Routine is now beginning to take shape in Salatiga. This is our second day of language study and I am finding it pretty humbling. I realize how much I was depending on other people last week to translate and speak for me as I slowly try to grasp the sounds and structure of a foreign language. There are 8 of us taking classes together. We go from 8-10am, split up, and do another 2 hours each group with a break for lunch and small istirahat (breaks) in between. The teacher is extremely patient and is used to teaching SALTers how to say 'No more food, I am already full' (Tidak lagi makan, sudah kenyang).
For the next six weeks I am living with a guy who works at MCC in Salatiga. He and his wife have two kids who are 5 and 2. They are SO cuuuute! And the 5-year-old is very eager to help us learn Bahasa Indonesia, since he knows a lot of English words to translate for us. Today is actually the 2-year-old's birthday so a few extended family members will be coming for celebratory dinner. We got bikes yesterday to get around with in the city, which is pretty intimidating at times, but I'm getting used to it. Someone told me last week that Indonesians drive for survival, which may be a reflection of how many people must live to provide for their families. I can identify a little bit with the survival part when I am on my bike going around rickshaws and carts, with public bus/vans (Angkota) and motorcycles passing on the right. People drive on the left side of the road, so it's extra confusing at times.
The thing I've missed most in terms of food is cheese. I've eaten a lot of good food (fried chicken, tempeh, fried rice, fruits I'd never heard of before, fish lip soup!!, seafood...) and had some good laughs at myself. I have to go eat some lunch now and then get to class.
Selamat siang!
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