I've settled in to a routine here and I guess I can safely say that I am used to my new home and job. The days are actually flying by, much like they do at home when I'm working. School is very busy - there is lots expected as far as feedback to the parents goes - a weekly individual newsletter on each child and a bimonthly class newsletter. This takes me a long time as it involves importing photos of each child and some written information too about what they are doing. This week we are also completing a "settling in" form which is emailed to each parent in preparation for conferences the following week. Then, we have a week off and I'm heading for Bali! I've also heard this week that I'm being sent to Mumbai for Professional Development for three days in November! Every teacher in an International Bacculaureate School has to get the Primary Years Program training within their first year in the school - very exciting! I think I will have to watch "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" again.
I thought I would write a bit about the culture here. The people are very friendly. Being Western attracts a bit of attention and people will call out in English as you go by. The majority of the population is Muslim and all day long we hear the "call to prayer". There are prayer rooms (musholas) in all the public buildings, malls etc. Most Muslim women wear a headscarf and long skirts or pants and long sleeves but I rarely seen them wearing the full face cover.
The Indonesian people are warm and friendly. They have a take as it comes attitude and anything that happens is "nasib" (destiny). Class distinction is very evident. My school has worked hard to overcome some of this and everyone is expected to treat others with respect which seems normal to us, but here, with the heirarchy, it is very evident who is at the top and bottom of the totem pole. Anyone in a position of authority is "Guru". White = Fat= Wealthy, so anyone who it too thin is pitied. When you meet someone for the first time that day, he/she will ask "Have you eaten?" but it translates literally to "have you had rice yet?" and if you haven't had rice, you haven't really eaten!
Everything is about saving face. The people are very gentle (even the handshake is light) and shyness is part of being polite. When asked a question, they can't say they don't know and are "takut" afraid of getting it wrong. They can't give an answer that disappoints, so yes doesn't always mean yes, which makes for some interesting situations at school. Where we tend to be very black and white, here everything is shades of grey!
For all of this, the Indonesian people can be very direct with their questions and within a few minutes of meeting you will ask very personal questions - What's your name? Where are you from? Then moving on quickly to, Are you married? Do you have children? What is your religion? What is your work? These questions aren't being rude, they are just interested and trying to place you in the heirarchy that is their life.
People here talk about "rubber time" - stores don't necessarily open at a certain time or sometimes at all! Deliveries may or may not arrive when scheduled. Speaking of deliveries, I'm still waiting for my shipment from home! I heard it had arrived in Jakarta Port two weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear more. Two other teachers got their shipment on Friday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this week! My wardrobe is getting pretty monotonous!
Well that's all for now. Please keep sending those emails. I love hearing from home!
No comments:
Post a Comment