Jakarta: Phase 2

Meet this fine group of teachers - selected from all over Indonesia based on their performance during my Phase 1 training and also some geo-political facts (for example, this one teacher from a school on a small island near Sumatra, called Simileu, simply had to come...she was the ONE...chosen to represent and serve the entire island). These teachers (30) came to Jakarta for the Phase 2 training, a week long, for then to be serving potentially as regional resource teachers - and some of them were flying for the first time ever. Even though, the group was somewhat too big to handle and for to pay attention to their indvidual and provincial special needs, we had a fruitful and good time - learning from each other.
Phase 2 was building on knowledge foundation that the teachers received during the Phase 1 training, reviewing and expanding it. And in addition, highlighting the key aspects for them what does it actually mean to be a resource teacher.


Well, before they could come for the Phase 2 training, their "training record" had to be in good standing, meaning they had to finish all the requirements as requested at the conclusion of the Phase 1. For example, modified their classrooms and develop simple for-their-students-appropriate books. And majority did really a great job....as you can observe.



And some of them...hmmmm...not that good....as you can observe (below). Yes, the most beautiful one is me. (Hint, yellow hair and on the head little horns-like...hmmm...like sunglasses.)

Anyway, I was nicely surprised by their enthusiasm, hard-work and creativity (hmmm....let me put it that way). Most important part then was sharing post-phase 1 experience from the classroom - what worked for them and what did not, what they would like to learn more. For the very first time, teachers of deaf students from all over Indonesia had a chance to came together and talk about their professional experience, about their perspectives on teaching children with hearing loss....on deaf education in Indonesia. In most, their shared lots of frustration, sadly.

One day, we went to visit a school for children with multiple disabilities - one of the best schools in Indonesia, called Rawinala. It is a private school and therefore, the possibilities differ...however, it was useful and important for them to see that things can be done in different way. The school visit bring new level of energy for them, and therefore we could also finish our Phase 2 training with an ambitious action plan - activities that teachers will try to implement in a period of 4 month, until my next visit. They got lots of new ideas, new materials...and now it is time for them to make it reality. It was their turn, to make changes.

I told them...not to be sad (as some of them were ...hmmmm....crying at this point)... as this is a new beginning, a first step they are making to improve educational experience of their students with hearing loss. And I believe that they will try hard and wish them a good luck!


See you in November, dear guru-guru :)

Aceh in Sumatra

My last island I have visited was Sumatra. And there, a province named Aceh which is placed very up north. Aceh is very famouse in Indonesia, for variety of reasons - not all so amusing. Because of people in Aceh and their donations, Indonesia could buy its first commercial plane and start aviation service, after declaring Indonesia's independence in about after WWII. But, pretty much since that time as well, Aceh was fighting for its own independence from Indonesia. It was a serious with arms-involved conflict and Aceh was not accessible and open to just anyone. The whole incident cruelly ended by a hit of enormous tsunami coming from Indian Ocean in December of 2004...impacting lives of millions of people in Aceh (and, yes, at the same in Thailand, India and other places). And now, in 2008, you can still see the tsunami touch all over the coast (over 100 km!) and especially in the capitol city, Banda Aceh. That's where I stayed. Every Sunday, the whole city was out of power for almost entire day, roads were still developing...houses still ruined. But, there was also amazing work done - at least, all people have roof over their heads now thanks to international community and there are new schools or mosques. The other fact Aceh is outstanding for is that the whole provice is following Sharyah islamic law. Which means, for women that is, to be covered from head to toes or not to go out in night without a male companion (husband or family member). It also means, no alcohol in the province and sleeping with ear-plugs if you dont want to hear this typical call for prayer coming from mosques at 430am everyday. So, that was a place where I stayed for about 3 weeks. I have to say, that i was leaving Jakarta a bit anxious as people gave me lots of these serious-face comments and recomendations. Aceh - tsunami, hot, mosquitoes, Sharyah law...and strange people who dont understand well bahasa Indonesia (but, hey, so did i). As I said, no reason to look excitedly foward to this experience.

And then, I arrived...

And, things were almost as poeple said. It was hot and mosquitos welcomed me at the airport. And with first steps into the airport building, un-covered women got quickly coverd. And so did I. Even though, not all "white" women take it that seriously. Then, on my way to my guest house, I could see and feel the bumpy roads. And traffic very mellow and simple which represented the first positive aspect of life in Aceh. The next one I experienced after I arriving into my guest house - and meeting with Ibu Ipah. The house was great, big and clean with a cozy patio and beautiful garden. And Ibu Ipah very sincere, talking fast and with many words, and almost nothing in English. My room was a decent size, clean, with BR and AC. And clean...Ok, a great accommodation, in addition with a decent landlord, checked.

And then, next day, I met with 'my teachers' - 20 of them. A big group. But...not all that strange-minded. Rather, patiently awaiting new words to come. On recommendation of my boss, I slowed down a bit and extended the training. And so, I got to know the teachers more then in other provinces, and vice versa, I guess. This time, our training started in the middle of the week and I was hoping for a teacher-free day on Sunday, but...I got a straw hat from them and invitation on the beach. They did not have enough of me during the training. Oh, well... The training went well and we even had some fun. And actually, best participant from all the provinces came from Aceh - young teacher, completely open-minded, smart, focused and ready for updating her career. No body expected this to happen, definitely no one in HKI.

The next good thing, as you might remember, was Ibu Ipah. She was a home stay lady, neat and a great cook. Her seafood...hmmm...just heaven in my mouth. Be it tuna, shark, squid..sardines...you name it. Spicy, lots of lime....delicious. Her and her husband really appreciated that I am such a avid, well, eater ...and took me to several trip to local fishermen's villages where we, or rather they (in local bahasa Aceh), were picking up and negotiating our lunch or dinner. Great time. And opportunity for using my straw hat again.

And not only fishermen...but due to Ibu Ipah social spirit I could also attend a local wedding and even an aerobic session (yes, you are reading and understanding it correctly) with a very spicy islamic instructor. All unique experiences (even though, I obviously knew what is aerobic;). Ibu Ipah was obviously missing a daughter in her family; she was living in all male household (3 sons, husband). She was happy to socialize with me....even though, there was a significant language barrier. But, she did not care...and talk...and talk...and talk....and, well, I listened...and did not understand much. I know she was sincere.

And thanks to my school visits, I got to see also the landscapes out of the capitol city - real Indonesia, Sumatra. I was hoping to see bunch of elephenats...as 35 of them "visited" and searched a nearby village during my stay in the area...but I have only seen one. Oh well, maybe next time, right? But, I have got to see lots of monkeys...as they are just essential features of the Aceh country side. Same as palm trees..and goats...and buffaloes...and yes, mosquitoes.

Well, well...Aceh was really a lovely dot after my weeks-lasting islands hopping. And Ibu Ipah gave me a box of her delicious tuna as a farewell gift. And, furthermore, she brought me to the airport a bag of pisang goreng (roasted bananas) at last minute! (after I already passed the security points, so that I had to go out and meet her and then pass them agian...with my roasted bananas bag).... which I got to chew on and remember her for next 2 days (and, sure, even beyond).

Then, leaving for Jakarta was not all that easy and without a certain sentiment...for Aceh and its people, and Ibu Ipah. I know whenever, and if, I come to Aceh again, it will be almost like coming to home to a family. I will be always welcomed.

And now, getting ready for almost last phase of my mission - phase 2 - training for selected teachers (of phase 1) which will be happening next week here, in Jakarta. Back to work.

PS. Notice the date of my post and wish me luck! I will do the same for you.

Indonesia is beautiful...and I am too

As I already mentioned to you, I had a chance to hop some islands with beautiful places....so, below you will find some examples.

This was my everyday breakfast veiw in my hotel in Solo.

This was an evening shot of a beach in Bali.

My breakfast spot in Bali.

Noble rice fields in Bali.

Shot from my trip to a small island near Makassar.

Well, as I already mentioned, locals lo-call me "Cantik" on daily basis. Group in Solo draw my picture and all signed it with a statement: Ibu Martina cantik. (Do I need to translate it, again?) Now, you can choose here - me or the rice fields ;)

Islands hopping

Well, hello again to you, all. Do you still remember me?

After a while, a decent internet connection! That's what I thought when I got to the office of HKI in Makassar (South Sulawesi island)....but, of course, not really :( Electricity is kicking out almost every hour (it is actually a problem of this office only as it has small power capacity and no backup) and therefore, the internet connection as well. Plus, the office locals have an "official protocol" how to set it up back to work, meaning not everyone in the office can do it (even if he/she knows how to do it), but only for that purpose officially "trained" and "designated" person can perform this task. If this person is out of the office...then, yes, the internet is not working :) I think this scenario is actually worst (for the internet-wired mind...as mine) than just get use to a fact that there is no internet connection at all.

So, after I arrived, I wanted to provide you with some update about me and Indonesia. But...things progress in slower pace. I am not sure if other Google people noticed, Google doesn't allow you to cut and paste...or is that just me? What I was trying to do was to draft my blog on a blank page (out of my blog), but I am not able to transfer it/copy it to my blog site (and same experience with Gmail). Any suggestions here? (Besides, to quit Google?)

Anyway, what I wanted to really share with you is...that I have actually finished my 3rd round of the teachers training! Yes, I am in half of my way throughout Indonesia....and only one more group to instruct. About a month ago, I left my apartment in Jakarta with one suitcase, one small backpack, my laptop, yoga mat and at the airport I added my personal assistant/interpreter (named Lina)....to get through variety of Indonesian islands. I have to admit that, so far, my journey was a wonderful and stimulating experience....meeting great people, seeing new and different places - even if not always completely cheerful or highly esthetic (to Western standards). But, I guess, most of you who traveled abroad to not so developed world might share similar moments....if you had a chance to go out to the local community.

So, I left Jakarta (West Java) for training in Solo (in Central Java). Solo is really a small city, if compared to Jakarta, of provincial character surrounded by rice fields, and one can notice that by a dramatically decreased number of cars...not motorcycles, though. (I already know by now that motorcycles are everywhere Indonesia...in endless numbers.) Even the HKI office is modest and it is also the newest (from all the HKI offices over the main islands). Things are happening a bit slower here, generally. To my surprise, the office and even my hotel had wireless connection....because, as I could learn, it is afterall cheaper...yet, as I could also learn, way slooower (as it's open to everyone). Geee...real advantage. But, it did not have to bother me much as I forgot my wireless card in Jakarta. No wonder you did not read from me while in Solo, even though, I was actually quite busy there, socially that is. I was doing training all day (from 8 to 5) and after I finished the office staff wanted to talk...as they were new in all this and barely meet someone (Czech) like me...I was tired when heading back to my hotel which was quite lovely (wait to see the pics!) and really looking forward to a little solitude...(hotel had swimming pool, gym and HBO!..great for rebound).

I have to say that I was really nervous about doing the training in such culturally and geo-politically different country; not sure what reactions to expect. And I was so happy and relieved to find out that my first training group in Jakarta was so accepting...and appreciative...and that overall training was so smooth. I could test my training structure, materials, games, jokes...and interpreters. I got better feeling about my Indonesian audience and realized that my training might actually be Indonesia-accessible (even if some modifications would have to be done). Jakarta group was of perfect size (11 - 12), rather experienced teachers, wanted to learn and paid great attention (if not sleeping...as some of them had to wake up around 4 -5 to beat the city morning traffic or simply commuting about 2 hours each way!). Half of the participants were men, generally more responsive than women and cracking some jokes. Well, this Jakarta group took it way easier than I did...and they provided me with a very useful feedback. So, thanks again, to them all. My post-training classroom visits were great experience as well...for all of us. I found out that they really care if I see their classrooms...and that for some of them it was really emotional moment. As they told me, I gave them a new hope in their uneasy task of teaching deaf children (mostly from poor background)....and they hug me a lot...and took a lot of pictures with me. Well, they all gave hope to me that my journey in Indonesia will be worthy. (Picture of my Jakarta group provided previously.)

My experience in Solo was quite similar...sincere people...even if group dynamic was slightly different. This group was dominated by women, some with a strong orall-approach background and belief. At least, this strongly oral-method oriented schools were private and had somewhat pretty classroom environment. They could be schools with great achievements if only children were early identified, provided with hearing aids and coming very regularly since early childhood. Parents in Solo area were poorer than in Jakarta and most children did not come to school very often. Some teachers had 3 students, but only 2 came on regular basis. Even if there is no school tuition, parents still needs to pay for books, pencils..uniforms....and also for transportation which might be sometimes too expensive as too far. Some parents are also ashamed to send their children with special needs to school...or simply, and sadly, they dont see a need to send them to school. Therefore, I usually spend my first training day explaining teachers that they should be the one who advocate for the children ....for their education, everywhere and with everyone. I even talk about this conceptual model of disability...I think that they are actually getting my point only that mostly they are stuck in the system machinery...It almost seems that someone (like, well, me) needs to explain the whole concept to principals...and government...and everything will change? Hmmm.... I told them that they need to have more pictures and prints in their classrooms as deaf children are visual learners...and they said OK and did it. Geee....are things really that simple? (Hint, nobody told them this before!) The schools are generally in miserable conditions, sadly looking (usually dark) rooms with old furniture....yet, being a teacher is a good and secure position with a governmnet and therefore, sought out especially by women (salary is not that great, though...as always). Schools visit is always fun as I am meeting with children, yet, painful together. Simply said...there is lots of talking talking talking to ...deaf ears.

While in Central Java, I have also attended a celebration related to launching emergency preparedness program for schools with children with special needs in Jogja (back in Jogja, already familiar place). It was a great example as one "Samaritan" organization (mix of German and British) realized that the emergency plan they developed (related to tsunami and earthquake) is not accessible to population with special needs. So, they actually developed new ones with help of local disability community, tailored to their special evacuation-mobil-communication needs. Obviously, most challenges were related to communication needs of deaf children...Even if the shooting of DVD took place in oral schools, participants were preferably using sing communication...and even this "oral" teachers, when trained for emergency situations, had to actually use signs to communicate with their deaf students. (And then, back to the oral way.) Well, well...what a pathetic world.

It is also fun as I am a big attraction there..."white lady is visiting"....everyone wants to touch me and/or take a picture with me - not only children, but adults too. I sometimes feel like Angelina J....(hey, they ALL tell me I am "cantik"....beautiful!). And also that my skin (still white as not expose to Indonesian sun much, yet) is bagus (good)...which is a bit scary and...annoying (after a while...from children who can barely say/sign their names!). Hmm....women are probably never happy about their breasts and skin-colors....(i just wanted to tell them that lots of white women are roasting themselves in expensive like-sun-ray-beauty salons...just to get a shade darker). Scary is that you can see commercials on TV implying that if you would have whiter skin you would get better job! Ironically, you can watch Oprah all day long here (you know, old re-runs) and in between dozen commercials for women about magical skin-whitening creams (white in 48 hours!)...that can bring them a model-job contract (white skin is a good business in whitening salons here). Well, even Oprah apparently can't solve all the problems in the world. And, even though Indonesian support Obama, they still care about and pay for having a white skin (racisism per se is taboo to them?). Once again, what a pathetic world we have....

From Central Java, lucky plane dropped me in Bali island...for my short break by ocean (far from HKI business). I was enjoying this summer like feeling by ocean and pool (and a bit roasting my white skin), and also did a bit sightseeing (wait to see my pictures!). Bali was busy but I can imagine that it probably must be worst during the full turist season (which is probably not that enjoyable place anymore); even now, it is hard to escape street-sellers...(offering everytying from postcards to real hand-made and just-for-you Gucci bags). And when browsing through the island (observing noble rice fields, monkey forest, coffee, people) you can discover how ridiculously overpriced furniture and home decore from Bali you actually buying in your favorite Piere 1 or West Elm (not sure if I will be ever able to buy something like that back in States, anymore).

After Bali, it was quite bothering to go back to the city...such as Makassar... which is a main city on the island called South Sulawesi (and is 3rd biggest city in Indonesia). Well, time to get back to business...It was one of the hottest day when I landed in Makassar and lucky for me, the AC in car did not work. This time, no hotel, but a room in HKI house (downstairs offices, upstairs rooms)...not far to go to work, right? Well, as I have finished the training, the set up actually worked well....only, no place where to really escape and people are very social....And I get lots of invitations to visit this and that...and have dinner with this one and that one....and people just want to chat about everything. It was actually challenging sometimes ...as this training group was my biggest so far...and it was notso easy going at the beginning (or maybe, it was me who stressed once again?). Yes, I think I am a bit particular about things, but it is just because I really care that people get my points...and things go well (I have lots of handouts, lots of particular jokes, certain structure....and sometimes really not sure what is lost in translation). But, this group reaction was really surprising...and even more emotional than in previous groups (tears in participant eyes!). Maybe, it was also because we had a deaf woman present (just wanted to be present during the training, and had an interpreter)...and she was kind of serving and reacting as my "proofreader"? (Cheering up when I was talking about sign language...about ignorance of providing deaf children with visual stimulation...teaching them proper syntax...) Well, this group was pretty much all about oral method (when we started - one participant stating that "sign language is not human communication"), but all pro-sign communication when we finish. But...to crack the nut...one needed to stay focused and to play a big show (and be beautiful?)! Lucky for me, I could collect a decent number of authentic Indonesian examples while visiting schools and interacting with teachers which helped a lot when proving my points about creating accessible deaf education. (What also helped is knowing a bit of bahasa Indonesia...to be able to give examples related to language developement and language teaching). Otherwise, special schools are as miserable as everywhere in Indonesia. It is interesting to see difference in one building sharing mainstream and special classrooms; it is like to enter two different worlds. Once again, someone (well, like me) needs to come and tell them (to sped. ed. teachers..and all) very directly - can you godamn put some pictures on the wall for these deaf students?!
And I will have to do this all over, once again, with another group of teachers - next time in Aceh, Sumatra.

Aspects from life

It is heavy raining this afternoon in Jakarta (look below, out of my window...moving pool water). And... I realized that I have already collected some decent number of pictures (and, also, did not post anything for a while) capturing my time in Java (only, so far), sooo...this blog will be rather a little picture gallery. I am sure, you have a better (aka speedy) connection than I do and therefore, seeing my pics should not be a problem, right?

I did not show you my cool and cozy crib, yet, too. Here are pictures of two important spots - my bed and a rattan chair (so, Indonesian) - spots that I am mostly writing my blog from.

Several pictures documenting transportation - streets, so common motorcycles (some of them almost flying), favorite cab from service called Blue Bird, small and noisy personal bajaj, example of a bus station and, of course, also an example of Mr. Cop. But, you would not have to worry about getting any ticket here - seems to me that THEY do not care. The most exciting moment for everyone is a fact that there is a traffic flow...movement...if not...then we (I) go crazy...as I am spending lots of my time in a car, going places accross Jakarta. Soo, there better be a movement on the streets (grrrr...I guess, that is the only thing I can really do with it...grrrr...).

And here, below, are some pictures related to facilities located in my 'hood. Family BB Pet Shop, placed right next to a delicious Hot Dog joint. (Hmm...one need to really wonder; but I can't seem to find anywhere on this popular joint a code B1 which in Indonesia means "we are eating dogs here"..hot or cold, up to you).

And these below are documenting some store-buildings in post-modern style (or something like that)....a restaurant and Center for chhildren and moms called Mom's and I...

Modern Chinese restaurant...

and good ol' Krispy Kreem

and one true Italian....

And this Organic below is a local version of Whole Food store - you can find pretty much everything that you do in American version, yet..if you are itching about the prices there, then here are even higher (my favorite Soy Milk costs $5-6)

Related to Addidas, it is interesting that you need to actually fly to Germany (or elsewhere in developed part of the world) to get Addidas t-shirt made in Indonesia. The local store offers only limited items - made in Bangladesh.

Down here are showed variations of many local eateries (hmmm....is that English word?) - typically, they are called warung. I am going to one of these to get my lunch when in HKI office. Usually, the food is tasty (lots of frying, here, though..)...but the environment is not always that kosher.....But, one (I) can get use to it....(I guess because the iron-like and big "dishes" that I am supposed to collect the food from reminds me my childhood....I used to take a bath in those when staying over my grandma.)

Mr. Walking-with-Food...

and Mr. Pushing-the-Food

These food carts (with beef-dumplings soup and noodles) are sooo damn commmon ...and popular....they are creating a physical and social barrier as they are occupying any spot alongside the street that could be slightly reminding - or could be used as! - a sidewalk that non-interested-in-eating-this-meetballs citizens and I could enjoy for walking...(damn).

And the best at the end....about animals. You already saw one evil version of a local cat previously, well...here they are 3 of them....evil cats street assembly. Do I really need to mention that I was feeling uncomfortably there? (I bet they would like to chew on me....or curse me to hell.)

And this creature (easily bigger than my hand - which is a little bit of a childish size, I admit) came across my way when visiting the anchient palace Borobudur (in Central Java). Now, lucky for everyone who is cheering up for me these days (and always)....cuz....if a guy would not stay near IT (warning me)....i could seriously bump in to IT and ...and....and ....that could be seriously it. The end.

Hope you enjoyed all (ALL) the pictures!

First victims

It's over!

I finished my first week of training! Yeah, it feels great. Really. And here are the first victims of mine. And I think that they actually learned something from me...and ...and...also liked me.

And I am tired now...and I am going to chill a bit ...with something coldish in my hand...by the blueish pool near by my window. Oh, oh... dolce vita.

I went to Giant

You know, I have no time to look for coupons. I live in a town house and saving for single family house...and I know when I go to...and that is why (according to a commercial running in DC area). Well, not really. I went to Giant, well, because it is here (dah) and also because it was on my way from the airport (last Saturday), and also because I am familiar with the store, already (which in all-estranged country comes handy, let me tell you). Yes, Giant is here, because it is Dutch chain of grocery stores (nope, not American) and Indonesia used to be Dutch colony. If you went to Giant in DC on Saturday afternoon, you know it is all family event; and same is here. Only, triple the amount of people doing shopping...and cars...and motorcycles. Products themselves are...hmmm...more Asian style, so to say. Lots of noodles, lots of different fruits and vegetables; not a big selection in meat (yes, I do miss pork) or salami, same in milk product section; a little bit limitted. There is a great variety in eggs, though. You can buy already pre-packed (same familiar boxes....hmmm...if there is possibly other way to pack these), or you can dig in a giant (Giant, really) box and get your own selection of eggs and put them in a..hmm... plastic bag, if you like. Giant here offers lots of non-grocery products - towels, pots and pans, some electric ware...So, I got what I needed there. I got exhausted too, before getting out and on top (store was 2 leves under)...on the street. And home in the usual traffic.

OK, this post will be about possible PROS and CONS of living in Jakarta (as I dont know the entire Indonesia, yet). It will depend on your own made-of-mind which one you will affiliate with and label one way or the other.

PROs: As I already mentioned before, ol' McDs delivers 24/7, but so does KFC and Pizza Hut (but these fine cuisine spots only 10/7). I have been in KFC only once in my life (in DC, accompanying a friend), and I have actually never been inside Pizza Hut (what for to get in?), but even I can notice the differences between these places here in Jakarta and in DC (US). Both are way much nicer; you feel like beeing inside a real Italian restaurant when entering Pizza H. and want to sit down and enjoy whatever they bring you on the table. I think, it will be my dinner spot one night (you know, just to get the experience...not sure with KFC, though). Furthermore, McDs has also a fancy McCafe spot. Yup, coffee from McDs is not only hot here, it is also tasty (hmmm..not exactly clear to me why the country of its origin gets only some naughty looking version of McDs). Who actually delivers as well is the famous liquer store in Kemang - Coswell (VIN+)! Now, that is a great business deal here. This place would be sooo popular elsewhere, both in DC and Prague. Coswell besides being a liquer spot also functioning as a deli of NY style. Tasty place. Well, this is a way how to make folks employed in high-unemployment rate country, let them deliver; and also how to make good money ...so, I hope, these delivery guys get pay a bit decently (right, most likely not). You know, we tend to think in bad terms about McDs expanding aggressively all over the world, but...McDs can get easily lost in street life here, in developing Indonesia. There is such a variety of local warungs and street carts, every step and breath you take...there is one. McDs just create one out of the zillion eating options here (and it even serves chicken and rise here together with FFs); if they only apply decent HR politics - the company is rich enough to pay decent salary and health care which would still be a bergain in countries like this. Well, there is one real small positive in this business - McDs is open to hiring deaf people here, usually... for cleaning job.

Clearly established PRO is the weather here - eternal summer. It is a bit humid, yes, but you can deal with it if you dont have to walk daily. White people here, if I will put it this way, practically never walk; they tend to have cars and/or drivers. Local folks might drive - car or motorbike (better situation), or not - taking a bus is rather CON (crowded, smelly, no AC).

Indonesia is a service society - I do not have to care about my trash, clothes and cleaning. All is managed by my landlord (or house-keeper). I just place the trash or clothes behind my doors and he will take care of it. When I get back home, trash is gone and my clothes are washed and even ironed. (When it happened for the first time back in Jogja, I got a bit emotional or overwhelmed by seeing my shirts ironed - for the first time ever! They looked soo cute). Now, one get easily use to this service, this is the scary part - not sure how easily I will get back to the routine in DC, one day.

As the infrastracture is not of high maintanance (delivered by government), the private buildings create a pleasure for your eyes. There is so many of great and architectonically interesting buildings (of course, with opulence of the opposite), one can be easily astonished and pleasantly surprised. Well, I hope that you see what I see.

The most important PRO for me is my way to work. Somewhat clean, lots of green plants, not very long and NO annoying traffic. I can say that I can really enjoy it - if I don't peek at drainage and if not before-the-rain moment (you need to read CONs to fully understand).

CONs: If you don't like to walk - this is the country to be. You really don't need to...and mostly, you dont want to (there is abundance of cabs, which would fell into PROs rubric). One starts to appreciate common infrastructure of developed world - such as sidewalks and trash bins. Sidewalks are mostly non-existent here. If there is, by some mistake, a sign of sidewalk it is usually taken by all present food carts or some carts with whatever that they have for sell (mostly, phone cards, drinks, cigarettes). Sidewalks are usually created by covering drainages; saying that and previous, drainages, then, are mostly not covered in Jakarta. Oh yeah, not covered. You can smell these badly, especially in the afternoon before rain. And usually, you dont need to be very lucky to see these long-tailed creatures running in and out of them. (Should I label them?) Now, drainage is not sewerage. I expect that you can distinct these two (open sewerage would be way much ...sheeetie...worst...and not only for yours - well, mine - nostrils). These drainages would not have to be neccessary that challenging if folks would not use it as public trash solution (trans bins); combination of water, garbage and hot weather....hmm....tidak bagus. Well, if I summarize aforementioned, you are better off not to be walking here, even if it means you will be dealing with almost unbearable traffic. Streeets are pretty tight in Jakarta (commonly, two ways only - one there, one back) and no where to expand for increasing number of cars and motorcycles. Sometimes, I am so scared that the driver will have to dump us into drainage because of meeting three motorcycles, one car and one walking street-cleaner dude, I am covering my eyes and..screaming, really. (I am sorry, and I know this does not help the situation a lot). I have nothing than endless endless admiration for my - HKI - drivers. I would have to quit ....hmmm...before I even starting (as I would be covering my eyes and screaming all the time...); and I did not even mention yet (today, that is) that they are driving on left which is only final nutty topping on this jam cake.

Now, do I need to cite here mosquitos? They are here, and they are difinitely bothering me, or better, if I may, sucking me. I do put anti-mosquito lotion on myself every day, repeatedly; yet, these suckers are ...well, natural suckers; they always discover my uncovered skin-spot. It is sort of safe here in Jakarta, no need to worry about malaria, at least; yes, it is only annoying. I am lucky to have an AC in my place and I try to keep the room temperature low enough so to be un-attractive for the bugs (well, this is my sound theory of general all-suckers house protection); I also purchased a little odor-producing device that should keep the skin annoyers out of my home (the odor is not irritating to me, thanks all-mighty). My place also came with more traditional anit-bugs protection - this fly-bug-flapper which was thoughtfully placed by my bed. So far, so good; still blood in my body.

Talking about animals, cats look like predators here. They tend to be very skinny (not sure why, cuz....you know...plenty of tailed features to chew on) and always...hmmm...ready-like to attack. I am veeeery cautios when passing them by. (Maybe they are even scared themselves, as "the other" animals are almost bigger than the cats, well fed from drainages...eeewww.) And not a big fan of them, once again and even more. Well, look for yourself - scary creature, isnt it?

What else??? That's for now....I will have more to discuss later on, I bet.