First Day of School

So, today is my first day of school at UGM and I do not even have class! At this point, I am still waiting for details about scheduling and books since my primary goal here at UGM this summer revolves around taking an independent study in Islam. Instead of sitting in class, then, I am again to be found on the 3rd floor lounge accessing the internet.

Some of the Luce exchange students (myself included) have been living in the ICRS house since late last week....it really is an amazing place. A large, 2-story, semi-open air house boasting 11 bedrooms is a lovely place to call home this summer. It is about a 10 minute walk along curvy side streets to reach the university; at 10am this morning the 10 minutes walk was almost unbearable....so hot! I am cooling now, slowly. I have taken some photos of the house and my room but at this point I am unable to upload them to the blog (keep getting a "loading" message with a swirling circle). Alas, I will keep trying.

On Saturday I was privileged to be accompanied most of the day by my new friend, Mbak Elis...Mbak trabslates "sister" and is used to address women of like age or social status. Elis took us to the Galleria, a huge indoor mall, where we promptly made our way to the salon and spa. Elis spoke to the ladies at the desk and within a few minutes I was laying down with a cold press over my eyes. Never having had an Indonesian spa treatment I was looking forward to the next 2 hours. And, it was heaven...for only $8.50USD. I think this might have to become a regular event, let's say once a week or so!

Yesterday was Sunday and I attended and English-speaking church service with my new friends, Pak David and Ibu Karen....Pak is like "Mr." and Ibu would be "Mrs." David and Karen are from the States though living in Indonesia this year to teach English to the graduate students here at ICRS. The church is interdenominational and meets in a conference room of a local hotel. Yesterday's sermon focused on the reconciliation of Pentecost and was preached by a Mennonite :). One of my favorite Harry Emerson Fosdick hymns set the tone for the service. It was nice; I think I will return for the service next week.

Lunch in the canteen will be served soon so now I am off to study some Bahasa for a bit....I am doing alright with the langauge, too. So far I have learned to communicate with taxi drivers (and not get lost), the laundry lady (saya membawa baju), and at restaurants. In fact, I am thinking about signing up for Bahasa lessons.