Thursdays are usually quiet around the university since none of the ICRS students have class. So, not really wanting to commit my day to reading and studying, Yvette and I ventured down to Jalan Solo to visit the new Cineplex. All of the movies are in English with Indonesian subtitles, and while the films would be considered “old” releases in the States, most of the titles are still “new” to me (I rarely visit the theater at home). So, for 2 glorious hours we escaped the heat of the day and saw Tom Hanks as Professor Langdon in Angels and Demons…it was pretty good. Before entering the theater people linger out in the lobby area – tons of people at 3:00 on a Thursday, rather odd. Nonetheless, an message is played over the loudspeaker to announce that the theater for a particular show is now opening. Our film was being shown in theater number 4….and, I am proud to say, my bahasa Indonesian was “good enough” to hear that theater empat was now open! Knowing numbers in any language is quite an asset….for money, time, addresses, quantity….I find I use my numbers a lot!
After about 2 weeks in Indonesia I had my first sip of alcohol tonight! Overall, Indonesians do not drink much (especially to get drunk) – it’s looked down upon with the heavy Muslim influence. However, many of the nicer restaurants will serve beer and wine. The imported wine is very expensive…both in Indonesian and U.S. standards. A few of us visited one of the “upscale” restaurants in Yogya that served some local Indonesian wine, so I thought I would give it a try. Must admit, not too impressed, Indonesian has many things to offer the world…wine is not one of them! Nonetheless, it’s rather neat to say I have sampled some of the local drink. The rest of the dinner was nice, too, probably one of the best meals I have had in Yogya thus far.
Guess I need to get back to homework on Friday; it’s not the weekend (yet)!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Photos
Uploading pictures to either the blog or Facebook is painfully slow. So, to easily view photos go to this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/jennifertlancaster
Many photos have captions and roughly follow in chronological order.
Enjoy!
http://picasaweb.google.com/jennifertlancaster
Many photos have captions and roughly follow in chronological order.
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Borobudur and Prambanan
Yesterday was a full day of sight-seeing around central Java. We left at the ungodly hour of 6:00am to begin our drive to Borobudur (about an hour away). There was a method behind the madness of leaving so early: (1) arrive before the crowds…by the time we left the place was swarming with people and (2) beat the heat! The drive north to Borobudur was not fancy but we were met with some stunning views of lush greenery and rice paddies. Upon arriving at the temple our group of 9 Americans and 6 Indonesians was greeted with coffee and tea before our walk to the temple. Borobudur is a Buddhist temple, constructed in the 9th century, the height of Buddhism in Java. Now, the temple is a place of pilgrimage and is listed as a World Heritage Site. Stone carvings along the temple walls could captivate one’s attention for hours (until the heat gets the best of you). In the photo album I have included a few close-up pictures of the stone carvings. Also, statues and carvings of Buddha are everywhere around the temple. Many of the statues along the outside walls are decapitated Buddhas; legend says that invaders tore off the heads because they thought gold was stored inside. I would be curious to know exactly how many Buddha statues adorn the temple; my guess would be thousands!
Our next stop was the mountain pass named Ketep. We arrived a little after lunchtime and by then the clouds had settled in for the afternoon, impeding our view of the neighboring mountain tops. Supposedly, from atop Ketep one is be able to see 4 different mountains, all in different directions; but, all we saw was the green valley and dense fog. The intense cloud cover at this time of year is abnormal because by June central Java should be well into the dry season. However, it seems to rain every few days here and clouds continue to cover the sky most afternoons (which isn’t too bad, really, because it blocks some of the intense sun). Nonetheless, the viewing conditions at Ketep weren’t too ideal, but I did enjoy the cooler mountain temperature!
Our last stop of the day was Prambanan Temple, the Hindu temple just outside Yogya. By the time we arrived at Prambanan I was totally exhausted and kind-of over being a tourist for the day. Alas, I forced myself to take my camera out of its case and at least take a few pictures. (So, when you look at the albums there are quite a few at Borobudur and fewer at Prambanan.) Many of the temples at Prambanan are closed to the public due to damage incurred by an earthquake a few years back. At Prambanan we encountered quite a few school groups of Indonesian children visiting the historical site.
I am noticing a trend where young Indonesian school children come running up with pencil and paper to talk to me (and everyone else in the group) at these historical/tourist sites. They notice my white skin and assume I am from America and that I speak English. Then, they begin a conversation (most are quite assertive). It goes something like this….
“Excuse me miss.” I say, “Yes.” They ask, “Do you speak English.” Again I respond with “Yes.” Then they proceed to ask me a series of questions….what is my name, where am I from, how long will I be in Indonesia, do I think it is hot here, what type of food do I like, etc. At the end of the dialogue (more like a question-and-answer session, really) they ask to take a photo with me. When I say “yes” to this request they run to gather around me, and someone takes a photo with me (the tall white American) in the center and a gaggle of 12 year-old Indonesians around me. It’s an experience, that’s for sure. Most of the time I do not mind the questioning by the children; although I have devised a plan for those days when I simply do not want to engage….. “Je ne parle pas Anglais!”
Our next stop was the mountain pass named Ketep. We arrived a little after lunchtime and by then the clouds had settled in for the afternoon, impeding our view of the neighboring mountain tops. Supposedly, from atop Ketep one is be able to see 4 different mountains, all in different directions; but, all we saw was the green valley and dense fog. The intense cloud cover at this time of year is abnormal because by June central Java should be well into the dry season. However, it seems to rain every few days here and clouds continue to cover the sky most afternoons (which isn’t too bad, really, because it blocks some of the intense sun). Nonetheless, the viewing conditions at Ketep weren’t too ideal, but I did enjoy the cooler mountain temperature!
Our last stop of the day was Prambanan Temple, the Hindu temple just outside Yogya. By the time we arrived at Prambanan I was totally exhausted and kind-of over being a tourist for the day. Alas, I forced myself to take my camera out of its case and at least take a few pictures. (So, when you look at the albums there are quite a few at Borobudur and fewer at Prambanan.) Many of the temples at Prambanan are closed to the public due to damage incurred by an earthquake a few years back. At Prambanan we encountered quite a few school groups of Indonesian children visiting the historical site.
I am noticing a trend where young Indonesian school children come running up with pencil and paper to talk to me (and everyone else in the group) at these historical/tourist sites. They notice my white skin and assume I am from America and that I speak English. Then, they begin a conversation (most are quite assertive). It goes something like this….
“Excuse me miss.” I say, “Yes.” They ask, “Do you speak English.” Again I respond with “Yes.” Then they proceed to ask me a series of questions….what is my name, where am I from, how long will I be in Indonesia, do I think it is hot here, what type of food do I like, etc. At the end of the dialogue (more like a question-and-answer session, really) they ask to take a photo with me. When I say “yes” to this request they run to gather around me, and someone takes a photo with me (the tall white American) in the center and a gaggle of 12 year-old Indonesians around me. It’s an experience, that’s for sure. Most of the time I do not mind the questioning by the children; although I have devised a plan for those days when I simply do not want to engage….. “Je ne parle pas Anglais!”
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Motor Bikes & Indonesian TV
I took my first motor bike ride yesterday, thanks to Romang. He offered to drive me from the university back to the ICRS house since I was loaded down with books and a computer. Transportation by way of motor bike is by far the most common way of getting around in Yogya. While I would not consider Yogya an Asian mega-city, it is large and not all that walker-friendly. In fact, I see very few Indonesians walking around Yogya. Most mornings we walk from the ICRS house to the university (takes about 10 minutes) and we are the only ones walking. I am certain that as the locals pass us on their motor bikes they are thinking we are the "crazy Americans." So, to say I have been on a motor bike is like a right-of-passage in Yogya culture.
The ICRS house is home to the 7 Luce exchange students as well as 4 Indonesian students entering the PhD program at ICRS. The Indonesians are taking an intensive English course this summer and they have the opportunity to practice their English with all of us native speakers in the house. So, last night some of us were watching TV downstairs in the large living area. During the commerical breaks I was interested in seeing what type of products/services were being advertised on the Indonesian circuit. Much of the content is simliar to that in the U.S. - food and grocery, beauty products, etc (no car commercials, ironically). One beauty product commercial was advertising skin whitening lotion. In Indonesia women seek to have lighter skin so they buy whitening lotion or visit the spa for a whitening treatment. Culturally, lighter skin is considered more beautiful, at least in the large cities. I found this interesting since in the U.S. the exact opposite is true.
Seeing this commercial for skin whitening lotion prompted a discussion (in English) between myself and Tri, one of the Indonesian students. He explained to me how lighter skin was valued and I told him how tan skin was attractive in the States. In fact, I think he learned a few new English words....like sunless tanner and tanning bed. He laughed when I explained the tanning bed.
I have been enjoying my conversations with the Indonesian students; they contribute so much to my learning of the local culture and I am truly impressed with their skills in the English language.
The ICRS house is home to the 7 Luce exchange students as well as 4 Indonesian students entering the PhD program at ICRS. The Indonesians are taking an intensive English course this summer and they have the opportunity to practice their English with all of us native speakers in the house. So, last night some of us were watching TV downstairs in the large living area. During the commerical breaks I was interested in seeing what type of products/services were being advertised on the Indonesian circuit. Much of the content is simliar to that in the U.S. - food and grocery, beauty products, etc (no car commercials, ironically). One beauty product commercial was advertising skin whitening lotion. In Indonesia women seek to have lighter skin so they buy whitening lotion or visit the spa for a whitening treatment. Culturally, lighter skin is considered more beautiful, at least in the large cities. I found this interesting since in the U.S. the exact opposite is true.
Seeing this commercial for skin whitening lotion prompted a discussion (in English) between myself and Tri, one of the Indonesian students. He explained to me how lighter skin was valued and I told him how tan skin was attractive in the States. In fact, I think he learned a few new English words....like sunless tanner and tanning bed. He laughed when I explained the tanning bed.
I have been enjoying my conversations with the Indonesian students; they contribute so much to my learning of the local culture and I am truly impressed with their skills in the English language.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
the last week...Dubai
Goodness, finding reliable internet has been quite a challenge and there has been so much going on to write about! In the past week I have taken trains and planes half way around the world and now I find myself perched on the 3rd floor of the UGM graduate studies building, cooling off after my 10 minute walk from my house to the university. But that's getting too far ahead....
After leaving the States last Wednesday I spent 3 days in Dubai with my friend from Temple, Chelsea. It was a nice stopover in the sense that we could gradually adjust to jet lag and see a city we have never seen before. Dubai is really a place like no other. In the middle of the desert, buildings reach toward the heavens and construction abounds....they are building roads, houses, a rail system, hotels, malls, and huge office buildings! It's a bit overwhelming....when driving at night the road is consumed with trucks and construction vehicles. The consumerism in Dubai is quite apparent, too. The Mall of the Emirates boasts an indoor ski slope!
One evening we did a very "touristy" thing...a desert safari. Through the hotel we signed up for an extreme adventure into the desert. Just from the name, "extreme adventure" one ought to take it as a sign of ultra-touristy. The drive through the desert was actually quite cool! The red sand truly sparkled against the glaring sun and not knowing what was over the next dune was a bit exhilarating. After the safari we were taken to a campsite where "traditional" food was prepared and guests could take a camel ride, smoke sheesha, or get a henna tatoo. This part was so cheesy! During the camel ride your picture was taken and you could purchase it for something like $15USD; I felt like I was at an amusement park when your picture is taken on the roller coaster. Nonetheless, the desert safari was worth it.
After leaving the States last Wednesday I spent 3 days in Dubai with my friend from Temple, Chelsea. It was a nice stopover in the sense that we could gradually adjust to jet lag and see a city we have never seen before. Dubai is really a place like no other. In the middle of the desert, buildings reach toward the heavens and construction abounds....they are building roads, houses, a rail system, hotels, malls, and huge office buildings! It's a bit overwhelming....when driving at night the road is consumed with trucks and construction vehicles. The consumerism in Dubai is quite apparent, too. The Mall of the Emirates boasts an indoor ski slope!
One evening we did a very "touristy" thing...a desert safari. Through the hotel we signed up for an extreme adventure into the desert. Just from the name, "extreme adventure" one ought to take it as a sign of ultra-touristy. The drive through the desert was actually quite cool! The red sand truly sparkled against the glaring sun and not knowing what was over the next dune was a bit exhilarating. After the safari we were taken to a campsite where "traditional" food was prepared and guests could take a camel ride, smoke sheesha, or get a henna tatoo. This part was so cheesy! During the camel ride your picture was taken and you could purchase it for something like $15USD; I felt like I was at an amusement park when your picture is taken on the roller coaster. Nonetheless, the desert safari was worth it.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Counting Down
The semester at Temple is winding down quickly...1 more class, one more paper, and a final...then it is full attention to getting ready for the summer! Christian is working in China so it has been very quiet around the house for the past 2 weeks. I must say, if there is ever an opportune time for him to travel, well, the end of the semester is perfect. However, it will still be another 2 weeks before he's home.
I will be heading up to New York on May 20th to begin my journey. I am flying with a friend from Temple, Chelsea, so the 13 hour flight from JFK to Dubai might not seem like days with a friend nearby. Chelsea and I arrive in Dubai the evening of the 21st and we have scheduled a brief stopover for a few days on sightseeing. We leave again on the morning of the 25th (very early morning) to travel to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Finally, we will arrive at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta...our destination for the next 2 months!
At this point, I am still receiving details as to the logistics of life in Yogya (common abbreviation for Yogyakarta)....housing, classes, etc. However, I feel like I am pretty ready to go....Visa in hand, plane tickets booked, a packing list started, oh, and an Indonesian phrasebook graciously donated by a Temple colleague!
Perhaps most exciting will be at the end of my study when Christian arrives in Indonesia on August 1st. We are planning to travel around Indonesia for 3 weeks...more on that as the time nears.
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