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.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
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.
Monday, March 23, 2009
2 Months and Counting
Hey Everyone,
In just about 2 months I will be all packed and en route to Yogyakarta, Indonesia! I have created this blog as a way to keep family and friends updated during my travels, so check back throughout the summer to see what's new with me half way around the world.
As far as planning goes, the plane tickets are booked and I am in the process of filing for a visa (so I don't get kicked out of the country). Also, in the coming weeks I will attempt to sew some skirts appropriate for everyday life in a Muslim country...I'll let you know how that goes.
In just about 2 months I will be all packed and en route to Yogyakarta, Indonesia! I have created this blog as a way to keep family and friends updated during my travels, so check back throughout the summer to see what's new with me half way around the world.
As far as planning goes, the plane tickets are booked and I am in the process of filing for a visa (so I don't get kicked out of the country). Also, in the coming weeks I will attempt to sew some skirts appropriate for everyday life in a Muslim country...I'll let you know how that goes.
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