Halo! Terima kasih! (6/8/11)

Bettina, Kallie, and I got about 2 hours of sleep this last night. The time difference has a little backwards here but we’re all adjusting pretty well so far. This morning, we got up at 5:30 (did you read that dad!? Can you believe it?!) and did a lot of household and preparation tasks around our dorm. Then we decided to just walk around the area and get a feel for the President’s University campus. I was shocked at the beautiful 85 degree weather at 8am, and all the Indonesian people were just as shocked to see us. I’d never had as many people stare at my group. It was like we were wearing giant neon “I’M AMERICAN” signs. But everyone was very nice and friendly. We live right across the street from the police “polisi” station and wanted to see inside the building. So, obviously, as Americans would, we just walked up to the gated entrance and asked to have a tour. The officers obliged kindly and found us a translator. Needless to say, the officers inside were very taken with our “American ways.” We were escorted to the Central Intelligence area of the building were most of the people could speak some English. We ended up taking pictures with everyone in the office. They ordered us some coffee and tea (“bagus!” it was very good) and we ended up staying about an hour conversing about Indonesian and Muslim culture. Everyone was very reserved and polite, but one was outspoken enough to invite us to a Karaoke night event, so we may take the policemen up on that offer  J

Our next adventure was going to a local mall for some lunch and shopping. It was extremely hard trying to order and bargain without knowing a lick on Indonesian. But we quickly learned the money system and were able to make some great purchases. I even haggled with a jewelry salesman on some earrings. At my side was former Colonel Long, who was telling me the price was lower last week. So instead of buying 1 pair for 15,000 rupiah (about $1.67 USD) I got 2 for 20,000 or about $2.22. I could have bought 2 pairs for 3 dollars, but what fun would that have been. This coming weekend we’re going to Plaza Grand, which is a cultural market that sells souvenir goods from all Indonesia. In contrast to today’s trip, none of the items will have price tags so it’s up to us to bargain for a deal.

It is very important to me that I don’t perpetuate any already held negative beliefs about Americans. We’ve only been here 12 hours and I’ve heard people describe US citizens as selfish, greedy, loud, arrogant, obnoxious, and that was just in the airport. But for the most part, everyone we’ve run into has been respectful and gracious. I only hope our group can make a positive impression of American students for our new Indonesian friends.