So, rat number two is resting comfortably in the neighbours garbage. I was merciless on the vile vermin. But, he was quite cute. Brown and fuzzy with an interesting little face. The blood leaking from his ears made him less cute, though. He is still vermin.
So, a few more things to complain about so you know what life is like in the land of 'almost right'. Computers- even though they are made here, apparently don't want to work here. The wind blew out the internet the other day. Makes me wonder how Lethbridge has any at all? I was told that a computer would be hooked up to the library SMART board so I wouldn't have to use my laptop. Well, there is a computer- it is simply plugged into the outlet. Not actually to the SMART board. Nor, is there any software to run anything. But, there is a computer.
The computer is in my room is also hooked up to the wall. But, that is all. Now it is totally non-functional because when I plugged in my Van De Graaf generator for science class it started on fire and blew all the breakers! Lord knows where the breakers are.
Then, while burning up the generator, Caden was playing with some markers and was rubbing his face. Covered in black felt he looked like Charlie Chaplin (or Hitler). No big deal, except that we can clean him up because there is very little water pressure since Friday. No hot water at all. It took the neighbour 45 min to fill her tub for a bath.
Marni's classroom air conditioner is on the fritz, again. Students come from her classroom looking as if they just ran a marathon in her english class. Between classes she runs to the next room to cool off. Having taught in a broom closet in PK I am not too sympathetic. Although, it did have a functional computer and some electricity.
On the bright side, Marni and I did some karaoke on Saturday. Sadly, growing up with Vic and Kathleen has subjected her to look in the music library for Kris Kristofferson and "The Pony Man". Good luck, there. I however, know every ABBA song ever written. Thanks Dad!
But, there were $7 jugs of beer. Great deal seems how a bottle of wine was $35.
This is just a little whine for you.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Some things are really ticking me off!
I know I am in a tropical country but do you think the rats could stay away? We have very little furniture, people keeping the house clean and we live on the second story. Why was he here? The thing that bugs me more is when you tell people there was a rat in the house their first question is "How big?". Does it really matter? There is vermin in the apartment! To top it off, not only did I hit a rat with my putter (which, by the way, was my best swing in ages) but I stomped on two roaches. Oh, no- not the roaches you hippies are thinking of, but actual juicy, size of the palm of your hand kind.
Then, down the way Caden was able to see a grasshopper that, no kidding, must have been four inches long. Why the hell are people living in this place?
Line-ups are also tough to navigate. People here stand in line like they drive- just waiting to find any daylight to squeeze into. Being Canadian, I will be patient and allow others to go ahead. Where does that get me? In the back of the damn line, that's where! So, I have learned that if you cross your arms in front of you that means you are some pissed. Indonesians don't like anger and that one thing that shows your anger. Plus, if you walk away they are upset that they didn't make a sale.
"Jam karet"- Indonesian for rubber time. No, it's not what your girlfriends used to say to you when you were dating, it is how Indonesians do their daily tasks- whenever the hell they want! Time just bends and stretches like a rubber band. I don't think there is a word for priority. I am still waiting for a projector in my classroom that was supposed to be installed Thursday. I was told next week two weeks ago for school agendas and then our school IT person keeps telling me to email any problems you are having. Ironically, the damn internet is always down so emailing is somewhat difficult.
Oh, and did I mention there was a rat in the apartment?
Then, down the way Caden was able to see a grasshopper that, no kidding, must have been four inches long. Why the hell are people living in this place?
Line-ups are also tough to navigate. People here stand in line like they drive- just waiting to find any daylight to squeeze into. Being Canadian, I will be patient and allow others to go ahead. Where does that get me? In the back of the damn line, that's where! So, I have learned that if you cross your arms in front of you that means you are some pissed. Indonesians don't like anger and that one thing that shows your anger. Plus, if you walk away they are upset that they didn't make a sale.
"Jam karet"- Indonesian for rubber time. No, it's not what your girlfriends used to say to you when you were dating, it is how Indonesians do their daily tasks- whenever the hell they want! Time just bends and stretches like a rubber band. I don't think there is a word for priority. I am still waiting for a projector in my classroom that was supposed to be installed Thursday. I was told next week two weeks ago for school agendas and then our school IT person keeps telling me to email any problems you are having. Ironically, the damn internet is always down so emailing is somewhat difficult.
Oh, and did I mention there was a rat in the apartment?
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Things to do
due to the fact that it is hotter then blazes most days there are no green spaces around Jakarta. What people do is go to the malls. Enjoy your west Edmonton malls and Cross Iron Mills- you haven't seen anything. We are talking 5 story palaces. According to one article I read there are about 130 large malls in Jakarta. Some are filled with crappy knock-offs, others are high end Louis Vitton, Cartier, etc.
Marni went to one place downtown with the kids to one place that has a 'Mini Jakarta' where kids can become whatever they want for the day. They have little fires to put out, buildings to construct and vehicles to drive. The kids had to sit through a safety video to get 'drivers licenses'. Ironic that you can bribe the DMV here to get one anyway. I have a student whose parents will bribe them to get the son driving a year earlier.
Interesting, though, how the roles are already established. Caden was not allowed into the nursery. That was for girls, only. They were able to make their own ice-cream and pizza for lunch. Caden got pissed about having to make his own food. The nannies have been spoiling him.
On another note, Marni and I went for a dinner on the weekend to a fantastic Italian restaurant in South Jakarta. The meal was great, but even better was the fact that we could ask for a bottle of the "Featured wine" and would they leave the cork in. We were excited to be able to purchase some wine that we could bring home.
We asked the waiter why wine is so expensive but not beer. One, they don't want to piss off the Chinese (where their beer comes from). Second, they can make beer here, but not wine. I am not sure if it is a climate thing or a space thing, or maybe a Muslim thing. But, they tax the hell out of wine. In some cases, a bottle that MIGHT cost us $15-20 at home would be triple that or more.
And, don't think that you could bring us some as they will search your luggage and confiscate the bottles. But, I am sure a $5 'pay your ticket on the spot' (i.e. bribe) would get you covered.
I know you thinking "Poor Marni and Cam, they have no wine! How will they deal with their students?". We have a teacher here whose husband works for the British embassy. I guess Diplomatic Immunity has its perks. Not only could you get away with murder- you can also get wine brought in from Australia for your friends.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Fat kids= prosperity
Well, apparently things in the west are catching on. Marni and I have noticed a lot of chunky Asian kids while here. What is happening is that if you are wealthy you have enough money to feed your kids and make them fat. What a great idea!!
We have seen and heard a few odd things that don't happen too often in the west. The nannies here will almost force feed a child. If the parents have food, it must be eaten. And, to keep kids satisfied they will continue to give children a bottle with formula. In fact, tonight at dinner, we saw what must have been a six to eight year old drinking from a baby bottle. She was pretty rollie-polly, too. But, Asians think that everything to do with America is good. That includes McDonalds cheeseburgers.
We have seen and heard a few odd things that don't happen too often in the west. The nannies here will almost force feed a child. If the parents have food, it must be eaten. And, to keep kids satisfied they will continue to give children a bottle with formula. In fact, tonight at dinner, we saw what must have been a six to eight year old drinking from a baby bottle. She was pretty rollie-polly, too. But, Asians think that everything to do with America is good. That includes McDonalds cheeseburgers.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
First day of school
With Bees working until all hours of the night on the national holiday, we finally opened. Y'know what- kids are the same here, too. They complain about cell phones or that the internet is too slow. Or that the desks are too small or lunch is too expensive.
Our classes are small. Many students enrolled in other international schools when the thought that ours was closing last year. I think my smallest class is 7 students and my 9/10 class is 19 kids. Not too bad for Marni and I.
Zoe is, of course, the tallest kid in her class. I think she is one of two white kids. There is a boy from Russia in grade 9. Whenever they have school photos they put the white kids in the from to make it look more international.
Zoe was a little lost and timid around all the other kids. Many of them know each other and although they were speaking english to her, I think she thought it was Mandarin.
To top it all off, Zoe left her bedroom window open and was eaten by mosquitoes. She looks like she has chicken pox. Her face and arms are covered in bites. Here, the mosquitoes are small but nasty. They are also everywhere- inside and out. There has been some heavy rains lately which has not helped, either.
Caden will go to his first day of preschool tomorrow. He will enjoy the playground but hate the math lesson. I am pretty sure he will beat up another child.
Our classes are small. Many students enrolled in other international schools when the thought that ours was closing last year. I think my smallest class is 7 students and my 9/10 class is 19 kids. Not too bad for Marni and I.
Zoe is, of course, the tallest kid in her class. I think she is one of two white kids. There is a boy from Russia in grade 9. Whenever they have school photos they put the white kids in the from to make it look more international.
Zoe was a little lost and timid around all the other kids. Many of them know each other and although they were speaking english to her, I think she thought it was Mandarin.
To top it all off, Zoe left her bedroom window open and was eaten by mosquitoes. She looks like she has chicken pox. Her face and arms are covered in bites. Here, the mosquitoes are small but nasty. They are also everywhere- inside and out. There has been some heavy rains lately which has not helped, either.
Caden will go to his first day of preschool tomorrow. He will enjoy the playground but hate the math lesson. I am pretty sure he will beat up another child.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Safari Pics
Everyone has been asking about pictures so here are some from the Safari that is about 1 hour outside of Jakarta. Finally, a little advantage to being white. For 10 000Rp (about $1) your kids can ride anything. Plus, being ignorant Bule gila's (crazy white's) we got to spent about 20 minutes feeding and petting dolphins for $5. The kids got to pose with Orangutans and I almost say a guy get his arm ripped off by a baby lion.
As you go up the hill to the park there are people (typically, sad faced homeless children) selling carrots and bananas to feed to the animals.
Realize too that I am morally opposed to all of these poses with the animals but couldn't help myself.
Friday, August 13, 2010
For teachers
Many of you teachers have come into schools a few days early to set up your classroom. Well, here, we have people that take care of that for you. If we just write on the wall the colour that we want the 'bees' will come in an do it for you. In fact, they get downright angry if you do it yourself.
I helped Marni move a desk and our aid, Redy (his joke is "I am Redy!"), gave us shit.
But, don't think it is all fun and games. One thing about Indonesian culture is that if you don't tell them to do something, or ask the right questions, jobs won't get done. I asked some Bees to give my room a cleaning. They used one rag- for everything. Never rinsed it. And, I had to leave every drawer and cupboard open or else it would not get done. There is no assuming in Indonesia. But, like a wise women said to be one "A clean classroom means your a good teacher." That one is for Simon. Come to think of it, that lady cleaned my whole room with one rag, too. Oh, Richard!
And....back home you don't have to clean up rat shit.
The whole "Not asking the right questions" thing came to a head yesterday while they were installing SMART boards. Apparently, we could have had 6 fully loaded SMARTboards, projectors and speakers for about $18000 through a company in Texas. After negotiating with a local company, we successfully purchased $18000 worth of equipment for exactly $18000. That said, we have some great SMARTboards with no projectors. Apparently, they were not part of negotiations.
Somebody, somewhere had asked if the model of SMARTboard we were ordering were adequate for our school. The answer was, of course, "Yes". But, that would be like asking if you could row a boat to England. You could, but there are better options. Somebody here was not made clear the other options. You never have to worry about being upsold here in Indonesia. They will just rip you off with the stuff you want.
I helped Marni move a desk and our aid, Redy (his joke is "I am Redy!"), gave us shit.
But, don't think it is all fun and games. One thing about Indonesian culture is that if you don't tell them to do something, or ask the right questions, jobs won't get done. I asked some Bees to give my room a cleaning. They used one rag- for everything. Never rinsed it. And, I had to leave every drawer and cupboard open or else it would not get done. There is no assuming in Indonesia. But, like a wise women said to be one "A clean classroom means your a good teacher." That one is for Simon. Come to think of it, that lady cleaned my whole room with one rag, too. Oh, Richard!
And....back home you don't have to clean up rat shit.
The whole "Not asking the right questions" thing came to a head yesterday while they were installing SMART boards. Apparently, we could have had 6 fully loaded SMARTboards, projectors and speakers for about $18000 through a company in Texas. After negotiating with a local company, we successfully purchased $18000 worth of equipment for exactly $18000. That said, we have some great SMARTboards with no projectors. Apparently, they were not part of negotiations.
Somebody, somewhere had asked if the model of SMARTboard we were ordering were adequate for our school. The answer was, of course, "Yes". But, that would be like asking if you could row a boat to England. You could, but there are better options. Somebody here was not made clear the other options. You never have to worry about being upsold here in Indonesia. They will just rip you off with the stuff you want.
Daily Life- Aug. 13, 2010
Across the street from the apartment there is a crew of guys building a house. I don't know how long they had been working on it before we arrived but judging by the speed they work it was about a month.
The only pieces of heavy equipment that I have seen them use has been an old school cement mixer. They did, however, use cement truck and a pumping truck to pour the second floor of the house. That was a sight to behold! Guys in bare feet, ankle deep in concrete as it is being dropped from the sky. They would also haul up small amount using a bucket and rope. Whatever excess they had was used to patch the road in front of the house. Marni and I are taking pictures to monitor the progress. I think the workers are getting a little pissy about that. But, I am tired about getting starred at in the mall. However, that has advantages when crossing the busy roads.
That leads me to street crossing. Firstly, lanes on Jakarta roadways are simply a suggestion. It makes sense- why have two lanes when four cars and three scooters will easily fit across. Signal lights are used hesitantly. Drivers would rather honk and wedge in. Frankly, I haven't seen as many accidents here as I have in St. Albert, though.
Oh, yah, crossing the street. Rules for pedestrians are "Look out!" Apparently, if you put your hand out, cars will stop. Allegedly, your hand provides you with some sort of force field that will save you. I have not tested the theory. Drivers will not stop for police wielding whistles, either. Having blond children will make drivers slow down enough to get across safely.
Yesterday was the start of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. People will get up around 4:00 am to eat then they will not eat until after sundown. Many though, just go back to bed because many of our "Bees" did not show up. Those that did were very tired and many of us found them sleeping in our rooms. The problem I had was that I had nowhere to sleep because all the good spots in my classroom had been taken.
We get to go out for dinner, tonight. The staff is heading somewhere downtown. It should take about 1.5 hours to get there. It would be like driving to Red Deer but covering the distance to Superstore.
The only pieces of heavy equipment that I have seen them use has been an old school cement mixer. They did, however, use cement truck and a pumping truck to pour the second floor of the house. That was a sight to behold! Guys in bare feet, ankle deep in concrete as it is being dropped from the sky. They would also haul up small amount using a bucket and rope. Whatever excess they had was used to patch the road in front of the house. Marni and I are taking pictures to monitor the progress. I think the workers are getting a little pissy about that. But, I am tired about getting starred at in the mall. However, that has advantages when crossing the busy roads.
That leads me to street crossing. Firstly, lanes on Jakarta roadways are simply a suggestion. It makes sense- why have two lanes when four cars and three scooters will easily fit across. Signal lights are used hesitantly. Drivers would rather honk and wedge in. Frankly, I haven't seen as many accidents here as I have in St. Albert, though.
Oh, yah, crossing the street. Rules for pedestrians are "Look out!" Apparently, if you put your hand out, cars will stop. Allegedly, your hand provides you with some sort of force field that will save you. I have not tested the theory. Drivers will not stop for police wielding whistles, either. Having blond children will make drivers slow down enough to get across safely.
Yesterday was the start of Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month. People will get up around 4:00 am to eat then they will not eat until after sundown. Many though, just go back to bed because many of our "Bees" did not show up. Those that did were very tired and many of us found them sleeping in our rooms. The problem I had was that I had nowhere to sleep because all the good spots in my classroom had been taken.
We get to go out for dinner, tonight. The staff is heading somewhere downtown. It should take about 1.5 hours to get there. It would be like driving to Red Deer but covering the distance to Superstore.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Aug. 10, 2010
Marni and I are quickly learning that we need to take our camera everywhere we go. Here are just a few things we would take pictures of:
1) An entire family wedged onto a scooter. Oldest child in front, dad driving, mom on the back and a baby squished in between mom and dad. But, to comply with the law, dad is wearing a helmet.
2) People doing everything by hand. Labour is cheap. These guys are thatching the roof of a hut here on campus.
3) The sun. So rarely seen that we may have to take a picture.
4) Street businesses- we have seen everything from noodle vendors, rice di
shes and the lot. But, the funniest have to be the spot on the street with an air compressor and some wrenches where you can do some quick fixes on your scooter. Marni saw a guy with a table welded to his motorbike where he attached a sewing machine for some "on the spot tailoring". And, they all come complete with a cat. We are not sure if they are the second course, though.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Paparazzi
So now we understand how Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie must feel. Other then being an incredibly good looking couple, we have very blond kids. Apparently, they don't exist in Asia.
We went to SeaWorld Indonesia today with the kids. Now, we are used to being the only white people walking around, that is fine. There have been a couple of occasions where people will try to touch the kids' hair (especially Caden's) but, we were not prepared for today.
I am sure you have all been to a resort or something that has mascots. You know, those guys in puffy suits and fuzzy characters. Well today, we were bigger then the mascots!
Everywhere we went people were stopping to take our photographs. Zoe posed with more strange kids then she has ever in her life. Families were posing in front of us but you could tell they were taking the picture of us and not themselves. I actually have a picture of a man taking a picture of us! I waved at him while he was focusing his lens then he quickly put his camera away.
Many people were friendly, but some were downright rude. They would talk about us to their children and then stare. I got to be quite uncomfortable.
I think from now on we will charge $10 for every picture.
We went to SeaWorld Indonesia today with the kids. Now, we are used to being the only white people walking around, that is fine. There have been a couple of occasions where people will try to touch the kids' hair (especially Caden's) but, we were not prepared for today.
I am sure you have all been to a resort or something that has mascots. You know, those guys in puffy suits and fuzzy characters. Well today, we were bigger then the mascots!
Everywhere we went people were stopping to take our photographs. Zoe posed with more strange kids then she has ever in her life. Families were posing in front of us but you could tell they were taking the picture of us and not themselves. I actually have a picture of a man taking a picture of us! I waved at him while he was focusing his lens then he quickly put his camera away.
Many people were friendly, but some were downright rude. They would talk about us to their children and then stare. I got to be quite uncomfortable.
I think from now on we will charge $10 for every picture.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Bees
These guys are referred to as the bees. They zip
around and clean up the compound. There are
about 30 of them all around. Here, he is sweeping
up the astroturf around the playground.
He was unimpressed when Caden kicked over his
of leaves.
These guys are referred to as the bees. They zip
around and clean up the compound. There are
about 30 of them all around. Here, he is sweeping
up the astroturf around the playground.
He was unimpressed when Caden kicked over his
of leaves.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Aug 6, 2010
So, we hired some nannies on Tuesday. Because Caden is so wild the school decided that we needed two. Consider this, in St. Albert you might pay your dayhome lady $1000/month for care everyday. We are paying two girls who will clean, cook, do laundry, etc. $100 each plus $20 for a food allowance. They will not eat with us so they cook our food, go eat on the street and then come back to clean up. In fact, they will not even use out bathrooms. They will leave, go to the nanny quarters and come back.
We did look into enrolling little man in to a preschool. Here, preschool is just that, too. It is math, science and languages for three-year olds. Caden did say that he did not want to go with a bunch of babies. That is because he is twice the size of any other student.
We had to buy a washing machine. The one we found has a maximum capacity of (wait for it) 16 pieces of laundry. We may be able to wash one sheet at a time.
Other then that, confirmed enrollment at the school has ballooned to 70 students. That means that each teacher should have an average of 6 students per class. I have two confirmed grade 10's. That should be perfect because I only have two test tubes for science class.
We did look into enrolling little man in to a preschool. Here, preschool is just that, too. It is math, science and languages for three-year olds. Caden did say that he did not want to go with a bunch of babies. That is because he is twice the size of any other student.
We had to buy a washing machine. The one we found has a maximum capacity of (wait for it) 16 pieces of laundry. We may be able to wash one sheet at a time.
Other then that, confirmed enrollment at the school has ballooned to 70 students. That means that each teacher should have an average of 6 students per class. I have two confirmed grade 10's. That should be perfect because I only have two test tubes for science class.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day two
So....it is really humid, here. And, the small lizards in our apartment make me skiddish. But, all in all things are good.
The school smells like a display at Fort Edmonton and my science lab is old and has some rat shit in it. Kind of like Cuts, in a way.
Our apartment is bigger then the house in St. Albert and we hired two nannies today for little man. They will cook and clean as well as cater to his every whim. The poor girls are 19 years old but look about twelve.
We have been gathering a bunch of things for the apartment. Apparently, soft linens and towels that soak up water are a luxury. Food is relatively inexpensive but we have only been eating at mall restaurants. I would expect things to get cheaper.
Some of the females went for a 90 minute foot massage, yesterday. It cost them $4. Marni plans on taking advantage of this.
I must say that having people do everything for you seems nice- but it is weird. We bought our driver a water today and you would think we cured his cancer.
The school smells like a display at Fort Edmonton and my science lab is old and has some rat shit in it. Kind of like Cuts, in a way.
Our apartment is bigger then the house in St. Albert and we hired two nannies today for little man. They will cook and clean as well as cater to his every whim. The poor girls are 19 years old but look about twelve.
We have been gathering a bunch of things for the apartment. Apparently, soft linens and towels that soak up water are a luxury. Food is relatively inexpensive but we have only been eating at mall restaurants. I would expect things to get cheaper.
Some of the females went for a 90 minute foot massage, yesterday. It cost them $4. Marni plans on taking advantage of this.
I must say that having people do everything for you seems nice- but it is weird. We bought our driver a water today and you would think we cured his cancer.
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