Things I Love About Indonesia

Singing in public is not only allowed but greatly encouraged, regardless of time or place. If you do not like to sing, something might very well be wrong with you.

People genuinely care about their neighbors. 

Physical, mental, and emotional health always come before work.

There is no drinking culture. This is replaced by a lot of karaoke, eating, and general chill time. There are no blackouts or hangovers.

Bagi-bagi: If you have food, then you share it. 

Winning isn't everything. Smiles and laughs are more common on the basketball court than grunts and hustle.

Peanut sauce.

Everyone shows respect and care for their elders and superiors. Students always greet their teachers by taking the teacher's hand and touching it against the student's face with a small bow.

If you're tired, take a nap. 

Being talkative and social is a highly respected character trait.

The community is valued over the self.

Large families live together until the children start families of their own. Nursing homes do not exist. Elder family members are cared for by their families always and forever.

Traffic may be common, but it's always exciting. 

Personal space does not really exist, at least with same-sex relations. It is not weird to put your hand on your friend's thigh when everyone is hanging out. At first it seems a bit much, but it's actually very comforting to have one of your friends or coteachers put his arm around you when everyone's just sitting around.

Everyone is friendly.

Happiness is the most admirable attitude. People will withhold expressing sadness or discontent so as to not upset other people around them.

Base-tanning weather 65% of the day.

You can't visit anyone's home without being offered food and drinks.

When someone is sick or hurt, family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers will always come to visit them.

Time is not the most important thing in the world, people are. 

People don't treat every exchange of time or goods like a business transaction. I do not have to feel like I am in debt to you if you do something nice for me.

It is socially acceptable to let out a massive burp after a big meal.

And last, but certainly not least, cute kids.

A Tale of Two Days

A Tale of Two Days in Palembang

Written, Directed, Produced, and Photographed by Matthew

'Twas the day of speech finals,
and all through the mall,
the students were speeching,
and having a ball.

Although my bright students,
did not win the cash,
we all threw up peace signs,
for the camera's bright flash.

The competition was fierce,
and the rain was a' pouring,
so we headed to Bu Nelly's,
for some body restoring.

The mat was laid down,
for a special delight,
a masseuse gave massages,
late into the night. 

The power went out!
'Twas a slumber party!
We had candle-lit fun
to the highest degree!

I was so grateful
that they welcomed me,
I felt right at home
with my new family.

The next morning we cruised,
to the local pool,
to splish and to splash,
and to straight act a' fool.

Bu Nelly's two sons,
and their cousin too,
along with one white guy,
'twas a super dope crew.

The pool was equipped,
with a fancy cafe,
where we ordered iced tea,
and some 'makan sore'.

How could I forget!?
Liza was there too!
She was quite a rascal,
though her smile gives no clue.

The bros were a' bro-in',
as bros tend to do,
and I got a sweet base tan,
that caramel-brown hue.

The weather was splendid,
the water was cool,
we swam straight for hours
'til we ran out of fuel.

When I finally got home,
from my fun in the sun,
I put kitty in my shirt,
and the weekend was done.

Cruisin' In Palembang

I had heard a lot about driving conditions in Southeast Asia and Indonesia prior to my arrival. I had heard of the incessant traffic, the hap-hazard flow of mobiles, the swerving motorbikes, the disregard for attempts at traffic control. When I arrived, I learned that all of these things are very true. However, the reality is far less scary and far more beautiful than I had imagined.

I would compare the flow of traffic in Palembang to a flock of birds dancing in the wind. It is an unspoken logistical democracy. A continual compromise. An intricate game of give and take, accompanied by a barrage of beeping horns.

Yes, people do not always follow the traffic controls or laws, but everyone is extremely aware of their surroundings and the way they are driving. They have to be. Cars and motorbikes swerve relentlessly through the lanes, creating a four-lane road from a street with just one dividing line. Yet, I see no scratches on the sides of cars and have yet to witness an accident. Making a turn across traffic requires a keen sense of traffic flow and some guts, but once the motorist edges into the opposing lane, the oncoming traffic senses the turning vehicle and responds appropriately. It's scary at first, but the level of awareness on the road is such that you can expect the oncoming drivers to sense the impending turner and slow down or speed past as needed. In my opinion, the system is no more dangerous than the traffic in the states and seemingly more efficient.

I have included two videos of myself driving through traffic in Palembang. One on the back of a motorbike at night and the other while inside the school's mini-bus during the day. I want to get some footage of heavy traffic or at a major intersection, but these two videos do a good job of capturing the traffic flow on a moderate day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTGMabVJ4wY
The street shops at the beginning of the video are selling durian http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durian, a smelly but tasty traditional Indonesian fruit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9OV5P_J7Y

Also, if you want to cross the street at any place along the road, you simply edge your way out with a hand extended against traffic and the cars will slow down and let you pass, or speed past you, so you must be very cautious.

*For my mother: yes, I wear a helmet when I ride on the back of motorbikes.

*For my friends, mom- do not read: One time this kid was texting while I was riding on the back of his motorbike in crazy traffic it was freaky we almost crashed like ten times.

*For my mother, since I know you read that last one: Okay I told the kid to stop texting and we didn't come close to crashing, but don't tell my friends cuz I wanna sound cool.

Mr. Jack: Karaoke All-Star, First Team

Mr. Jack, A.K.A. my counterpart A.K.A English teacher at my school A.K.A. my right-hand-man, is a karaoke All-Star. He loves singing more than anything. At any point in time you could catch him belting Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On or perhaps Aerosmith's Don't Wanna Miss A Thing. 

After weeks of conjuring up a plan, he finally took me to karaoke with some of his former students who are currently studying at Sriwijaya University. Basically, in lieu of a drinking scene in the large city of Palembang, there is a massive and fantastic karaoke scene. At Palembang Square, a huge mall in town, groups can go to one of many karaoke spots to rent a room for the purpose of belting some Indonesian/classic tunes. Those not blessed like Mr. Jack, whose vocal cords vibrate like the strings of Apollo's harp, can simply rock out with the group and enjoy a nice iced tea.The room is equipped with a television, an extensive song-list, a powerful speaker system, and a theme. Our room was themed Hawaii.

In case you haven't met him yet, here is a picture of Mr. Jack and I at BKB:

Here are some pics from karaoke:

AND NOW, for the grand finally, here are two links to some videos I took. Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfauu-DbRSE&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uza9_v4xikw&feature=youtu.be

My School In Pictures

SMA Negeri Lima Palembang. My high school!
It is a public school for grades 10-12. About 300 students

The courtyard/parking lot in front of the school. Most students ride
motorbikes to school or get rides. The court is also for basketball
and futsal among other extracurriculars.

View of the classrooms from the interior of the school grounds.
The campus is open and full of beautiful flora! But always hot.

View of the school from the third floor. One floor per
grade level.

View of the courtyard from the corner of the buildings. Sweet plants for days.

This is the cafeteria. It's called 'Bule Canteen'. Students come buy food
from the cook who lives in the attached building.

Inside of the canteen. Not much room most students get food to go.

Inside the teacher's room. Note A/C units in top right of picture.
Very clutch. That's Ibu Mutmut in the front. She's fun.

Come sweet graffiti on the school grounds. 

Ballin' hard with the SMANLEE Bball squad. They call me Joakim. 

View of my neighborhood from the third floor. My house is by the one
with the blue roof. A five minute walk from school.

Some tenth graders caught me taking pictures on the third floor
and requested a photo shoot. I obliged of course.

Chillin' with some University of Sriwijaya students at BKB, an exciting
riverside hangout spot with good food and chill vibes.

Sporting the national teacher's batik after the teachers meeting. My favorite
batik to date.

Hangin' with the English-speaking expats at a cool Palembang bar and
restaurant called Ma Maison. Samar (left) is a Fulbright English Fellow
from New York teaching at Sriwijaya University and Andre (right) is
an athletic trainer from New Zealand.

Belting some mad tunage at karaoke with some more University students
that Jack used to teach. When I find out how to get videos up I'll show
some of the more epic songs. It was a blast.

SMANLEE's basketball team and their new secret weapon.

Adorable little Indonesian kid that I met at an ancient burial site. 

                        

                         And to finish, a photoshoot with two of my fabulous fellow teachers:

Cantik.