The English Library

       I learned about the English Library from my friend Ryan, who is a Palembangese friend completing his masters in English Literature. He spends a lot of time at the library and invited me to join him for their Fall Festival this Friday night.

       The library was created by a man named Louis and his family, who are originally from Los Angeles but have lived in Indonesia for 8 years. The library contains over 2,000 books in English. A yearly membership to the library costs the USD equivalent of 80 cents. There are two other American families who live in Palembang and help out with the library. The rotate certain books with different schools/libraries around South Sumatra to keep their stock fresh. They have over 2,000 members, and around 200 who actively visit the library and participate in their events and seminars. 

       Tonight they threw a Fall Festival party, which included bobbing for apples, a costume contest, various games, pictures painted by the members of the art club, along with delicious American fall treats like pumpkin cookies, apple pie, and popcorn. I brought a bottle of sparkling apple juice. After I popped it and the Indonesians heard that it was non-alcoholic, it was gone in 60 seconds. 

       Here are some pictures from the Fall Festival, along with a little taste of a typical dinner in Palembang city. Ryan, Samar, and I met up with some other friends to eat again after the festival.

Minnie Mouse. All of the contestants
came out of the back and did a
run-way sketch for the audience.

Ugly Betty

Rapunzel

Hey Arnold!
This one was a pleasant surprise!

Mad Scientist screaming
about taking over the world.

Contest Winner: Smurf!
I thought he was Tobias at first.

Superman!

Wall of books!

Contestants giving their
final plea for the voters.

Cat, Indonesia War Hero,
Ninja, and Ugly Betty

Posing with the contestants.
That's Bruno Mars in front right.

Posing with Ms. Chicago!

With Ryan at the warung post-party.
This is typical place for Indonesians
to eat out. Usually an outdoor kitchen
and seating under tents.

Ryan getting his chat on.

Some street musicians pop in for a performance.
This happens all the time at warungs.
Afterwards they go around and collect tips.

The menu. No prices, just a list of the various
dishes offered. Sorry that it's sideways...

My delicious meal, Sate Ayam (Chicken Sate),
with peanut sauce and rice.

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