Now that the initial shock has worn off, we’re really starting to like this city. Yesterday morning (2nd day) Denise and I strolled around the city to check things out. We never felt in any danger at all, and everyone is so nice! They are thrilled just because we are trying to use their language, and a smile almost always brings a smile in return.
First we stopped at a truly massive department/outlet store, where we marveled at the wide selection of recognizable brand name clothing at incredibly low prices. Gucci sandals for $25, Ecko jeans for $10, A&F shirts for $4, and almost everything was in the $5-15 range, or even lower. More exciting to me was the huge variety of non-branded clothing with every style you could imagine, at extremely low prices. I have to admit that I saw more clothes in this store that I liked, than I have seen at most stores in the US. Extremely cutting edge fashions, and some styles that I haven’t even seen in the US. And this was just one store! There are hundreds of these stores throughout the city, and I think this store was probably one of the more expensive ones.
Then we strolled around other parts of the city, stopping into various stores that sell just about everything under the sun, at rock bottom prices. Contraband PS2 games and CDs and DVDs, used furniture and housewares, electronics, you name it. We got a little lost, asked for directions, found our way home, and had lunch at a little warung near our hotel. Total price for two main dishes and two freshly juiced drinks was just under $5, and we were in a sit-down restaurant. Crazy.
Then we went to our schools for our first day of orientation. I observed one class, and Denise observed two at her school on the other side of town. Overall we were very encouraged by the experience, and ended the day with the feeling that “we can totally do this”. The students are very open and communicative, and although the school and classrooms are VERY rough around the edges, they are also well organized, and there is a genuine sense of happiness and camaraderie among the teachers.
Denise met me at my school, and we walked out to find dinner. Chicken kebabs and egg/chicken/cheese galette. Again around $5 for the total bill, including two beers. Walked back to the hotel, watched a little TV (NBA playoffs, Charlie’s Angels, MTV, etc.) and went to sleep.
Ask me any questions you have, and I will try to answer! We’re having a hard time connecting to our email currently, so this might be the best way to contact us. We’re going to try to get wireless service now. Cheers!
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Miguel // May 3, 2007 at 8:30 am
Holy crap man that’s some cheap dinner!!! SWEET so you might get to watch some football if your able to get NBA stuff then!!! Weird because there is a 14hr difference between us, and you guys are ahead so I wonder how that works…? I’m happy to hear you both are enjoying your classrooms as well. Good luck with getting settled in. Talk soon:)
2 DLT // May 3, 2007 at 9:29 am
You already have know the words for “restaurant” and “tap-tap” in that language! We “saw” you picking your way over the rough sidewalk. We read and re-read your entries. We were so pleased when we read that your co-workers welcomed you. It’s not surprising that you have TV, but no hot water in the hotel. Hot water is more expensive. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you continue in this intensely exciting time of settling in.
3 Twitchy // May 3, 2007 at 11:34 am
Hey, just thought Id drop a note saying Im reading!
I went to HS with Denise, though we werent friends. I found this exciting link on her page as well as reverb1.
I am reading both daily.
What a wonderful adventure your on!
I am totally vicuriously living thru you both~!
-Lirpa
4 Billy // May 4, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Hi everyone, thanks for the comments! Dinner continues to be extremely cheap and delicious. There are SO many food options… we haven’t even tried the fried food off the street yet.
Not sure about football… some guy told me “no” it wasn’t available, but I can get ESPN on cable here, so maybe some games are possible.
Finally figured out the hot shower in the hotel… you have to let the water run for like 5-10 minutes first. Seems like a waste of water, but icy-cold showers suck.
Hi Twitchy, welcome! Glad you’re enjoying the details and stories.
5 su // Jul 11, 2007 at 1:43 am
hi. i will be gng to bandung soon and was wondering if u could give the name of the stores to check out first. I read yer article but dont remember reading the store name with the gucci sandals and Ecko jeans. it will be my first time in bandung and my sisters and I intend to do some serious shopping. Also, any information on restaurants i should try wld be a great help too. Wishing u all the best and looking forward to yer advise.
Thanks.
6 Billy // Jul 12, 2007 at 8:47 am
Hi Su, you should check out the Heritage Factory Outlet on Jalan Riau (Martadinata). It will make you very happy. But honestly everywhere you go, you’ll find tons of clothes and brand names. I’m not sure if they’re fakes or not. Also check out Jalan Braga and Jalan Cihampelas. For restaurants, you’re going to have to try them all. D’Palm has a nice atmosphere. Best of luck.
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