Sorry, I know I haven’t been posting with any regularity lately. Part of that is because my desire to blog has been flagging lately. But part of that is also because there’s not much new to report. Not much excitement is really happening here. I haven’t been on any vacations since we’ve been back. I’m planning a big old trip to the beach with a bunch of friends, but that’s at the end of September.
Indonesia’s Independence Day is August 17th, and our street is already covered with national pride. Streamers with little flags, handmade ornamental “thresholds” framing the road. Also, Ramadan (the fasting month) begins in a few weeks. After that is Idul Fitri, when practically the entire country of 240 million tries to go home and visit their family. That’s when we’ll take the beach trip.
Overall I have less classes to teach each week, so that’s nice. The last couple of days I’ve felt a fair bit of frustration at perceived Indonesian personality traits. I’m sure I’m generalizing, but I’m just seeing a lot of evidence of certain attitudes that are bugging me right now. I’m sure I’ll get over it.
I’ll try to post more often in the future. Our Internet connection is painfully slow at home now, so posting pictures is a challenge. But I’ll try. 
6 responses so far ↓
1 Miguel // Aug 12, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Keep yer head up buddy…Bet your looking forward to getting to the beach. Have a Mai-Tai and watch the sunset for me when you’re out there.
2 Cyntha Johnson // Aug 13, 2008 at 10:17 am
What do you mean by “perceived Indonesian personality traits” - just curious.
3 Andrew // Aug 13, 2008 at 5:48 pm
blogging burn-out. i’ve heard of that…
4 Billy // Aug 13, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Hi Cyntha, I’d rather not go into that, because it’s not healthy for me, and I don’t want to upset any Indonesians reading this. Basically they are things which people told me when I first arrived, which I first dismissed as prejudices but am now starting to see a lot of evidence.
5 Cyntha Johnson // Aug 14, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Got it. I think that might be the same for us in Mexico. But just this morning a woman in a shoe store struck up a conversation with me and within 5 minutes she had given me her business card and encouraged me to call her anytime we might need any help here in Guaymas. I continue to be surprised by the random acts of kindness toward us here. Pay it forward…
6 Billy // Aug 18, 2008 at 12:09 am
That’s true. 99% of the time, the overwhelming kindness of people trumps any frustrations I have.
Leave a Comment