1. NASI - rice
Evidently I have been living in Asia this whole time, so rice has become apart of me. Nasi (the Indonesian word for rice) literally runs in my blood now. Each meal is set on top of a bed of nasi at the bottom of the plate, weather it be breakfast, lunch or dinner. If I don't eat rice with something it just feels like i'm snaking. As the Indonesians say, Kalau belum makan nasi, belum makan which means if you haven't eaten rice, you haven't eaten yet. I whole heartedly agree with this statement, and am positive when I get home i'll be putting my family's rice cooker into better use than ever.
2. NAIK MOTOR - riding motorcycles
Almost every single citizen in this city I can safely say has access to a motorcycle and will absolutely ride one once if not more than once a day. Although they can be extremely dangerous, people here have become very skilled drivers and I feel very safe when i'm riding. As a part of the AFS rules, I'm forbidden to drive one, so you'll always find me bonceng-ing which is riding on the back. This method of transportation is quick, efficient, and less costly. With the population so dense here, if in the case that everyone could afford a car (which everyone can't), there would be sooo much traffic, more than I can even imagine. Already even with all the cars there are, (there are a lot), there 's often macet traffic jams almost every day and as the city gets more developed, the more jammed they roads get. With a motorcycle being slim and quick, the passengers are able to get to point a to b quicker by swerving in and out of the traffic. I've seriously considered investing in a little cute vespa type motorcycle when I get back to Western Springs, not only is it adorable, it's so quick and efficient and why the heck not!
3. PASAR, KAKI-LIMA and well..MAKANAN - the traditional markets, food stands, and well food in general
I really really, really really like the food here. This statement is already clear and there's no need for me to go deeper into it. The traditional markets are open every morning until early afternoon, and its quite the experience doing daily at one. In every little community in the city there are bound to be a couple, ranging from rather small to absolutely enormous. At the pasar, you can buy anything. From chicken feet to chili grinders, traditional medicine to shoes. Bring ten dollars into the passar and you can come out with food for a family of 5 for the day, clothes and shoes for everyone, the cookware you need to cook the food, and come out with probably still a couple dollars to spare. What i'm trying to say here, is that the passar is like the dollar store but the dollar store is like a Dominicks/Jewel/Safeway. Needles to say the everything is dirty, and the whole enterprise is clearly violating more than maybe 100 american health codes. Regardless, going to the passar is always fun, and after a while you'll get used to the environment. The kaki-limas (five legs, two for the person, one for a peg, and two for the wheels that push the cart) are the food stands that sit on the side of the road or walk around an area. Each stall has maybe one or two items on the menu, and iced tea or orange juice. Honestly i've never been disappointed from anything i've every eaten out of one. The price will also never go above one dollar for a portion of anything.
4. MANDI - showering
Of course, i'm still going to regularly take showers when I get home, however it will never be the same. The traditional method of showering in Indonesia is nothing like that of in america. Basically you have a tub of water and use a little bucket to pour the water over your head. This method is actually very refreshing, and probably saves a bunch of water. I shower two times a day here, that is the norm for Indonesia and probably many south east/tropical Asian countries. It is HOT here, but thats not any new information. I suppose I can shower twice a day once I get back as well, but that might be deemed a little odd and over-excessive. I guess we'll just see what happens with this one.
5. MERAPI - the most active volcano in the world
Mount Merapi is situated just on the edge of Jogja, and can clearly be seen on a good day. Maybe twice or three times a week you get a good view. To the side of Merapi is Merbabu, which is another ancient volcano that is already dormant, however Merapi is still very very active. For the past 9 months i've passed these two massive mountains every day on my way to school. Throughout the city they can be seen, and are absolutely magnificent. I'm gonna miss the view.
6. TEH - the wide availability of tea
In Javanese culture tea is very important. Very important, very available, very sweet, and very delicious. I'm planning on bringing a ton home because I love it that much. If you go to anyones house, its always tradition to be given a cup of hot sweet javanese tea. I might continue this tradition at my house in America, I bought a traditional tea set for 3 dollars made from clay. Its so nice being welcomed into someone's house by a nice warm cup of tea. Just such a nice little gesture like, here stay a while. Usually it's impolite to leave one's house before finishing the cup of tea you're given.
7. JALAN2 DI MALIOBORO - walking up and down malioboro
Malioboro is the most famous street in Jogja. The shopping on Malioboro is super traditional, great for tourists, and super cheap if you know how to bargain. J.Co (like starbucks) at the Malioboro mall has pretty much became my hang out spot. Weather it be me alone there or with friends, I love it. There are tourists everywhere, becak's (rickshaws) andongs (horse pulled carts), motor cycles, cars, pedestrians, its a blast.
8. DUDUK DI LANTAI DAN MAKAN PAKAI TANGAN - sitting on the floor and eating with your hands
In America both these things are considered very impolite, and we're yelled at by our parents when we're young not to eat with our hands, only with the exception of 'finger foods'. Everything is finger food in indonesia. Its considered more comfortable to sit on the ground rather than at a table. Don't get me wrong eating utensils are used everyday too, but just having the option of both ways is nice. I haven't seen a table knife since i've been out of America, and honestly don't really remember how the proper way to use one is. However spoons and forks are widely used. The spoon is the most widely used, always in the right hand and the fork is always in the left hand...used to help move the food from the plate to the spoon. This way of eating has become very normal for me. Who knows if i'll ever use a knife again in my life!
9. PAKAI SERAGAM KE SEKOLAH - wearing a uniform to school
Even though I don't rock the uniform as well as my stick-thin Indonesian friends do, the ease of putting the same thing on every day and not having to take an hour figuring out what to wear before school is nice. Everyone looks the same and the only thing people can really judge you about is your bag, your shoes, and anything you wear in your hair. And even that is really not a big deal, someone may make a comment about it then no one cares anymore. In america the gossip at school as I remember is often 'omg did you see what she's wearing', and that can be in a positive or negative way, however its always on everyone's mind...who looks the best and who didn't really make the mark that day.
10. YOGYAKARTA BERHATI NYAMAN - Yogyakarta with a comfortable Heart
As you enter the city of Yogyakarta, there are two wayang puppet sings that read 'Yogyakarta Berhati Nyaman' , which means you have now entered Yogyakarta that of a comfortable heart. Jogja in my opinion really and truly does have a comfortable heart. The culture here is very santai relaxed and no one is ever in a rush. I've recognized this from my first week here and its one of the biggest things i've learned from my time abroad. I've learned patience. Everyone in this city is so extraordinarily nice, friendly, it's amazing. Actually, Jogja is its own region. The city and the surrounding areas are known as DIY 'Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta' The special region of Jogjakarta. Everything else on Java is in the west, central or east region. Jogja is special. Jogja still is ruled by the Sultan, and is the only region that doesn't have an elected governor. The sultan acts as the governor and everyone loves the him. Jogja has been known as a city state long before Indonesia gained it's independence in 1945 , therefore it is very very special. From the people, to the food, I feel so lucky to have been placed in such a special region of Indonesia and have had the opportunity to learn about all the amazing culture and beauty of this country. Jogja really has it all, beaches, the ocean, lakes, rivers, hills, mountains, volcanoes, caves, city life, village live, rice patties, and everything in-between.
Indonesia has become a part of me. Rice, the Indonesian Language, and Tea now runs in my blood. I'm going to miss living in this country so, but i'm excited to go home. One day I know i'll be back! These 9 months have changed my life in a way I didn't see coming. I'm beyond grateful for AFS, the US Department of State, My family, friends, Indonesia, My host family, indonesian friends and school, for making this experience all that it was for me. YES Abroad is amazing. The best part is that after this year is just the beginning of another chapter of my life, and i'm so ready and so excited to see where it will take me.
Sampai Jumpa, Julianne
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