Happy 2013

Excuse me for a little bit of silence on this blog. We have been understandably preoccupied. Amongst the cherry picking, donkey guiding, barbecuing and beach dwelling – we have been sucking up some precious moments with our family and friends - all in the cute town of Radelaide.

It was never in our plans to come back this Christmas. It was meant to be our largest time away from home. All close to us understanding this fact were expectantly shocked when we told no one that we were coming .... and just turned up on a doorstep looking for a place to stay (sounds very Christmassy don’t you think?!). Of course, we were kindly greeted with tears, hugs and love - & I think it is one of those times that we will all fondly remember.

So it’s been a gorgeous time here so far. We’ve enjoyed eating, relating and relaxing. We feel particularly blessed by people’s kindness; generosity; and various forms of interest in wanting to know about our new life and living abroad. I’ve been surprisingly okay about being back home knowing that this is not really my home anymore. I think I thought all too deeply about the ramifications of this visit and how my brainbox would react and respond to a new life away from my old life. However, it’s been surprisingly AOK; and I‘ve happily enjoyed the crisp of my favourite light and tangy chip without the feeling that when I go home, I’m missing out ;) 

We feel we’re still only in the early days of living abroad. My unique and complex mind is still rushing here and there trying to adapt to what’s different and what’s changed. However, it’s been good to come back here to reassess why we’re doing what we’re doing! Yes there are no light and tangy chips where we are now; nor is there the comfort of whipping from one side of the city to the other in a quick and orderly fashion. But I’m coming to realise that it’s these simple differences that we are learning to embrace; not because it is any easier or more enjoyable; but because it opens my mind and broadens my perspective; and kinda makes me think that I’m little bit more in touch with God who sees all of this. 

So, in a week, we leave this cute little holiday of delightfulness, and return back to our newly found lives. For me, it’s been a beautiful time of just being with people.  I’d like to end and say this – We are truly grateful for our family and friends. Thank you for your love, time and gifts. Our hope for everyone is that 2013 is good year; and we would like to say thanks to those who have supported us up until now, through simply talking, listening and good old’ blog viewing.
A very Happy New Year to you all from us Berry’s abroad!

Nomes xo

Food Glorious Food

Hi all!

It’s spicy and sweet, sour and salty and it is as diverse as the eclectic archipelago that we now call home. Indonesian food is a mixed bag based mostly around the staple carbohydrate of Nasi (Rice). We enjoy driving past the terraced rice fields that surround our satellite city and we admire the hard working farmers, who are out in force growing this little white tasty treat. The wet season is upon us and this means afternoon monsoonal rains heralded by booming thunder and flashes of blinding light. 

 

 Indonesian people eat rice for every meal. In the same way that we in Australia eat bread all day, e.g. toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and possibly garlic bread or the like for dinner; Indonesians will eat plain rice and a fried egg for breakfast, rice with side for lunch and the same for dinner.

 

I was told a statistic by an Indonesian colleague who explained that the average Indonesian will spend the largest proportion of their weekly earnings on rice followed closely by cigarettes. (Note that a packet of gaspers will only set you back about $1.30 AUD) The third biggest drain on finances is then education. So it’s Cigees over education......make of that what you will.

Anyway.....back to food. Indonesia is one of the Asian power house economies and is growing rapidly thanks to natural resources such as gas, oil and an endless supply of cheap labour. This means that the capital Jakarta is a modern mega city that makes my hometown look like a cute coastal village. This burgeoning economy brings with it, all the modern conveniences of food from around the world. In other words, any and every cuisine is available here in one of the many opulent themed restaurants. Talking about such places is boring because our Australian readers know these all too well........

Our truly exciting food experiences come from eating local food, made by local people. This is where this blog gets a little more interesting. So the famed ‘Emperor Nasi Goreng’ advertisement comes to mind on regular occasions. Everything is served with ‘Nasi’ or to a lesser extent ‘Mie’ (noodles). So a quick cheap bite is ‘nasi goreng’ or ‘mie goreng’, fried rice or fried noodles. Add to this some vegetables and a meat based spicy concoction and you have a whole genre of Indonesian food. Notice my school lunches below. This tasty fair sets me back $1.20 AUD and is the reason I love lunch time at school.

 

An assortment of school lunches. They are cooked fresh tasty.

  

 

The interesting difference here is that this food represents a proper meal. Indonesian people prioritise a hearty lunch and may go a little easier at dinner time. This is, of course, the way it’s supposed to be and is probably why they don’t experience the same obesity epidemic that inflicts our extravagant western society.
 

So I tend to eat muesli and pot set yoghurt for breakfast whilst Naomi will eat the same or fresh tropical fruit and yoghurt. Lunch will be whatever looks appealing in the school canteen. Note some of my table eating buddies and their chosen lunches.

Note the little fish in the bottom right corner.

 

 Hey Champ, can I take a picture of your lunch?
No not the lunch already in your mouth. hehe



My lunch time conversation is quite different
to lunchtime conversation in a Fire Station. hehe



Korean kids lunch and more below....




 



 

 

The large Korean population in the area that we live in, translates to a large proportion of our student population being Korean kids. Their food is fascinating and is incredibly different to anything that I have experienced. Having said this, it is healthy and the kids display a mastery with chop stix that would humble even ‘Edward Scissor Hands’. My favourite Korean food staple are these little deep fried fish that the kids eat with rice and vegetables.  They taste like anchovies, needless to say, that a close conversation with a Koreran student after lunch becomes a challenge of will-power to handle they ‘Zing’ being breathed out with every exhale.They have also introduced me to a number of different types of seaweed that are tasty and healthy. On a side note, we have learned as much about Korean culture including K-Pop, family dynamics and attitudes to education as we have about Indonesian culture. That country is also a power house as my Samsung S3 phone pronounces.   

  

Red meat consumption is lower here due to the price of importing beef and lamb however there is plenty of Kambing(Goat). If I was to pinpoint my favourite local street food it would be Kambing Sate. Skewers of goat cooked over hot coals until lightly charred served with cucumber, tomatoes, baby red onions some chilli, crispy grlic and a Kechap manis based special sauce. It is truly delicious! Following closely behind this dish is Soto Ayam. This soupee bowl of deliciousness makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It reminds me of a Laksa but with quite a different flavour base.Yumm!

 

Sate Kambing

 

Soto Ayam

Honestly, the food here is a pleasure to experience and we continue to enjoy the new flavour combinations that we come across on a daily basis. We enjoy the diversity of culinary treats available and love the richness this adds to our new direction in life.
 

Yes that is a 'pot of fire' being aerated by a small fan. It does the job!

 

Sorry it’s a little long.....if you hung around reading this far, thanks for your interest! 

Nath B  

The world of PYP

So this week, I was challenged with a huge assignment. It was altogether exhausting, enjoyable and rewarding. I brought it upon myself for the sake of my students, their parents and the summarising end product of what's called a PYP unit of inquiry. So PYP stands for 'Primary Years Programme'. It's an international curriculum model and teaching methodology that focuses on skill, inquiry and student-initiated learning in the primary school. Amongst the boundless jargon and its' detailed description - I'm learning that this PYP thing is actually helpful in the intellectual development of a young person.

However, it contains endless hours of paper-work and thought provoking learning scenarios; and as a newby in the world of teaching, the fluffiness of it all can be a little overwhelming. However, this week, my cute and lovable grade two's exhibited the result of their work in a PYP unit. There are six units that the PYP teacher organises throughout the year; and this week we completed the second. The unit was entitled - 'Here We Are. Where Are You?' - and in a nutshell, focused on the variability of physical geography around the world; and how where people live affects how they live!

So, although a whole lot of organising, it was a proud teaching moment. The kids showcased their work through song, dialogue and display. So I have for you a snapshot of this worldly occasion.

The Chinese

 

The Aussies

The Koreans

 

The Indonesians

 

The Russians

 

The Japanese

 

 

Thanks for travelling with me,

Nomes xo

P.s Next blog with be brought to you by Nath - and it'll be all things food-related

Berry's further abroad in Bali

When I was in grade nine, I flew beyond Australia for the first time in my life. I went with a school friend and her parents, and they took me to Bali. Whilst time has blurred many details of that trip, the memories still inspire feelings of fondness. I didn't really know what I liked about this place, all I knew is that I wanted to live there; and so on arriving home I declared to my parents that I wanted to do a student exchange in Bali. In retrospect, I think maybe this proposition was just high school naivety or the fact that I didn't want to go back to school; but there was something real in that moment that I remember distinctly; and connecting with where I am now, I can't help but think it was the ignition of my international spirit. Ironically, eighteen years on, married and into my second career, I'm livin' across the oceanic road. So last week, Nath and I decided to whip over and visit this favoured Island of the Gods.

As many Australians know, Bali can be a great little place to visit. Living and working Jakartans' will often enjoy a quick and easy dash over to Bali to absorb the blue skies, the crashing waves and general rest and relaxation. We too enjoyed a very pleasant break from school, and we now feel refreshed and revitalised!

We enjoyed blending in with the many holidaying Australians. They generally expressed surprise followed by interest when we told them that we were holidaying from Jakarta. Their familiarity with Indonesia extends only as far as Bali and we encouraged them to venture across to the capital for a taste of the new Indonesia. We have not been away very long but it is long enough to start to get a glimpse of Australian culture from the outside looking in. Various parts of our culture are highlighted in a place like Bali. Some parts of our culture are brilliant and they illicit a sense of pride whilst other parts of our culture that are highlighted in a place like Bali, are quite frankly embarrassing.
 
The differences between Balinese people and Javanese people (people who come from the island of Java e.g much of Jakarta's population) was another realisation worth noting. They look very different from each other; they speak in different dialects (although all speak Bahasa Indonesia); but the most obvious difference is their religious expression. This is generally demonstrated in the way they dress. The Javanese will generally dress conservatively whilst Balinese dress in a much more relaxed style much like we do. The other noticeable difference is in the attitudes a typical Balinese and Javanese person shows towards animals. I was so delighted when I saw a young policeman nurse a baby bird up into a tree - it was a beautiful moment and a refreshing break for me, being the animal advocate I like to think I am (or wanna be). Muslim faith doesn't place the same value on animals that the Hindu or Christian faith does. Poor old Missy doesn't get an easy ride over here but she is well loved in our household. Our Muslim helper has already been won over by her kinda ugly, kinda cute pug-lookin face.

This was our first holiday away from our new home. This was a time we were to practise the ability to switch off from all things linked to school. Coming into this career we were both acutely aware of the reality of teachers taking their work home with them. This is an unfortunate difference from our old jobs. Teaching comes home with you and is certainly not solely contained in the classroom. But as many of you wise and talented teachers have told me, if you can't learn to switch off in this job ... you'll never survive!  So - despite what many may think, teachers DESERVE their holidays - which in this case included sand between the toes and freshly squeezed juices.

    
Bye for now!

Nomes xo



The tale of the many helpers

For some of you blog readers, the idea of a full time maid, driver and/or nanny may seem quite foreign - you may consider this a luxury reserved for the fortunate few?! But here in Jakarta, what is foreign, is a home without this household help. It is a part of everyday living for Indonesians and foreigners alike; and the more you have the more normal you are. Unfortunately, stories of abuse and mistreatment towards these workers are all too common and send our western blood boiling; this treatment is just part of the so-called "norm" and it's justified and excused by the guilty as "... financial provision for millions of Jakartans".

So, our quest to find a maid was not so much an effort to fit in (believe it or not) but it was more a helpful-cultural treat that would allow our 12 hour days to become more bearable. So after we settled in, we set out in search of a house 'helper'. We had seen, heard about and experienced first hand this cultural norm, and so we "thought" it would be easy enough to manage. But our quest to find a helper became quite a saga due to the many interesting characters we met along the way. Allow me to explain in order of appearances.

Helper No. 1: Young Anise. Anise lived in a luxurious, ritzy area neighbouring my parents house in Jakarta. She met us; seemed happy; and promised she would return one week after Lebaran which would mean we would have to wait for her longer than anticipated. We organised her a taxi following her celebratory week and she arrived at my parents' home. All was good until she decided to faint in response to an anxiety attack at the thought of living and working with two clay-faced expats. Mmmmm I put it down to the size of Nath's nose, hehe.

Helper No. 2: Forty-two year old Atune. Yet again, she lived up the road from my parents and seemed an answer to our prayers when she declared in translation that she liked dogs. On arriving in Jakarta to pick her up, she made a quick dash in and out of the house declaring that her Chinese-boss was threatening her with violence if she left and therefore couldn't leave. Brilliant NOT! This is distressingly common.

Helper No 3. Twenty one year old Siti. You'll be happy to know that this young lady just turned up on our doorstep. She came with an innocent looking face and not a lot of experience; but we were open and excited to just have someone with the guts to wanna be in the same room as us. A very long story cut short - Siti ended up lying, stealing, disappearing and doing drugs all in the space of a week! Needless to say we decided that she wasn't the helper for us. (Picture the scene....trying to explain to Siti, for reasons previously outlined, that she was no longer employed in our house. The explanation had to be craftily imparted using only charade gestures and google translate to help. It was a frenzy of disapproving looks, predicted text and general theatrical mayhem)

But ....rest assured and know that this fairy tale has a happy ending .... and here it is.

Helper No. 4: Young, yet capable Tri, who as I type is sitting in our little house now helping us out! She arrived a week ago with passion, excitement and eagerness to learn about how these white people walk and talk. It's only early days but I'ma thinking she's a keeper and as we always hoped, will be a blessing to us and vice versa.

The lovely Tri and her new household friend Missy!

 

So there you have it - The tale of the many helpers - A tale that has taken us on an interesting journey which adds to the welcomed experiences and stories that we knew we signed up for.

 

That's all people. Thanks for reading,

Nomes xo

 

P.s. I can't write a blog about helpers and not mention the warm and cuddly Siti (another Siti) who lives and works for my Ma and Pa. Although not directly our employee, she is sharp as a button, has a great sense of humour and basically looks after us every weekend. She sacrificially welcomes us and the work we create, with arms open wide. Although, you do not read blogs Siti - We thank you!!!!

 

 

 

Naths musings

Hi to whoever is reading this. Nomes has been asking me to write something for a while now so here it is. It's only been a couple of months but due to the volume of  change we have experienced, it feels like we've been here for longer.

So there's a lot to like about this city and a lot to dislike, which sounds awfully like the place I was born and bred in. But I've enjoyed the challenge of getting my head around the idea of a new normal. Part of our new normal is that we take it in turns walking Missy at 5am each morning. The mornings here are beautiful as they're balmy and fresh. It's surprisingly easy to get out of bed that early when the temperature is 22 degrees when we wake. The world wakes up early here due to heavy traffic. Many of our students will be in a car at 6-6:15 to arrive by 7 o'clock when we start.

The lack of bread is another new norm. You can access bread but it's sweet bread & not worth the kilojoules. This has been good for the waistline. The food is generally tasty, spicy and good. The 'exit door' has taken a battering since arriving thanks to the copious volume of sambal (chilli sauce) consumed during day to day eating. 

The wildlife consists of three groups of animals - cats, rats and bats (plus frogs and lizards but they don't rhyme). People are generally indifferent to animals over here. Their religious beliefs place no value on animals which generally results in a lack of care and neglect.

Here's Jakarta rats and sweet bread in one!

Another new norm is inefficiency. It's worth noting that this inefficiency isn't from a lack of "know-how"; instead inefficiency equals more work, and more work, equals more jobs. And when you've got a quarter of a billion people needing work, that results with the need to create employment where ever possible. This inefficiency results in things taking extra time. But the silver lining inside this dark cloud is that people are patient; people are long-suffering; and people are incredibly polite and kind. This is a welcome change from our western mindset.

The new careers are going well. School has been incredibly busy but equally rewarding. I've been lucky enough to go on a few feild trips. We visited some rural villages that had some amazing ancient temples mostly hidden under banana trees, in rice fields. These temples are dated to between 200 and 300AD, and because of there remote location, there's not a tourist to be seen. These sorts of experiences add such a richness to our new career change.

They have dug up only 4 of the 40 odd temples
hiding under these banana outcrops.
Government won't spend the money!

 

So far the things I'm missing are: bacon, a morning coffee & talk back radio. Alternatively, things that I'm not missing are: cold windy weather, Julia Gillard & Collingwood supporters..... but we'll take their old coach! hehe

That's enough of my musings .... enjoy some random photos from my phone!

 An Indonesian lunch can include eels, intestines and
any other part of the animal that we tend to turn into fritz!

Batavia - Dutch part of the city.

 

The 'Mad-Mouse' has nothing on this

Bike ride anyone?!

We have Humphry, they have this bloke

Cheers, Nath

Wallowing in Aqua Spa

I thought it's about time that we introduce you to some of our indulgences here in Indo-land. This place of course has its' challenges; but the many lovable highlights far outweigh them all. So, as we trek through our days and weeks doing life here in Lippo Cikarang, we continue to discover new things. One of which is my all time favourite past time - maaaaassage.

Those of you who know me well, know that I love that God created such a thing. I'm embarrassed to admit that I've been pretty focused on finding the right place and the best skin-kneaders. But for those of you who have been worried about this, please rest assured and know that the search is now over. Through the lush foliage of Lippo Cikarang resides a little place called 'Aqua Spa'.

This contemporary Balinese-designed spa is where heaven meets Indonesia. It sits connected to Lippo Cikarang's famous waterpark and it taketh my breath away! I seriously think I'm walking into heavens gates only to be greeted by Ms Efi and a cool drink (& no she is not greek).  Under Efi's care are many sweet therapists that shuffle around in cute brown sarongs matched with white jacket-like tops. I must also direct special attention to my newly found massage therapist 'Dwe', and her long firm strokes and circular skin rolling. She's a absolute winner in my eyes and as Nath can tell you, that's a pretty big call.

So perhaps I'm trivialising heaven a little, but I'd like to think that there would be plenty of luscious green trees and water features up with the big guy.

For those of you I've managed to make jealous - I'm sorry because that was not my intention. So to make you feel better I can tell you that there is one recent downside - last week, the price of massage escalated from eight dollars to a whoppin ten ;-)

(Next blog you shall hopefully hear from Nath. He promises to bring you a letter so stay tuned)

Welcome to our world!

So its been about 6 weeks since we left sanitised Oz to do life in the madness of Jakarta. To say our lives are different to 6 weeks ago is obviously the understatement of the year. Everything is different! We left a place of empty streets, wide open spaces, ticket machines, and smoke-free restaurants; to settle in a city of 26 million which couldn't be more opposite.

Our new world, here in Jakarta, is exciting and confronting but both equally embracing. Nath and I are excited to be here because we love discovering new things and new people. We love to be amazed and it genuinely excites us to discover someone or something that is different to what we know. What is particularly confronting about this new place is the economical disparities that we witness everyday. Whilst the extremely wealthy sit in their beautiful houses with 24 hour security and multiple house helpers .....

... the not-so-wealthy are working long days, outside in the heat, & are lucky to be earning a dollar a day. 

The intriguing thing about this disparity is that everyone seems to exist just fine. It is not something that is talked much about and it is definitely not something that will ever change. This democratic country and its' growing population will continue to actuate the widening of this gap. Unfortunately for you blog viewers, these photos do not capture the full severity of what we see on the streets of Jakarta. You'll just have to excuse me on that one - I couldn't bare to pull out my phone-camera, and flash it in the face of one of Jakarta's working poor.

So, what I have shared above is a big part of our new world, and something that we see on a daily basis. But I thought I'd end this blog space with a few pictures that will give you a more personal glimpse into our immediate world. Although not completely inclusive, this consists of ....



classroom teaching;



 a whole lot of marking;

the crippling traffic;

Muslim culture;



and JCo coffee!

This is our new home ... this is our new world! Thanks for being interested!

Nomes and Nath xo