Hello everyone, we had an eventful weekend with many new experiences and some time to rest. On Saturday half of us went to an environmental education center while the rest stayed at Kassanda for some rest and relaxation.
The environmental education center, Pusat Pendidikan Lingkungan Hidup, is on the edge of a tropical forest on the side of the Penanggungan Mountain. At the center we learned about the many diverse plants and environments within Indonesia. The purpose of the center is to provide awareness and protection information about the Indonesian community and environment. We also went on a short hike around the village and up the mountain a bit to discover some of the medicinal uses for the plants in Indonesia. It was interesting to learn that the center has been operational since 1990 and has been very successful. Also learning that Indonesia has medicinal plants either similar or the same as Canada. This information is an asset to have learned.
On Sunday some of us went on a tour of Surabaya to discover the local interests. We ended up at a fishing village where we experienced a local market. We also had the opportunity to take a short trip out on a boat to some sand bars about 30 meters out from the shore where locals take their children swimming. After the boat ride we had the pleasure of watching a performance from local performers who were from East Java. There were about 20 to 25 people within the group and they were all family. Some of performance included a dance of four girls and a man eating and blowing fire. This was the most exciting aspect of our day.
On Monday we all took the day to prepare for our week at practicum and we plan on sharing those experiences soon. Overall our first weeks experiences in Indonesia have been exciting and there has been a tremendous amount a learning thus far.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
We are completely safe
For those who have not heard, there has been a very small earthquake in East Java. We had not heard anything about it until a loved one from Canada informed us. From our knowledge there has not been any damage and we are safe in Surabaya. For those who are concerned about us there is no need to worry we didn't even know it had happened. We all hope everyone at home is great and we are having a wonderful time exploring the culture.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Practicum
Our first official day of Practicum was on Thursday. We all had to be up bright and early to leave for our placements. The car ride there is enough to wake ANYONE up if they are still sleepy! The traffic is incredible. It's full of motorcycles. The cars are all in a jumble, there is no single file rule here in Indonesia, that's for sure. And if there is, no one adheres to it!
Thursday and Friday were interesting days for us all. We all arrived back to Kassanda after Thursday's practicum and decided we needed an outing to clear our minds! We were overwhelmed to say the least, but in a way that was to be expected. And after our day on Friday we all realized we are going through what is called "Culture Shock". We are needing to learn better communication skills not only with those at our placement, but with our translators as well.
We are learning that all of the feelings we are having are normal and part of this entire experience! They are what makes the experience real and - for those of you who want a big word thrown in - "Phenomenological".
Culture shock is not something we can experience in Canada but we can use this experience to enhance our care of others in our diverse Nation!
We will keep you "posted" on our practical experiences over the next couple of weeks.
Thursday and Friday were interesting days for us all. We all arrived back to Kassanda after Thursday's practicum and decided we needed an outing to clear our minds! We were overwhelmed to say the least, but in a way that was to be expected. And after our day on Friday we all realized we are going through what is called "Culture Shock". We are needing to learn better communication skills not only with those at our placement, but with our translators as well.
We are learning that all of the feelings we are having are normal and part of this entire experience! They are what makes the experience real and - for those of you who want a big word thrown in - "Phenomenological".
Culture shock is not something we can experience in Canada but we can use this experience to enhance our care of others in our diverse Nation!
We will keep you "posted" on our practical experiences over the next couple of weeks.
Traditional Market
We were invited by some of the locals from Kassanda to accompany them to a traditional Indonesian market. The market had many floors and was extremley hot! The locals guided us through a maze of vendors and people as we browsed through the market. We aquired some followers as the children were very curious of these strange giant white people and wanted to practice their English. One memorable sight was how many of the women were carrying bundles on top of thier heads. This was a unique experience full of different sights and smells.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
What an opportunity
Indonesia Time: May 23rd 2007, 10:50 am
Canada Time: May 22nd 2007, 8:50 pm
Yesterday most of us had the opportunity to visit our practicum sites to grasp a sense of what we are going to be doing at each of them. In the morning we visited Don Bosco orphanage and day care and the Amaryllis Special school.
It was interesting to watch and interact with the children. Some of them seemed completely comfortable with us while other children appeared to be shy. This interaction seems very similar to how children in Canada react to new people or situations. When we would bring out our cameras the children would crowd around excitedly to have their pictures taken. Then they would come even closer to see what the picture looks like on everyone's cameras. In the afternoon we visited Ponok Hayat which appeared to be greatly influenced by the Christian religion. At the center there are approximately 25 children including the babies who were sleeping peacefully 3 to a bed. The workers appeared to be passionate about what they are doing for these mothers and children.
Today we visited the our last two practicum sites, SDN public school and the Hospital Daycare. Most of will be starting our first days at practicum this Thursday so we look forward to describing our experiences
Canada Time: May 22nd 2007, 8:50 pm
Yesterday most of us had the opportunity to visit our practicum sites to grasp a sense of what we are going to be doing at each of them. In the morning we visited Don Bosco orphanage and day care and the Amaryllis Special school.
It was interesting to watch and interact with the children. Some of them seemed completely comfortable with us while other children appeared to be shy. This interaction seems very similar to how children in Canada react to new people or situations. When we would bring out our cameras the children would crowd around excitedly to have their pictures taken. Then they would come even closer to see what the picture looks like on everyone's cameras. In the afternoon we visited Ponok Hayat which appeared to be greatly influenced by the Christian religion. At the center there are approximately 25 children including the babies who were sleeping peacefully 3 to a bed. The workers appeared to be passionate about what they are doing for these mothers and children.
Today we visited the our last two practicum sites, SDN public school and the Hospital Daycare. Most of will be starting our first days at practicum this Thursday so we look forward to describing our experiences
Monday, May 21, 2007
Salem from Indonesia!
Indonesia Time: May 22, 2007 1030am
Canada Time: May 21, 2007 830pm
We had a great day yesterday! We all had the morning to spend time together and relax, however the instructors were straight to work at the University! Some of us ventured out to the Internet cafe to catch up on our emailing and blogging! It is incredible to be on the other side of the world and still be able to remain in contact with friends family and blog readers!
In the early afternoon we all went to Widya Mandela University to meet the students from the Psychology and English Departments who will be our translators at our practicum placements. We were all slightly apprehensive about meeting new people and about the potential language barrier. Once we were there however, we had a great time. The Indonesian students were kind and curious about us as were we of them! There is great potential for friendship and one of the Indonesian students has already visited us at Kassanda House. What a diverse culture there is here especially when it comes to religion.
We are still adjusting to the heat, the food and the different culture, but we are managing just fine!
Over the next two days we will all be visiting our placements and will post about our experiences there as soon as possible.
* On a side note: For those who are interested in posting on our blog please feel free. We would appreciate however if you are wanting to contact a student individually to send them an email! Much appreciated.
Canada Time: May 21, 2007 830pm
We had a great day yesterday! We all had the morning to spend time together and relax, however the instructors were straight to work at the University! Some of us ventured out to the Internet cafe to catch up on our emailing and blogging! It is incredible to be on the other side of the world and still be able to remain in contact with friends family and blog readers!
In the early afternoon we all went to Widya Mandela University to meet the students from the Psychology and English Departments who will be our translators at our practicum placements. We were all slightly apprehensive about meeting new people and about the potential language barrier. Once we were there however, we had a great time. The Indonesian students were kind and curious about us as were we of them! There is great potential for friendship and one of the Indonesian students has already visited us at Kassanda House. What a diverse culture there is here especially when it comes to religion.
We are still adjusting to the heat, the food and the different culture, but we are managing just fine!
Over the next two days we will all be visiting our placements and will post about our experiences there as soon as possible.
* On a side note: For those who are interested in posting on our blog please feel free. We would appreciate however if you are wanting to contact a student individually to send them an email! Much appreciated.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Safe and Sound in Indonesia!
We arrived safely in the evening on May 19th in Indonesia! We received a warm welcome from the staff from the guest house, our drivers and University.
Much of our day yesterday, May 20th, was spent orienting ourselves to the area where we are staying. We have found it interesting how "Westernized" the malls are and the presence of English on most packages/items to buy. On our walk yesterday we felt as though out side the guest house and inside the guest house are like two different worlds. Out side the guest house the streets are dirty and bustling with people, cars and motor bikes (lots of them!). Inside the guest house the whole hotel is built around a beautiful tropical garden with palm trees, mango trees and a variety of plants and flowers. Each of our rooms open up to this garden, it is breath taking.
One highlight from our exploration of the area was our lesson on how to cross the roads, stop the cars and run!
We are still getting use to the heat and humidity, as well as, the time difference. Everyone is doing well and is excited for tomorrow, meeting our translators.
Much of our day yesterday, May 20th, was spent orienting ourselves to the area where we are staying. We have found it interesting how "Westernized" the malls are and the presence of English on most packages/items to buy. On our walk yesterday we felt as though out side the guest house and inside the guest house are like two different worlds. Out side the guest house the streets are dirty and bustling with people, cars and motor bikes (lots of them!). Inside the guest house the whole hotel is built around a beautiful tropical garden with palm trees, mango trees and a variety of plants and flowers. Each of our rooms open up to this garden, it is breath taking.
One highlight from our exploration of the area was our lesson on how to cross the roads, stop the cars and run!
We are still getting use to the heat and humidity, as well as, the time difference. Everyone is doing well and is excited for tomorrow, meeting our translators.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Hello from Hong Kong
Hong Kong Date and Time: May 19, 2007 1:50 pm
We have arrived safely from our 12 hour flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong. The flight was fairly uneventful and we are looking forward to continuing on our journey to Surabaya. We have started to notice how we are becoming a visible minority already and are finding this an interesting situation. We noticed a change in climate. It is humid and smoggy, and we can only see a silhouette of the mountains and sky scrapers that are close by!
We are tired as we have been travelling for many hours and the time change has been difficult to get used to. Once we arrive in Surabaya, the time difference is fourteen hours ahead of B.C. We are also putting our energy into group dynamics and team building. We have spent very little time together prior to the trip and have valued this time to build relationships.
We will attempt to post some photos as soon as we can. Our next post will be from Surabya, Indonesia!
We have arrived safely from our 12 hour flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong. The flight was fairly uneventful and we are looking forward to continuing on our journey to Surabaya. We have started to notice how we are becoming a visible minority already and are finding this an interesting situation. We noticed a change in climate. It is humid and smoggy, and we can only see a silhouette of the mountains and sky scrapers that are close by!
We are tired as we have been travelling for many hours and the time change has been difficult to get used to. Once we arrive in Surabaya, the time difference is fourteen hours ahead of B.C. We are also putting our energy into group dynamics and team building. We have spent very little time together prior to the trip and have valued this time to build relationships.
We will attempt to post some photos as soon as we can. Our next post will be from Surabya, Indonesia!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Indonesia: International Expedition!
Eight University students from different educational backgrounds including Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, and Nursing, as well as, 4 instructors from Malaspina University/College, are embarking on an international trip of a life time! We would like to invite you (family, friends, Malaspina students and staff) to follow our international experience by reading our weekly blog.
As a part of our experience each student will have the opportunity to work within the Indonesian culture as a part of a practicum. The practicum sites are Don Bosco - an orphanage/nursery and day-care centre, Pondok Hayat – a home for temporary stays for young mothers and babies, Amaryllis - a special school for slow learners, and SDN DUkuh Menanggal II No. 425 - a state-funded elementary school of approximately 300 students in a working class area of Surabaya.
We will also have the opportunity to experience the culture of Indonesia and many of the local sites. After our arrival we will determine our additional excursions, which could include Mount Bromo, Bali, and Yogyakarta.
We will be departing on the evening of May 17th from Victoria airport and are due to arrive in Indonesia on Saturday May 19th. We are extremely excited and look forward to sharing our experience with all of you!
As a part of our experience each student will have the opportunity to work within the Indonesian culture as a part of a practicum. The practicum sites are Don Bosco - an orphanage/nursery and day-care centre, Pondok Hayat – a home for temporary stays for young mothers and babies, Amaryllis - a special school for slow learners, and SDN DUkuh Menanggal II No. 425 - a state-funded elementary school of approximately 300 students in a working class area of Surabaya.
We will also have the opportunity to experience the culture of Indonesia and many of the local sites. After our arrival we will determine our additional excursions, which could include Mount Bromo, Bali, and Yogyakarta.
We will be departing on the evening of May 17th from Victoria airport and are due to arrive in Indonesia on Saturday May 19th. We are extremely excited and look forward to sharing our experience with all of you!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Some Personal Reflection
Well its been a few days back at home and it feels almost as if I had never left. It is so strange traveling from one reality to another and now in reflection I am trying to piece together how exactly these two could join.
Looking back at all my pictures (which I took a lot of, 2000, I think) I can easily recall my recent adventures in Indonesia. I can still remember the exact moment that I decided I wanted to go to Indonesia. I was checking my email stumbled upon an email which had information about an Indonesian trip I had a sense I wanted to go and immediately sent an email of inquiry. I have always wanted to go on an international study because of how the experience would add to my personal practice. And in coming back I now realize how much this trip will effect and enrich my practice in both ways I am aware and unaware of.
Some of my most memorable moments was when I stepped out of the air port in to the hot humid climate in Surabaya and thought to my self "what have I done!" I find it quite funny now but at the time I had myself quite concerned. It was amazing to notice how my body climatized itself over the span of 4 weeks. The first week and a half I felt the heat and the humidity and in the last couple of weeks I never thought of it and even occasionally shut off the air conditioning in the room.
Another memorable moment was my first road crossing. In Indonesia there are cross walks but they are not used like they are in Canada. Instead you use your hand with your palm open and facing the on coming traffic and you make your way through the mess of cars to the other side sometimes, actually, most times you were running! One of the instructors on the first day took the group in two sections and gave a lesson on road crossing. When it came to my turn I don't think I have been that scared for a long time!
When reaching the end of our two weeks friendships started to form between translators and Malaspina students. We had a chance to go to the water park, which was extremely fun and you didn't feel self conscious as it was the norm to cover up. There was even a slide which I thought resembled a ride at Disney Land, it was so scary and I often wondered the safety of the ride but it sure didn't stop me from going back for more. It was very sad to say goodbye to our new friends. They were all very generous people who had a wonderful sense of humor and were so giving and were especially helpful at our practicum sites. Many of us on the trip are and will continue to keep in touch with these new friends.
My practicum site was that of Don Bosco, Infant and toddlers. I loved going to my placement everyday knowing the children would be there and be happy to see me, as well as, the sisters and caregivers welcoming presence. I had an opportunity to learn a lot about culture and explore how the orphanage was run and why. My observations and participation at this site helped me to see a reality that you often only hear about. There are some practices regarding discipline that you would never hear of in Canada and if you did well there would be trouble. It was interesting to note how well the orphanage was run and the love that both the sisters and caregivers had for the children. Also how well they utilized what they had was something I noticed. In Canada we have so much and don't realize the hard ships some people face because they don't have near the amount of luxuries we have.
While at my placement I learned to step back and observe and be mindful of my "western views". Stopping and questioning why do I think a certain way and is that the only "right" way or are there alternatives? Looking at culture and context was very important. Also reflecting on what my culture is and what is it that I value helped me to identify cultural difference as well as understand these differences. Imagining how I would feel if someone came in and started questioning my culture and diminishing its importance was something I thought about quite often. I was very concerned with respecting the culture and was eager to learn more.
In my personal practice this awareness and critical reflection of culture in general, as well as, my culture is something that will be present. Having the ability to recognize, appreciate and create an environment where culture is acknowledge and encouraged will have a positive effect on my practice and help to strengthen it.
It was very sad leaving Don Bosco and the thought that I would not see these wonderful people again was not one I could entertain until I left the placement on my last day. They were such generous, kind, and grateful people, who I will never forget!
I feel so lucky to have had this experience! There was really nothing that could have prepared me enough. In looking back I am so glad that I stumbled across this opportunity and I am thankful for those who helped and encouraged me to accomplish this experience.
I am going to miss Nasi Gorenge Aym for lunch and dinner everyday, the Muslim call to prayer at 4:30am every morning, the traffic and disregard for road lines, the adrenaline rush while crossing roads, the geckos scurrying around on my wall, and last but not least the lovely warm and inviting Indonesian people.
Looking back at all my pictures (which I took a lot of, 2000, I think) I can easily recall my recent adventures in Indonesia. I can still remember the exact moment that I decided I wanted to go to Indonesia. I was checking my email stumbled upon an email which had information about an Indonesian trip I had a sense I wanted to go and immediately sent an email of inquiry. I have always wanted to go on an international study because of how the experience would add to my personal practice. And in coming back I now realize how much this trip will effect and enrich my practice in both ways I am aware and unaware of.
Some of my most memorable moments was when I stepped out of the air port in to the hot humid climate in Surabaya and thought to my self "what have I done!" I find it quite funny now but at the time I had myself quite concerned. It was amazing to notice how my body climatized itself over the span of 4 weeks. The first week and a half I felt the heat and the humidity and in the last couple of weeks I never thought of it and even occasionally shut off the air conditioning in the room.
Another memorable moment was my first road crossing. In Indonesia there are cross walks but they are not used like they are in Canada. Instead you use your hand with your palm open and facing the on coming traffic and you make your way through the mess of cars to the other side sometimes, actually, most times you were running! One of the instructors on the first day took the group in two sections and gave a lesson on road crossing. When it came to my turn I don't think I have been that scared for a long time!
When reaching the end of our two weeks friendships started to form between translators and Malaspina students. We had a chance to go to the water park, which was extremely fun and you didn't feel self conscious as it was the norm to cover up. There was even a slide which I thought resembled a ride at Disney Land, it was so scary and I often wondered the safety of the ride but it sure didn't stop me from going back for more. It was very sad to say goodbye to our new friends. They were all very generous people who had a wonderful sense of humor and were so giving and were especially helpful at our practicum sites. Many of us on the trip are and will continue to keep in touch with these new friends.
My practicum site was that of Don Bosco, Infant and toddlers. I loved going to my placement everyday knowing the children would be there and be happy to see me, as well as, the sisters and caregivers welcoming presence. I had an opportunity to learn a lot about culture and explore how the orphanage was run and why. My observations and participation at this site helped me to see a reality that you often only hear about. There are some practices regarding discipline that you would never hear of in Canada and if you did well there would be trouble. It was interesting to note how well the orphanage was run and the love that both the sisters and caregivers had for the children. Also how well they utilized what they had was something I noticed. In Canada we have so much and don't realize the hard ships some people face because they don't have near the amount of luxuries we have.
While at my placement I learned to step back and observe and be mindful of my "western views". Stopping and questioning why do I think a certain way and is that the only "right" way or are there alternatives? Looking at culture and context was very important. Also reflecting on what my culture is and what is it that I value helped me to identify cultural difference as well as understand these differences. Imagining how I would feel if someone came in and started questioning my culture and diminishing its importance was something I thought about quite often. I was very concerned with respecting the culture and was eager to learn more.
In my personal practice this awareness and critical reflection of culture in general, as well as, my culture is something that will be present. Having the ability to recognize, appreciate and create an environment where culture is acknowledge and encouraged will have a positive effect on my practice and help to strengthen it.
It was very sad leaving Don Bosco and the thought that I would not see these wonderful people again was not one I could entertain until I left the placement on my last day. They were such generous, kind, and grateful people, who I will never forget!
I feel so lucky to have had this experience! There was really nothing that could have prepared me enough. In looking back I am so glad that I stumbled across this opportunity and I am thankful for those who helped and encouraged me to accomplish this experience.
I am going to miss Nasi Gorenge Aym for lunch and dinner everyday, the Muslim call to prayer at 4:30am every morning, the traffic and disregard for road lines, the adrenaline rush while crossing roads, the geckos scurrying around on my wall, and last but not least the lovely warm and inviting Indonesian people.
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