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.
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