Birthday Week; Day 3
The festivities continue. Last night, not the previous night as advertised, we ate at Socrates--a vegetarian restaurant. I was skeptical, not of vegetarianism which strikes me as sensible, because I was hungry times 10 and wanted something familiar. I envisioned elaborate dishes served inside coconuts laden with tofu, and did not feel up to it. I tell you, Socrates was delicious! The mock meat was completely meat like, so much so that if I had to eat at Socrates everyday, I would be delighted. It has to be eaten to be believed. In fact, if I held a different job, I could eat at Socrates everyday. They offer a lunch delivery menu that is delivered to your home or office daily for about 24 US dollars per month. They do not offer the service for dinner it is my misfortune to report.
Tonight I may go see an Inodnesian movie about which I know nothing. The movie theatres here offer bascially Hollywood crap. Last friday, just to go to a movie, J. and I saw "The Lady in the Water." It was terrible, no offense to fans of the movie, but J. fell asleep and I wish that I had. Here, as in Singapore where I saw the equally awful Pirates of the Carribbean 2, one buys their exact seats; it is not general admission. In Singapore, my roommate N. ordered a hotdog and a rootbeer and received two pepsis instead. I ordered popcorn and received kettle corn. I have been told that salty popcorn, which I have always adored, is hard to come by, but the theatre last week did have it, and while it was the salty butterless variety often found at American high school sporting events, it was a breath of fresh, salty air--I had not had popcorn in ages.
Tomorrow are the Student Led Conferences. Students compile a portfolio of their work throughout the term and then present it to both me and their parents. This is in lieu of report cards. There are benefits to this approach, but deficits as well. Some students will lead well rehearsed presentations while others will be uncomfortably short and shoddy. I am to say nothing, but I think that I will ignore that instruction and give guidance when needed.
I have begun following the sports teams back home via internet. I can check in on the Twins everyday and the Vikings weekly. I read up everything I can. Things are settling into a routine, finally. I believe that was to be expected. When I first arrived everything about Medan was interesting and different. Now nothing surprises. I have grown used to the environment. It's a more comfortable feeling, but not nearly as inspiring. I wrote a lot when I first got here and now not as much, but am reading more. Medan does not have much to offer in way of culture. There is no theatre, there are few venues for musicians. By contrast, Jakarta is, I'm told is thriving culturally. When I arrived in the Jakarta airport on my way here, N. and I waited to board in a hot, small room populated by local musicians who were waiting as well. They played guitars, violins, and one guy blew through one nostril which produced the sound of horn, actually. They were very good. The musical style resembled Hawaiin folk, but it had, as one would expect, Asian elements. I have not seen that sort of thing in Medan.
The popular music enjoyed here is really bad American music. Sentimental, but meaningless, ballads are adored. Cabbies love the Scorpians (who are German, no?). It's insufferable. The dvd's are pirated and cheap but also edited. Some scenes are taken out clumsily. As I begin to read about Medan's history I will post my findings. I hope to get to Jakarta soon, but travel is not so easy as advertised. I will post tomorrow if time allows, but otherwise, my next post will be next week--post Birthday.
Lastly, if anyone is still reading, I am going to try my best observe Ramahdan. That is I will fast from sunrise to sunset. Many non Muslims do this for the experience. That should lead to some interesting observations, I hope.
Tonight I may go see an Inodnesian movie about which I know nothing. The movie theatres here offer bascially Hollywood crap. Last friday, just to go to a movie, J. and I saw "The Lady in the Water." It was terrible, no offense to fans of the movie, but J. fell asleep and I wish that I had. Here, as in Singapore where I saw the equally awful Pirates of the Carribbean 2, one buys their exact seats; it is not general admission. In Singapore, my roommate N. ordered a hotdog and a rootbeer and received two pepsis instead. I ordered popcorn and received kettle corn. I have been told that salty popcorn, which I have always adored, is hard to come by, but the theatre last week did have it, and while it was the salty butterless variety often found at American high school sporting events, it was a breath of fresh, salty air--I had not had popcorn in ages.
Tomorrow are the Student Led Conferences. Students compile a portfolio of their work throughout the term and then present it to both me and their parents. This is in lieu of report cards. There are benefits to this approach, but deficits as well. Some students will lead well rehearsed presentations while others will be uncomfortably short and shoddy. I am to say nothing, but I think that I will ignore that instruction and give guidance when needed.
I have begun following the sports teams back home via internet. I can check in on the Twins everyday and the Vikings weekly. I read up everything I can. Things are settling into a routine, finally. I believe that was to be expected. When I first arrived everything about Medan was interesting and different. Now nothing surprises. I have grown used to the environment. It's a more comfortable feeling, but not nearly as inspiring. I wrote a lot when I first got here and now not as much, but am reading more. Medan does not have much to offer in way of culture. There is no theatre, there are few venues for musicians. By contrast, Jakarta is, I'm told is thriving culturally. When I arrived in the Jakarta airport on my way here, N. and I waited to board in a hot, small room populated by local musicians who were waiting as well. They played guitars, violins, and one guy blew through one nostril which produced the sound of horn, actually. They were very good. The musical style resembled Hawaiin folk, but it had, as one would expect, Asian elements. I have not seen that sort of thing in Medan.
The popular music enjoyed here is really bad American music. Sentimental, but meaningless, ballads are adored. Cabbies love the Scorpians (who are German, no?). It's insufferable. The dvd's are pirated and cheap but also edited. Some scenes are taken out clumsily. As I begin to read about Medan's history I will post my findings. I hope to get to Jakarta soon, but travel is not so easy as advertised. I will post tomorrow if time allows, but otherwise, my next post will be next week--post Birthday.
Lastly, if anyone is still reading, I am going to try my best observe Ramahdan. That is I will fast from sunrise to sunset. Many non Muslims do this for the experience. That should lead to some interesting observations, I hope.
posted by athensinternational at 6:20 PM
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