First Impressions Can Be Tough

Just so you're not confused, I wrote this post yesterday. Also, I'm sorry for the lack of pictures. I'll post some later! 

As I write this, I am sitting at school on my fourth day. My class is currently taking a math exam, and I may or may not be wearing the wrong uniform...oops! That's just one example of what I have come to call bule fails. Just in case you're wondering, this is not the first bule fail regarding sekolah dan seragam (school and uniform). Hari rabu (aka my second day of school) we are supposed to wear a kebaya instead of our regular uniform shirt, and my class also happens to have sport (gym class), which means another uniform. When I came to school on Wednesday, I did not have either one, but it was fine because the teachers knew that I was (am..) new. The same goes for today. I should be wearing my school batik, which is mostly blue, but I am wearing the only type of uniform shirt that I have...the regular white one. As annoying as these small mistakes can be, I am fine with them because they are easy to fix. However, the language thing is another story...I know I said that I would make this post about language, but I have decided to do that next week instead.

Okay so getting back to what the post is supposed to be about.. As the title suggests, I am going to write about some of my first impressions of different places, so probably Indonesia as a whole (aka when I first landed in Jakarta), Bandung, and school.

Arrival: When we finally landed in Jakarta and went through customs, I got my first taste of Indonesia. It was somewhere around midnight, and I was extremely tired from traveling for so long. However, I wanted to take everything in. When we met up with the AFS (I guess technically Bina Antarbudaya) volunteers, we went outside, and I immediately felt the Jakarta heat. As we waited to pile into a few different cars, an adorable kitten appeared on my right. There were a few people nearby, and they were speaking rapidly in Indonesian. I didn't understand a word, but I'm sure that I could at least get a general idea of what was being said by now!) From what I saw, Indonesia was a pretty awesome place, and now I can definitely say that I was right!

Bandung: Now that I think about it, I honestly don't remember too much of what I thought when I first arrived in Bandung. I do remember being slightly confused though. Orientation was one thing because most of it was in English, and arriving in my host city was a whole other thing. The first time that I actually stepped food on Bandung's soil was when I was switching cars to go home with my host family's driver. I remember looking over at the road nearby and thinking how busy it was. I used to always hear about Jakarta's traffic, but Bandung has a lot of traffic too! As I neared my new home, I also remember thinking how narrow the roads were. I still think the same thing now!

School: When I entered my host school for the first time, I definitely remember thinking how different it looked from my high school in the US. Walking to my class was also very different from what I am used to. Students excitedly ran up to me and wanted to try out their English with an American. Even though I expected it, it was still a little overwhelming. Arriving in my class was no different. The students were SO loud and excited when they found out that someone from the US would be joining them for the next year. I remember thinking that they were all really nice, and that still holds true. So far, the girl I share a desk with is the one I have talked to the most, but I'm definitely up for making lots of new friends in the coming weeks and months. By the way, I came in the middle of the school day, and my class was doing chemistry. The teacher expected me to do work right away, and I'm actually glad she did. Even though I couldn't really understand what was being said, I was glad that I could actually do the work! By the end of my few hours there, it was way too hot for a skirt that reaches the ankles and a long sleeved shirt, but I survived! As I hoped, I enjoyed my first day and first week of school. I still find it really funny that people from other classes (aka people I don't know) will scream my name in the halls and ask for pictures though.

Fun fact: I've officially been in Indonesia for two weeks! How crazy is that?!

Thanks for reading!

Indonesian Word of the Day: Sarapan - Breakfast

Tulus - Jangan Cintai Aku Apa Adanya

I hear this song ALL the time on the radio, and I really like it!

I was actually listening to it as I wrote this post :) 

I'm Here!

Okay so remember how I said that I wasn't going to blog for my first few weeks here? Well let's just say that idea has kinda been thrown out of the window. I've only been here for about six days, and I'm already writing...

I'm really tired (I actually fell asleep while writing this), so I'm going to keep this post relatively short. I arrived in Jakarta very late on Friday night. The six of us Americans were the last of the students to arrive (think 2 am) at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which is where we stayed for the three days of orientation. By the way, Taman Mini is a really cool place. It's a miniature version of Indonesia and a great way to see some of Indonesia's diversity.

I believe this is part of the Bali section

Orientation was over on Monday night, and we all left for our host communities on Tuesday morning. I was picked up by Yuka's very nice host family, and I had my first taste of sate while in Indonesia while on the way to Bandung. It was very enak! When we got to Bandung, we stopped off so that I could go home the rest of the way with my family's driver. I wouldn't say that the car ride was awkward, but I felt bad not being able to communicate with him. Once I arrived here, I met some members of my host family and went out to dinner with my host sisters.

View from my window

Yesterday, like today, I was really tired, so I slept a lot. I stayed home for most of the day, but I went out with my host brother and two cousins or something. Even though it was only my fifth day here, I tried street food. I know, I know that wasn't the best idea. However, I didn't get sick from it, and I really liked it! Speaking of food, I feel bad because my host family thinks that I don't like the food because I don't eat a ton. In reality, I really like all of the food. My stomach just can't hold it! Saya kenyang might just have to become one of my favorite phrases.

Even though I have been here for almost a week, it is still weird to think that I am actually in Indonesia. It is a very beautiful country, and I cannot imagine going anywhere else for exchange. For everyone that has yet to come to Indonesia, I guess I should describe what it is like right now. The call to prayer is going off as I write this. The rain just ended, and the sun is beginning to appear from behind the clouds. There is a rooster crowing in the background, and my little host niece is downstairs screaming about whatever it is that one year olds scream about.

I don't know when I'll blog again, but I think I'll write the next post about trying to learn three languages at once. Yes, it is as hard as it sounds.

Sampai jumpa lagi!

Indonesian Word of the Day: Malu - Shy (This is often said about my host niece and nephew)

Coldplay - A Sky Full of Stars 

I think this song will forever remind me of Indonesia!

Ready or Not, Here I Come!

(I wrote this part yesterday.)Despite the fact that I have been packing and getting ready to leave for a little while, it doesn't seem possible that I could be leaving home tomorrow. I was out doing some last minute shopping with my mom yesterday, and I found Indomie! I HAD to get some to try before I leave.

I'm sitting in the airport right now waiting for my flight to New York. It's a really short flight, so I'll be there in no time! I'm excited to see my fellow Indonesia-goers again, and of course I'm extremely excited to go to Indonesia! I don't want to make this too long, and my flight will be boarding soon. I guess this is it. Ready or not, Indonesia here I come!

Also, Sunday was Indonesia's independence day. Selamat hari kemerdekaan Indonesia!

Indonesian Word of the Day: Nasi goreng - Fried rice

Snow Patrol - New York

Six, Five, Four

I'm sorry that this is a little late, but I have a lot to do before I leave. I'm still planning on blogging for the next few days, but I don't want to make any promises. If this is the last post that I make in the US, then I guess I'll see you on the other side! 

Six Days to Go...

It's almost midnight, and I'm sitting out front of Lincoln Financial Field. Today has definitely been an interesting and long day. I spent most of the day cleaning and packing, but then I had to leave for my One Direction (go ahead and judge me) concert. The traffic on the way to the concert was crazy, but we made it! We also ran into the same storm three times and ended up getting rained on (there's no covering on the field...everyone on the floor got soaked) right after 5 Seconds of Summer's set. I guess wearing denim isn't always the best idea... Despite the fact that I was wet for the rest of the concert, I had an amazing time, and I think it was the perfect concert to end my summer in the US! In fact, I think it was BETTER THAN WORDS MORE THAN A FEELING and I DON'T HOW ELSE TO SUM IT UP...'CAUSE WORDS AIN'T GOOD ENOUGH (If you're confused, see this post's song :P)

The background is just the beginning of my very messy room.
It seems as if trying to clean, pack, and take things out of
 my room is pretty hard to do at the same time...

Going back to earlier, I guess I should mention this. While I was in the car on the way to the concert, I decided to check my email and saw that AFS now has my visa! I'm so glad that everything worked out for it, and it's crazy to think that I'll be leaving the country in just one week. Other than my visa, there isn't too much exchange stuff to talk about, so I guess this is pretty much it!

Five Days to Go...

Okay, okay. I know I'm supposed to be blogging every day, but there's really not that much to talk about. I can probably sum up today in one sentence. However, I'll make it a little longer than that.

I spent a bunch of my time cleaning today, and I packed a little more. I didn't mention this before, but I weighed my checked suitcase yesterday. It only weighs 25.5 pounds so far! Anyway, my family and I also went to pick up my host brother earlier. Meeting him really made me wonder what it will be like when I meet my host family. I'm just days away from finding out! I'll actually be arriving in Indonesia in exactly one week, and I'll be meeting my family a few days later!

In terms of leaving behind everything I know, I thought I would be nervous, but I'm not. It's actually really weird. No matter how many times I remind myself that I'm leaving in a few days, I still feel like I have all the time in the world to be at home.

Four Days to Go...

My family threw a little surprise going away part for me! Thinking back on it, I should have figured out what was going on way before it happened, but I've had way too many other things to think about. Surprises like that are always fun though. It was great to see some of my friends and family who I didn't think I would be seeing until I get back!

I'm sorry this part of the post is so short. I'm a day behind with writing and super tired!

Selamat tinggal!

Indonesian Word of the Day: Makanan - Food

One Direction - Better Than Words

My sister and I may or may not have screamed this entire song at the concert....

The Countdown Begins

I have one week left at home and 8 days left in the United States. How crazy is that?! I remember counting down until the YES Abroad application came out last year, and now I am just days away from beginning my exchange! Unfortunately, most of the things from last post's to-do list still need to be done, but I'll find a way to get it all done before I leave! In other news, one of my friends, Brandon, left for Thailand yesterday. It was so weird to see him go because I know that I'll be doing the same exact thing next week! (Shoutout to Lili, Faber, and everyone else leaving for Bosnia and Macedonia tomorrow as well!)

Also, I'm not sure if this will end up happening or not, but I want to make a short blog post for every day leading up to the day that I depart for New York. I probably won't blog for my first few weeks in Indonesia because I think it will be a little bit easier to adjust if I stay away from the internet for a little while, so hopefully this can make up for it. I guess I'll just have to see what happens though!

Here's a short rundown of the next week or so:

Thursday - Concert
Friday - My host brother arrives
Saturday and Sunday - Enjoy my last weekend in the US
Monday - Finalize packing
Tuesday - Any super last minute stuff
Wednesday - Fly to New York/Gateway orientation
Thursday - Fly to Tokyo
Friday -  Arrive in Jakarta

That's pretty much it for the main part of this post, so thanks for reading!

Indonesian Word of the Day: Minggu - Week

Passenger - Riding to New York

Thanks to my sister, I went to Passenger's concert last week!

 (Just in case you're wondering, it was really good!) 

While he was telling the story behind this song and singing it, he was able to get the crowd of a couple thousand to be almost completely silent. There's actually no real reason for me to tell you that (sorry if you thought there was a story behind that...), but I absolutely love it when artists are able to do that! Anyway, enjoy the song! My sister also bought me One Direction tickets for tomorrow, so don't judge me if the next post's song is a One Direction song :P (Fun fact: My sister and I both said that we wouldn't go to another 1D concert after last year, but I guess we just can't break tradition yet!)

Where Has the Time Gone?

Remember my "No Worries" post from a few weeks ago? Well I think it's safe to say that things have definitely changed. I only have two weeks left at home, and I have a lot of things to do in that short time. Here's a short list of some of the things I have to accomplish before I leave:

• PACK
• Finish my history class (last American high school class ever!)
• Work on college applications
• Pack up most of my room 
• Hang out with friends/say goodbye
• Learn more Indonesian (or at least attempt to...)
• Finish English and math  (Wait a second...I already did that!)

Not too bad for not being able to see because of the sun, right?

I got the cutest little dictionary last week. It's smaller than I thought it was when I ordered it, but I actually think it's the perfect size to take with me! I was planning on taking a picture of it, but it seems as if it has disappeared... I do have a picture of it from my phone though. The picture was originally taken in a rather dark room for a friend, so I'm sorry for the annoying glare from the flash. 

If you know how small my hands are,
 then you'll see just how tiny this is! 

It still doesn't feel like I'm leaving in just two weeks. I honestly feel like I have so much time left at home and yet no time at all. My year in Indonesia hasn't even started, but I can already tell you that exchange is simultaneously the scariest and most exciting thing that I have experienced thus far. This probably sounds crazy, but I haven't even applied for my visa yet. I have to send all my documents to AFS this week though! It's definitely crunch time. It also just so happened that no one at my local police understood what I needed from them, and the chief wasn't in until yesterday. Other than that, everything is going as smoothly as one could expect. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I'M LEAVING SO SOON. 

I volunteered at my local hospital for the last time on Monday. It felt really weird to leave and know that I am not going back. It was a pretty quiet night, so I spent most of my time reading The Hot Zone again. By the way, if you are at all interested in infectious disease/viruses, I totally recommend reading that book. My sister had to read it for a microbiology class, so I read it for the first time last year. It's honestly one of my favorite books, and it's pretty relevant right now because of the Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. If I were a doctor now, I would be there in a heartbeat! (Although I'm sure my parents wouldn't be very happy about that...) Anyway, I ended my night at the hospital by talking to the volunteer at the front desk. I promised to send updates, so hopefully I will remember! 

Selamat tinggal dan sampai jumpa lagi! 


Indonesian Word of the Day: Tupai - Squirrel  (Anna, this one's for you!) 

Come So Far (Got So Far to Go) 

In honor of the fact that I recently watched Hairspray two days in a row...

(Almost) Free and Three Weeks To Go

It's finally finals week, and that means that I'm almost free from school for the summer! Unfortunately, this week has not gone as smoothly as I would have liked. I've been having tons of problems with my internet connection, and it was completely down for about 24 hours. None of that is too helpful when all of my classes are online, so I had to end up using my phone as a hotspot. I still lost some time though. It's a good thing that I work pretty well under pressure!

Once again, time really seems to be flying by. I'll be in New York for my gateway orientation in exactly three weeks. I can't believe that it's almost time for me to leave! I'm still really excited, but I'm realizing just how much I have to do before I leave. I still have to finish my history class, pack my bags, pack up my room (see below), and do a ton of other little stuff in the few weeks that I have left.

In other news, my family is hosting an exchange student from Thailand while I'm gone. (I don't know if he'll ever read this but...Hi, Boeing!) He's actually coming a few days before I leave for Indonesia, so I'll still get to meet him! Since he's going to have my room, I have to put a bunch of my stuff away before I leave. I'm actually just thinking of this as a head start for college preparation. I'm sure I don't need half of the stuff in my room anyway.

Also, I finally vlogged! It's definitely not one of the best videos that I have made. The camera quality isn't the best, and I didn't do too much to edit it because I really need to focus on finishing up my last few days of classes. I don't think it's too bad though!

Sorry for the TERRIBLE thumbnail...YouTube isn't exactly cooperating with me. 

(I filmed this in the morning, so my voice is weird too...)

I still can't believe that I only have three weeks left in the United States. I can't wait to get to Indonesia though! 

Selamat tinggal! 

Indonesian Word of the Day: Kamus - Dictionary 

Rudimental - Free feat. Emeli Sandé
A great song sung by one of my favorite artists!