Back to Indonesia

Catching up during the week of February 18. I've figured out how long it takes me to stroll down to Samarinda Square for a quick grocery shop and meander (about 10 minutes plus street-crossing time can add 4-5 minutes...I'm still learning how to weave in among the motors). Had some good opportunities to consult with Pak Sunardi on his proposed English teaching practicum course. Ibu Dyah is also taking great care of me: gado-gado and nasi pecel at the warungs right outside the office and delicious satay lunch (ayam dan kambing) at a warung not far from me. I was honored to be able to sit in on two Master's student thesis proposal defenses. They are much more formal than ours and quite rigorous. That was followed up with a yummy lunch of bebek goreng. It really does all revolve around the food!

Catching up: February 16...    Morning lecture with S2s followed by an invitation to a wedding luncheon! Then a trip to Tenggarong with some of the S2s. Here is the Hall of Governor's and the group of us in front of the thrones at the Mulawarman Museum. And the notorious crocodiles at the Wood Museum.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! Since I'm not keeping up on a daily basis, I thought I'd just post a few photos of all sorts of yummy delights to be had this time of year. My friends have told me that this is a good year for fruit...and I'm trying (almost) everything I can. Still getting up the courage for durian. Rendang Rambai Lunchtime! Lai Godhong Coto Makassar

  Around the neighborhood 

On February 14: What a great time at SMAN 1 for the Annual English Competition! I got there just in time for the spelling bee finals and the awards ceremony. Met many of the local English teachers and Riley Heist, the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant here in Samarinda. She and Rais were very happy and proud of their successful students. English Competition winners Mas Rais MGMP Team & Riley

Friday 15 February brings exercise, lecture, and amazing food! The Dean invites everyone on campus to morning aerobics at 7 or 7:30. I almost missed it, but got there in time to meet the Dean's wife and meet the crowd. Friday morning brought my first lecture with the Master's students who are kind, bright, and curious. Friday also brings homemade lunch with all sorts of local treats. Such a lovely work environment---and not JUST because of the food!

I arrived from Jakarta on 12 February to a lovely welcome lunch with the office staff who then got me settled in with some groceries and a phone. I was picked up for great grilled fish and shrimp satay with Mas Rais, a local English teacher who is also a great AMINEF-trained mentor. For those who know of my fear of motorcycles, you'll be surprised to know that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to the rumah makan naik sepeda motor. I'm pretty sure I can't drive one, but it's fun to passenger with a driver you trust. Now it's February 13: What a lovely welcome to the campus! Here I am with my colleagues and hosts, Dr. Sunardi and Dr. Dyah Sunggingwati. We are on our way to meet the Dean and the Vice-Rector. The photo on the banner is about 13-years-old! And here we all are after meeting up. Along with Pak Sunardi and Ibu Dyah are Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Mustafa Agung Sardjono (next to me) and Dean Prof. Dr. H. Muh. Amir Masruhim, M. Kes (on the right).