The Indonesia Jakarta Mission |
the land
In progress...
the people
In progress...
the language
In progress...
the culture
In progress...
the food
Ah, the food. If there is anything I miss as much as the people there, it is the food. In one word, I would describe it as PEDAS (spicy). Although there are options at most restaurants to keep out the chilis, if you serve here you cannot escape the spice. They are the original spice islands, mind you. Most things you eat will be fried. You will have fried chicken and rice multiple times a week but strangely never get sick of it. Sambal is the key word. Don't leave the mission without going to the restaurant SS. Be daring but wise in your food selection. Eat lots of fruit. You will never see it the same way. Fruit in America is tasteless compared to Indonesian fruit. Don't be picky and eat lots. Members and whoever you visit will give you so much food. My advice: get small servings so that you go back for seconds multiple times. Your hosts will be very pleased. Learn to eat with you hands. Just enjoy, don't think too much about what you're actually eating.
the animals
I didn't know what to expect when I got to Indonesia. I heard in India there are monkeys that just chill out in the cities and I thought it might be something like that. But no! Completely different! I will be shocked if you ever see an actual wild animal while on you mission, except for rats. So many rats....
Most animals you see will be people's pets. A lot of people own chickens, so there are many chickens wandering the streets, try not to hit them with your bike! A lot of people own birds from the jungle and hang them outside. There aren't a lot of dogs, but a whole lot of feral cats. Please don't pet them, that's just gross. You may be serving in a tropical climate, but that doesn't mean the jungle will be coming to you.
Most animals you see will be people's pets. A lot of people own chickens, so there are many chickens wandering the streets, try not to hit them with your bike! A lot of people own birds from the jungle and hang them outside. There aren't a lot of dogs, but a whole lot of feral cats. Please don't pet them, that's just gross. You may be serving in a tropical climate, but that doesn't mean the jungle will be coming to you.