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First Day in Indonesia
Definitely need that sleep, woke up feeling a lot fresher, but needed to have a shower after all the travelling. Chrissy had already gone to school, so I was left to explore the house on my own.First stop was the bathroom, WOOHOOOO a proper western toilet with flush, no squatting for me, although there is no shower, just a large water tank and a plastic scoop, called a Mandi (means to bathe or wash).Climbing into the tank is very bad form, as it's your water supply and it's the supply for everyone else that comes after you, so you scoop the water (which is cold) out the tank and pour it over yourself.Next was the outdoor kitchen, this is very basic, but has everything that is needed, just might not be cooking any gourmet meals in it.The lounge/dining room, is lovely, it has everything we need from a TV to our fridge and sink, it takes a bit of getting used to the layout of the house, because it all feels a bit mismatch.I'm sorry I have not told you anything about my room, that is the most important room, it is basic but nice, have everything I need including a double bed, wardrobe and AIR CONDIONING, which is brilliant, although not quite got the hang of the temperature controls yet, I either end up freezing or too warm, so that going to take some time to get used too.
After exploring I decided it was time to brave the Mandi, I got undressed and stood in the middle of the bathroom floor and scooped out some water, I stood there for a while before counting to 3 and bravely throwing this bucket over myself, brrrr, it was chilly, but in a strange way quite refreshing, so I got on with my wash, although I am not sure how clean my hair was or whether I got all the shampoo out, as it is not the same as the nice power shower at home, oh how I miss you!!
After getting ready, as Ms Regina (Principal), was picking me up at 8am, I thought I must eat something, Kate had left me a bag of goodies as a welcome gift, was not feeling that hungry so just ate a slice of bread.I was ready for 8am and nothing, 8.15am and still nothing, by 8.25am I was worried she had forgotten about me, but at 8.30am Ms Regina arrived with the school driver Mr Toto and I was taken to school.
Arriving at the school I was introduced to the security guard, which I thought was a little odd, maybe they should be introduced to some of the schools in England.I was then given the guided tour, I couldn't believe how spacious it felt, although some of it was just empty spaces and not used for anything in particular.After being shown round the school, I was taken to my classroom, South America Class.WOW, was all I could think, it was huge considering I only have 16 children, yes you read it right 16, I can't quite believe it myself.The children weren't in as it was parent consultation day, where they came to discuss their children's progress and results from the examinations before Christmas, so have not meet any of my children yet, got that to look forward to on Monday.
I was left to have some time on my own in the classroom, I was still in shock at the size and the amount of space I had (the pictures really don't do it justice).I sat and read the teacher handbook, which was pretty similar to one in a UK school, apart from the Earthquake Emergency Procedure, that scared me a little, really hope that doesn't happen while I'm here!!After I managed to get on the computer and on to Facebook, how I had missed it, which is really sad, but I like to know what everyone is up to.It was nice to see a bit of home and catch up with England.
Later on Ms Regina took me out for lunch with Kate, her husband and her daughter, it was so nice, I certainly know that wouldn't happen in the UK on your first day.It was a lovely restaurant, although there was loads on the menu and it was very confusing, as had NO idea what anything was, Kate tried to help by asking what I liked to eat, but if anyone has ever asked you that question it is difficult to answer, when you like loads of foods, in the end I choose by looking at the pictures in the menu and which one looked the nicest.I ended up with special fried rice with a breaded chicken on top, it was gorgeous and was so pleased it wasn't something spicy or that I wouldn't like because didn't want to seem rude by not eating it, but I finished it all and was feeling very full by this point.
We had to return to school, as we had a meeting with all the other teachers to discuss the new semester (going to take a bit of getting used to all the American terms).I was introduced to all the other teachers, I only remember a few names as by this point I was feeling a bit like a rabbit caught in the headlights with all the new information to take it.After I met my partner teacher Ms Indah and the teacher I am taking over from Ms Lysbet, they are both so friendly and made me feel so welcome.We had some time to talk about the planning and the way things work in the school.Ms Lysbet is at the school till Wednesday so have time for a handover and for me to observe and get my head round everything.
By this point it was time to go home, on the way I had to have some photos taken ready for my identity card and for the police, I was taken into the back room of a photo shop and had to put on a white collared shirt, as this is what you need to be wearing in the official pictures, it didn't take long and was soon on my way home after what felt like a really long day, although it was only 5pm!!
- comments
Nicola I don't think I would EVER get used to that Mandi.............you are braver than me! BBBBrrrrrrrr!!!! Your classroom looks lovely - and believe it or not you will feel great when you see your kids and put your stamp on your classroom. Shut the door - it's just you and them and you will have a blast! Take care xxxxxxx
Dad Wow a real Western Toilet. Does it flush? I can't see a handle. Good portions! Especially the Chips! Good Luck on Monday meeting the kids, there's plenty of space for them and you to spread out.
Rachel The shower sounds too much like camping! If you can survive that school will be easy! The kids will LOVE you.