January 23, 2006 @8:49am. I am waiting for a ride to head to LIPI (research approval office) this morning. I hope to also go to additional offices today provided my paperwork is in order. This process could take a couple of days or the whole week. Wish me luck!
I moved into my kos (room within a large house) yesterday. It’s like a dorm room and I have my own little bathroom, which is a plus. The condition of the place could be better, but compared to other places I’ve stayed, it’s up near the top. The two best parts are the AC and it is within walking distance of the office where I’ll be working. I also have a little television, and though the reception is fuzzy, it’s a luxury. The Ibu (woman/mom/lady) of the house is familar with foreigners - all of her rooms are full right now, mostly with Germans, she says, but I haven’t seen anybody out and about.
The weather is cloudy and raining. At least it’s warm, so I don’t need a jacket.
With the jet lag and morning sounds of the area mosques and caged birds, I have been up at 4am each day. I hope to sleep in a bit more in the coming days. 
Everyone has been so nice so far… The most popular greeting from people who know me right after “Hello” has been “Wow, you look so thin now.” It’s a nice, albeit blunt, complement of course, but it is also a reminder of how unhealthy I was during the early part of graduate school — I’m glad I have my health back (I think I feel even better actually!) since I’ve been really working hard this past year and a half.
I ran some errands yesterday for supplies I needed. There’s a shopping mall named Sarinah nearby, about 15 minutes or so. I got the all-essential bug spray, a dustpan and brush, toiletries, laundry detergent, hooks, and the like. I feel a little like a freshman in college preparing my little room.
I haven’t taken any pictures yet, but when I do, I’ll post them.
Take care for now.
