Wednesday, 18 April 2007 @ 5:56am.
I made it safe and sound to Michigan after a whirlwind departure from Jakarta, a fun vacation in Melbourne, and a quick stop in Chicago for a political science conference. I have pretty bad jet lag, but am trying my best to adjust. It actually wouldn’t be so bad if it was warmer! Brrrr… it sure is cold in the Midwest right now.
So as I reflect on the past 14 months I have spent in Indonesia, I feel that I have learned a lot, but also have a lot to learn. The diversity of the country and its people is amazing. It’s difficult to summarize my experiences abroad, but in short, Indonesia can be beautiful and ugly, clear and confusing, and simple and complex. I like to think that I’ve grown as a researcher and scholar, but more than that, I think I have grown as a person. I have Indonesia and its people to thank for that. My fieldwork definitely had its challenges, but overall, it was a good experience. Thank you to everyone in Jakarta and elsewhere across the archipelago, as well as in other parts of the world who have supported me professionally and personally. I really don’t know what I would have done without all of you!
Here is a sample of photos for your enjoyment…
I’m usually not starstruck or celebrity crazy, but when I saw the host of the Kick Andy show at a restaurant during my going-away dinner, I was totally giddy! I was sooooo shy, but my good friends managed to convince me to get a picture with him. He must’ve thought I was strange since I probably babbled incoherently, but he was gracious enough to grant me the photo.
This is a picture of the selamatan lunch (my absolute favorite Indonesian dish!) at the Freedom Institute. The whole office shared in this special meal of yellow rice, grilled meats, seafood, eggs, peanuts, and other goodies. At the lunch, we didn’t say goodbyes, but rather said “See you again soon!”
When I went to Melbourne (first time ever!), I saw the infamous possum. Australians told me that the possums can be annoying and even dangerous, but they are definitely cute and cuter than American possums in my opinion!
For those still in Jakarta - especially my fellow foreign colleagues, here is a special picture of TREES! I can’t tell you how happy I was to see and walk in parks, as well as breathe fresh air.
Here’s the famous Flinders Street Station at night… I went there one day to take the train to Monash University…
This is me at St. Kilda Beach. The water was cold, but I just had to walk barefoot in the sand!
Here’s one sign I encountered, which I thought Americans might like…
Yes, these kangaroos are wild, they munch on golf course grass, they totally hop, and the joeys are very cute.
Here is one view at a stop along the Great Ocean Road…beautiful… The shadow on the rock is of the lighthouse perched on the rocks in the other direction.
This is me taking a break and taking in the sights on the Great Ocean Road…
