WEEK 1: Clear Sky

I never knew I would become more independent like how I used to be in the Philippines. The first week has been a long week for me to start my journey as a Southeast Asia Teacher - to realize that this journey will definitely give me another lesson to experience.

I've been alone in my hotel room outside the university for a week in a foreign country I don't know anything about aside from its name. Funny, but I didn't feel any homesickness during those times, I actually feel numb like I'm just doing things in accordance to what my mind is telling me to. Maybe another factor is that Indonesia and Philippines doesn't have that much differences when it comes to 'vibe' or 'atmosphere' it possess, most people has the same feature with us, the environment has most similarities from Philippines, so it didn't give me a hard time processing that we're already in a foreign country. Fortunately, since I'm staying in a hotel, every morning they offer me Nasi Goreng and that's become my favorite dish in Indonesia, with its simple yet tasty type of dish.

What I look into is that the place we are designated is more modernized and liberated compared to our university, since our school is located in a provincial area. High buildings, lively night, city lights, plenty as in plenty of vehicles, rooftops, establishments, services, etc, that can only be seen in high-class cities, truly it is a privilege for someone like me to be in this place. Furthermore, I would like to commend the people of Bandung on how faithful they are when it comes to their beliefs, and that is something I really admire from this place.

So for the first week, the day after we arrived, we immediately had a meeting with our mentor, cooperating teacher, fellow SEA Teachers, and had a little tour around the university. We had our money exchange, and we became a millionaire overnight due to the currency value, then we strolled around some common places like market and eateries in Bandung and around the university, and had my first ever dish, the Ayam Goreng.

The following day, the SMA Labschool went on a field trip, and luckily we were invited to join them, and we really had fun in Dufan! It was definitely a great way to start our stay in Bandung. Met some new friends and colleagues, but at the same time I learned to walk on my own feet, and I think that is something I should be proud of myself.

Then, to fully immerse ourselves with their culture, we had our first excursion in Saung Angklung Udjo, wherein we were exposed to the ever amazing culture and history of life of Indonesians through music and rhythm.

For the last day of the week I was advised to transfer to the dormitory inside the University, and what I am nervous about is that I'll be having a foreign roommate for the rest of my stay. It was my first time being exposed, but it is what it is, and to know that my roommate is from Uganda. At first I was afraid or shy that I might overdo things between us, I was afraid that I might offend her or what since we are of different races. I can still remember the time I invited her to take a picture with me for my first day, but then she told me, "Is it okay with you to be with someone like me?", and that made me realize that I'm not the only one in the room who's anxious, but the both of us. What makes our first meeting memorable is that, on that day we experienced an earthquake which happened to be her first time. Another thing is that she introduced me to her friends, and it was the first time I genuinely appreciated the black beauty people.

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