The first few days

Two days later, and it feels like time is flying already. We are staying at ‘Hotel Sagita’ in Balikpapan while we all get accustomed to the new climate and food etc. It is far, far above the standards that many of us feel like we need- it really is a HOTEL, and although it is important that everyone be ready for it- I feel like it is past time that we discarded these western comforts, and get started on the many things outside of the city.
The sights and sounds and smells are all so similar to those I experienced in Thailand just a couple of years ago. The heady mix of an open septic system, frying street-vendor food, two stroke motorcycle engines, some thick humidity and 30 degrees bring back so many memories. It is hard to remember that these people speak a very different language. I catch myself trying to greet or thank them in Thai. Everyone is incredibly friendly, and has welcomed us all to their community far more openly than I expected. There really is not a whole lot of white tourists here- in fact we have seen only several, and it is possible that these people actually live here. Everywhere we go, whether in groups or individually, we attract an incredible amount of excitement and attention. Everyone wants to say hello, and take a picture of us or with us on their cellphones. Smiles are shared, and since we can’t speak very much Indonesian- that’s about it, but it is wonderful.
We have gone exploring in the city a little bit, at least locally, and have ‘discovered’ some truly fantastic places. We spent some time wandering the streets and taking our chances with some food (so far everything is still O.K. touch wood) we have definitely eaten a lot of things that we could not place… or even really guess at and feel confident. It has been a bit of a whirlwind with all of the students trickling in from the airport, but finally today was the first day we all were together, and classes began. Today was mostly about logistics and where we will be doing what, etc. We are all so excited to be here, and thankful to be given this rare opportunity. I expect that the coming days will be truly incredible.