Bule Invansion <part 2>

Sooo, here i am to share some life experience with all of you readers still about my internship program, of course, where i've become a buddy for the exchange participants a.k.a the foreigners.

What have i learnt from them???

First of all, time is everything for them. Obviously, everybody knows about this. It's like common knowledge (for indonesians) when it comes to bule, that they really discipline about time. Foreigners appreciate every single second that ticking on their watch, contrary with Indonesians who always bring their watch with them but then forget the main purpose of using it. Instead of looking at it when we have appointmnet, i still find some people easily ask somebody else about the time when they're in a hurry. We even forget we have our own f*cking watch. (Gawd, pardon language)
But, yeah, that is shameful. To be honest. Indonesians typically don't appreciate time so much (except for those who already work with or to foreginers, living here with foreigners or there abroad, or at least a family that raise in military background haha!). No kidding, this time issue has bothered me so many times when i hang around with those exchange participants. They are so on time at first, but i'm late. The next day, because i feel guilty so i come earlier, but then they are late because they've already kept in mind: "Its okay if we are late, we are in Indonesia. We use indonesian watch."
They really got my point, and sorry for that :(

I then learnt that we have to be discipline about time. Why? Because it is how we appreciate and respect others, that we don't want them to feel uncomfortable by waiting for us or that we don't want ourselves feel so guilty all the time. Yet every opportunities and chances are count in every second. Once you late for a job interview, for example, you will be jobless and have no sure for your future.

Then, i also learnt how they always have positive thinking about others. I don't know how, i have a tendency to avoid talking with strangers and ask for directions. For me, who litearlly born in Indonesia and have heard so many bad news around the street, it is important to not really talking to people who passing by the street. If i desperately cannot find a way and have to ask for directions, what do i do? I will observe around and looking for a "convincing" people. Convincing by their appearance. And i have my own standart of appearance by the way (i know it seems too much or maybe a lil bit discriminating, but i keep this as my own way to ask people on the street). I hate to admit this because it seems like i don't trust others, i'm too paranoid or something like that. But trust me, then i realize that this kind of behavior is not really good compare to what those foreigners have inside their mind.

Having a positive mind-set has proven that they can interact freely without hasitation or assuming with so many judgemental views to others/the local people on the street. It is a crucial key for them to blending themselves with the local people. I really amazed how you guys, all the foreigners who read this or not, can interact with us with such a positive thinking. Thank you so much!

Next, foreigners are not a morning person. They usually start their day on 8 or 9 am back in their countries, but here in Indonesia, we already honking our horn at 6 am. Cars, motorcycles, pedicaps, bicyles, and public transportations are everywhere. The smoke that come from our vehicles become our first air to breath. How funny foreigners can be when they have to wake up at 5 am, using public transportation around 7 am and struggle with other kids go to school also the workers who still focusing their mind to keep awake and stand still (so do the foreigners of this program, i mean! They also considered as worker bcoz they teached in some local schools. And they always trying hard to keep awake haha)

Last but not least, they really care about surroundings. They never (as long as i rembember) thrown litters on the street. In fact, once my foreigner girl friend asked me where the trashcan was, she wanted to throw her litter but cannot find a single trahscan near us. Wow. I think, when Indonesian have a litter and we cannot find the trashcan, we will throw it somewhere (mostly we try to throw it somewhere that cannot be seen by anyone, but for sure, anyone will know it sooner or later). Well, yeah, this fact that even foreigners really care about surroundings no matter where they are in this world has proven me that being really care about surroundings start from a little thing. Little thing that barely seen by others no matter where you are, but trust me, those little act of care will soon infect others to do so. Just like me who have been infected to do so by them. Haha

Yups, thats all i can tell. Actually there are a lot more but, trust me, it's better for us to meet face to face and only talk about this life experience. I guarantee, you will be so interested and wishfully you want to take this oppprtunity on the next project.

In the end, i can only send tons of love and huge thanks for all my foreigner friends!! You guys really have taught me so many things about your culture. I'm happy to learn something new and it was really really a pleasure to accompanied you guys during your program here in Indonesia. Wishing that sooner (next year, amien!!) i can be the exchange participants on your country and you can be my buddy in return. I promise i will show a big difference about indonesian people there.

See you when i see you! :)

Next up, above this post you can find one of my foreigner friend's articles that he wrote by himself. It is about what he likes and dislikes about Indonesia. He literally wrote that after he arrived in his country, Czech Republic. He promised me to contribute something on my blog, so without thinking twice, i said yes bcoz it is really a great chance for us to keep in touch and also share some ideas.

So happy reading up there, readers!!! :)

                                                             (WoR)