I can't believe it! It has been a year since we left Palembang and moved here to Brisbane.
For some reason, I had the date as 24 September in my head and was waiting for today to do a post on Palembang. It wasn't until I checked back to my post last September that I realized I was four days late!
Anyway, Palembang...
Aaron and I actually miss the place a lot and talk about it all the time. Aaron misses it a bit more than me though. He actually wants us to move back there. I don't think I would want to move there but I have been thinking about going back for a visit since the day we left!
Previously, AirAsia had extremely cheap daily flights from Kuala Lumpur. I always thought that I would hop on a plane and spend the weekend in Palembang whenever I happened to be in Malaysia. Unfortunately, and very puzzlingly, AirAsia has stopped that flight. It used to be a full flight, both ways! Needless to say, I was crushed when I heard that it going to be a lot more expensive and troublesome to get to there now.
For dinner tonight, I made our favorite food from Palembang, Perkedels, and we reminisced. I remember one particularly hot day, about three months into our stay there when I threw a huge and childish tantrum about how I hated the place. Who knew that I would grow to like it so much? Unless I tell myself to think of the things I didn't like about the place, I've completely forgotten about the heat, mosquitoes, blackouts, dirty water, dusty roads, hazy days, crowded shopping centers and Richard's five and a half day work weeks.
The easy memories are all good ones. Our two very helpful drivers and their huge smiles. Afternoons spent exploring the city on Angkots. Aaron having a very basic, yet rich toddlerhood there. Walking around the neighborhood in the mornings and evenings and chatting with all the neighbors. The Singaporean family we made friends with whom we spent many enjoyable weekends. (F, B & K, we miss you all!) Ooooh....and my weekly foot reflexology. So many good memories. Y'know, I even miss speaking in my broken Indonesian!
We tried to make an impact on the people's lives there but in the end, it was the people of Palembang that enriched our lives so greatly.
I miss Palembang! I need to go back for a visit some time!
Showing posts with label palembang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label palembang. Show all posts
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sunday, October 25, 2009
*Flashback* 19 September - Our Last Day
We've really had a good day today. It is the eve of Hari Raya Idul Fitri and Richard's office is already closed.
We went out for breakfast at our regular noodle place. After that, we did one final tour of Palembang in the car. It was only around 8am and there was no traffic. As we drove around, the scenes that were initially so foreign to us looked so normal. At one point, I did wonder to myself "Why do we need to see this? Buildings and cars look the same everywhere." Of course, they don't and I might as well make some new memories of the place so that it will take longer for them to fade.
Then, we got the idea to take Richard on his very first Angkut ride. Aaron and I have been several times with Iwan but Richard was always at work. This was the first time we went without a guide. I needn't have worried, the driver and other passengers on board were very helpful. Richard has also never visited Iwan at his new home so the mission was to catch and Angkut to Perumnas and walk in to Iwan's house. I rang ahead to ask the name of the road that we needed to get off at and when we got there, Iwan was already squatting by the roadside waiting for us.
The trip to and fro reminded me of how helpful and friendly the people here can be. They always stare at us because we speak in English but as soon as you flash them a smile and say something in Indonesian, they really become warm. The women on the bus were chatty and the helped Aaron on and off the Angkut.
After nearly three years here in Palembang and being surrounded by motorbikes daily, Aaron finally got to ride on one.
We had a good final day here. I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity to spend this small part of our lives here in Palembang. Tomorrow, we start a new chapter in the adventure of life which is both exciting and scary.
We went out for breakfast at our regular noodle place. After that, we did one final tour of Palembang in the car. It was only around 8am and there was no traffic. As we drove around, the scenes that were initially so foreign to us looked so normal. At one point, I did wonder to myself "Why do we need to see this? Buildings and cars look the same everywhere." Of course, they don't and I might as well make some new memories of the place so that it will take longer for them to fade.
Then, we got the idea to take Richard on his very first Angkut ride. Aaron and I have been several times with Iwan but Richard was always at work. This was the first time we went without a guide. I needn't have worried, the driver and other passengers on board were very helpful. Richard has also never visited Iwan at his new home so the mission was to catch and Angkut to Perumnas and walk in to Iwan's house. I rang ahead to ask the name of the road that we needed to get off at and when we got there, Iwan was already squatting by the roadside waiting for us.
The trip to and fro reminded me of how helpful and friendly the people here can be. They always stare at us because we speak in English but as soon as you flash them a smile and say something in Indonesian, they really become warm. The women on the bus were chatty and the helped Aaron on and off the Angkut.
After nearly three years here in Palembang and being surrounded by motorbikes daily, Aaron finally got to ride on one.
We had a good final day here. I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity to spend this small part of our lives here in Palembang. Tomorrow, we start a new chapter in the adventure of life which is both exciting and scary.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
*Flashback* 18 September : A Final Reminder
It was unintentional but today, I got a final reminder of how many people in Palembang live.
I went to visit a friend who is about a week away from having her first baby. I brought several gifts for her but after visiting, I wish I had thought to give her much more (including some cash). I haven't seen her in a few months and in fact, have never visited her at her home before today.
She's 19 years old and since getting married and moving into her husband's house (together with MIL, FIL and bro-in-law) she has taken over all the household chores. The last time I met her was a few weeks after her wedding when she came to visit me after an argument with her husband. Back then, she was shocked at all her new roles and today, she mentioned them with a sigh of resignation but she seemed somewhat contented. What else can she do?
When we got there, she was at the back of the house, hand washing the family's clothes. She's eight and a half months pregnant! I'm finding it hard to bend over now at 5 and half months. I know plenty of people here have no choice but to do it but I couldn't help feeling sorry for her.
The house itself was basic but a very decent size and very decorated. There seemed to be a lot of china on display. It had everything except a bathroom.
One of the issues she had when first moving there was the fact that she had to walk to the river each day to wash the clothes and have a 'shower'. During this dry season, the river has completedly dried up and they now need to carry some dirty yellowy water from a well to their house.
There is a platform at the back of the house that serves as the place to wash clothes, plates and people. It was just a small deck with wooden boards until about waist height. Women clean up there too while wearing a sarong.
AND, (this is the worst part), this area is also the...um...bathroom. I was horrified! I didn't want to embarrass this girl but I know she understood me. I feel ashamed for asking so much but thankful that I had somebody open enough to know I didn't mean to be look down on her, be scornful of her way of life or anything like that. It definitely wasn't pity that I felt, just plain old shock.
After that, I went into a long lecture about how she needs to care for her baby and all the precautions she needs to take.
I wish I could still be around when her baby was born. I know she isn't allowed out of this house much and rarely gets to meet her own family and friends. I regret not visiting her more often instead of just keeping in touch via text messaging.
The 'house arrest' period of this pregnancy really put me out of touch with life in Palembang. I'm glad I had this one last visit to a local friend.
I went to visit a friend who is about a week away from having her first baby. I brought several gifts for her but after visiting, I wish I had thought to give her much more (including some cash). I haven't seen her in a few months and in fact, have never visited her at her home before today.
She's 19 years old and since getting married and moving into her husband's house (together with MIL, FIL and bro-in-law) she has taken over all the household chores. The last time I met her was a few weeks after her wedding when she came to visit me after an argument with her husband. Back then, she was shocked at all her new roles and today, she mentioned them with a sigh of resignation but she seemed somewhat contented. What else can she do?
When we got there, she was at the back of the house, hand washing the family's clothes. She's eight and a half months pregnant! I'm finding it hard to bend over now at 5 and half months. I know plenty of people here have no choice but to do it but I couldn't help feeling sorry for her.
The house itself was basic but a very decent size and very decorated. There seemed to be a lot of china on display. It had everything except a bathroom.
One of the issues she had when first moving there was the fact that she had to walk to the river each day to wash the clothes and have a 'shower'. During this dry season, the river has completedly dried up and they now need to carry some dirty yellowy water from a well to their house.
There is a platform at the back of the house that serves as the place to wash clothes, plates and people. It was just a small deck with wooden boards until about waist height. Women clean up there too while wearing a sarong.
AND, (this is the worst part), this area is also the...um...bathroom. I was horrified! I didn't want to embarrass this girl but I know she understood me. I feel ashamed for asking so much but thankful that I had somebody open enough to know I didn't mean to be look down on her, be scornful of her way of life or anything like that. It definitely wasn't pity that I felt, just plain old shock.
After that, I went into a long lecture about how she needs to care for her baby and all the precautions she needs to take.
I wish I could still be around when her baby was born. I know she isn't allowed out of this house much and rarely gets to meet her own family and friends. I regret not visiting her more often instead of just keeping in touch via text messaging.
The 'house arrest' period of this pregnancy really put me out of touch with life in Palembang. I'm glad I had this one last visit to a local friend.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
*Flashback* 17 September - 13 Memories Of Palembang
I have so many memories of the place and thankfully hundreds of photos so I won't forget. Here's a Thursday Thirteen dedicated to some of my memories of Palembang. Its not in any particular order, I just 'flipped' through some photos.
1. My favourite Indinesian food : Perkedels! Click here for the recipe I use.
2. The famous pempek. I always said I didn't like them but in the end, I was addicted to the curly keriting. Not in this photo though because I always bought it on its own and those photos are a bit boring.
3. Our driver. He supposedly eats pempek every day and doesn't like other kinds of foods.
4. Aaron's first ride on the crowded angkots. Look at his chubby hands and feet!
5. You can get almost anything fixed in Palembang. I took a pair of Richard's shoes to be re-soled at this place. Unfortunately, the just slap on whatever fits and this guy somehow managed to fit a sole onto the shoe that looked about two sizes too big!
6. One of the vegetable sellers that roams our neighborhood each morning. This lady is supposedly 43 and already has several grandchildren!
7. My neighbors and their laundry. There were frequently bras on those round plants too (which would have made a much funnier photo) but I never felt confident enough to take the photos then. These were a drive by point and shoot anyway.
8. My stone age tools. Its a variation of the now commonly seen mortar and pestle. I have no idea why the indonesians use the flat surface instead of the bowl shaped one which is so much easier to handle.
9. The lilies that surrounded our garden. I didn't plant these, they came with the house and multiplied.
10. The sad fact that formula companies have an extremely strong hold in places like Indonesia. I expected to see a country of breastfeeders but sadly, many believe that the formula milk is better.
11. Bikin Gigi translates to Making Teeth. So, its basically a denture shop. Lots of people, young and old, have missing teeth. And, with the poor dental care (and oral hygiene) many suffer from constant toothaches and prefer to have their teeth extracted. Many will tell you that their teeth are the way they are because they love their pempek so much and pempek has to be dipped in spicy vinegar mixture to be fully appreciated. So, its the vinegar's fault.
12. The famous Ampera Bridge. I don't think I'll ever fully appreciate its supposed 'beauty' but all Indonesians mention this bridge when I mention 'Palembang'.
13. The view of all the houses by the Ampera bridge. This eventually led me to visit the houses there. Go here and here for a close up of life by the river.
1. My favourite Indinesian food : Perkedels! Click here for the recipe I use.
2. The famous pempek. I always said I didn't like them but in the end, I was addicted to the curly keriting. Not in this photo though because I always bought it on its own and those photos are a bit boring.
3. Our driver. He supposedly eats pempek every day and doesn't like other kinds of foods.
4. Aaron's first ride on the crowded angkots. Look at his chubby hands and feet!
5. You can get almost anything fixed in Palembang. I took a pair of Richard's shoes to be re-soled at this place. Unfortunately, the just slap on whatever fits and this guy somehow managed to fit a sole onto the shoe that looked about two sizes too big!
6. One of the vegetable sellers that roams our neighborhood each morning. This lady is supposedly 43 and already has several grandchildren!
7. My neighbors and their laundry. There were frequently bras on those round plants too (which would have made a much funnier photo) but I never felt confident enough to take the photos then. These were a drive by point and shoot anyway.
8. My stone age tools. Its a variation of the now commonly seen mortar and pestle. I have no idea why the indonesians use the flat surface instead of the bowl shaped one which is so much easier to handle.
9. The lilies that surrounded our garden. I didn't plant these, they came with the house and multiplied.
10. The sad fact that formula companies have an extremely strong hold in places like Indonesia. I expected to see a country of breastfeeders but sadly, many believe that the formula milk is better.
11. Bikin Gigi translates to Making Teeth. So, its basically a denture shop. Lots of people, young and old, have missing teeth. And, with the poor dental care (and oral hygiene) many suffer from constant toothaches and prefer to have their teeth extracted. Many will tell you that their teeth are the way they are because they love their pempek so much and pempek has to be dipped in spicy vinegar mixture to be fully appreciated. So, its the vinegar's fault.
12. The famous Ampera Bridge. I don't think I'll ever fully appreciate its supposed 'beauty' but all Indonesians mention this bridge when I mention 'Palembang'.
13. The view of all the houses by the Ampera bridge. This eventually led me to visit the houses there. Go here and here for a close up of life by the river.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
*Flashback* 16 September : Our Home
We didn't do anything special today. Just three days before we leave and I spent the entire day at home. Shouldn't I be out somewhere? Doing one last something?
The problem with Palembang all along has been that there is nowhere to go. Apart from Perumnas market, the 3 malls, my weekly foot reflexology, the occasional hair spa and some of the restaurants there is nothing to do. Am I wasting precious time here?
Perhaps not. Most of our lives in Palembang have been spent within the gates of our house. Its not the perfect house but Aaron has had lots of fun in it. And I have had a lot of fun watching him grow and explore the house. I've complained that the garden here is too small but now I see that it is just the right size and with enough dirt for Aaron. The gates are always locked so we've reached the stage where he can roam about freely outside pretending to be a gardener / construction site worker / market vendor while I am inside the house doing some of the chores.
We never added to the old furniture that the landlord kept in this house and have done absolutely no decorating. The house looks bare but has been easy to childproof during Aaron's early days and now, there is enough space to kick a ball around indoors. I hope that we will one day get to live in a house with this much space again. And of course, a house with an internal courtyard with fishpond.
The house has four bedrooms but we only used one. We started off with grand plans of having the master bedroom and Aaron having his own room. Shortly after arriving here, we found that the master bedroom was in the worst position and never got any of the breeze or sunlight. Aaron had the best room and he was still such a fussy sleeper that it was easier for us all to move in with him. I've loved every minute of it. He has his own room prepared for him in Brisbane so I'm getting a bit nostalgic about snuggling up with him each night and having him wake me each morning.
***
Today, 20 October:
Well, Aaron has been going to sleep in his own room but I'm still waking up with him snuggling next to me each morning. When we first arrived, he used to creep into my room and then call out softly 'Mama' until I woke up. Now, he just climbs in and makes himself comfortable. I haven't had the discipline to take him back to his own room and settle him back to bed there yet. Part of me just wants to get rid of the bed and put mattresses on the floor for our whole family to sleep. Wouldn't that be cosy?
The problem with Palembang all along has been that there is nowhere to go. Apart from Perumnas market, the 3 malls, my weekly foot reflexology, the occasional hair spa and some of the restaurants there is nothing to do. Am I wasting precious time here?
Perhaps not. Most of our lives in Palembang have been spent within the gates of our house. Its not the perfect house but Aaron has had lots of fun in it. And I have had a lot of fun watching him grow and explore the house. I've complained that the garden here is too small but now I see that it is just the right size and with enough dirt for Aaron. The gates are always locked so we've reached the stage where he can roam about freely outside pretending to be a gardener / construction site worker / market vendor while I am inside the house doing some of the chores.
We never added to the old furniture that the landlord kept in this house and have done absolutely no decorating. The house looks bare but has been easy to childproof during Aaron's early days and now, there is enough space to kick a ball around indoors. I hope that we will one day get to live in a house with this much space again. And of course, a house with an internal courtyard with fishpond.
The house has four bedrooms but we only used one. We started off with grand plans of having the master bedroom and Aaron having his own room. Shortly after arriving here, we found that the master bedroom was in the worst position and never got any of the breeze or sunlight. Aaron had the best room and he was still such a fussy sleeper that it was easier for us all to move in with him. I've loved every minute of it. He has his own room prepared for him in Brisbane so I'm getting a bit nostalgic about snuggling up with him each night and having him wake me each morning.
***
Today, 20 October:
Well, Aaron has been going to sleep in his own room but I'm still waking up with him snuggling next to me each morning. When we first arrived, he used to creep into my room and then call out softly 'Mama' until I woke up. Now, he just climbs in and makes himself comfortable. I haven't had the discipline to take him back to his own room and settle him back to bed there yet. Part of me just wants to get rid of the bed and put mattresses on the floor for our whole family to sleep. Wouldn't that be cosy?
Monday, October 19, 2009
*Flashback* 15 September : I Wish I Could Tell
I've been procrastinating going around to all the neighbors to say goodbye. I really want to do it and in fact, I want to let them know that we're leaving for good and that I have appreciated their hospitality and friendship. Unfortunately, we can't tell yet. So, if I were to go visit them, I'd have to be casual about it and just say that I'm going for my yearly trip to Australia. They know that in each of the past two years, I have spent several months each year there. I feel like such a liar.
Richard has not officially resigned yet, so, except for our closest friends here, we haven't told anyone. The other person I'm dying to tell is our driver, Iwan. This is so that he can start making his own plans in case he's out of a job. We've actually got a job lined up for him and have gently encouraged him to explore it but he says he's contented where he is. Thankfully, that job should still be around for another couple of weeks so that when we can finally tell him, he can make a better decision about checking out this other position.
I hope that the people we know here don't feel slighted or offended that I didn't say a proper, long-term-type, goodbye before leaving. At least Richard will be around to do that and I'll have some presents prepared for them by then.
The silver lining here, and its a selfish one, is that the inability to talk about our move makes it a little easier for me to leave. Sort of like distancing myself from them so that I can forget how warm it is to be around them. As it is, I feel so sad to leave the few friendships that I have cultivated here. Each time I speak to those who know of our departure, I always leave with a feeling of "The End-ness". At least I think I'll see our Singaporean friends again but I may never see some of these others. I will of course stay in touch with letters but that will fade, especially since I'd have to write in Indonesian...
Richard has not officially resigned yet, so, except for our closest friends here, we haven't told anyone. The other person I'm dying to tell is our driver, Iwan. This is so that he can start making his own plans in case he's out of a job. We've actually got a job lined up for him and have gently encouraged him to explore it but he says he's contented where he is. Thankfully, that job should still be around for another couple of weeks so that when we can finally tell him, he can make a better decision about checking out this other position.
I hope that the people we know here don't feel slighted or offended that I didn't say a proper, long-term-type, goodbye before leaving. At least Richard will be around to do that and I'll have some presents prepared for them by then.
The silver lining here, and its a selfish one, is that the inability to talk about our move makes it a little easier for me to leave. Sort of like distancing myself from them so that I can forget how warm it is to be around them. As it is, I feel so sad to leave the few friendships that I have cultivated here. Each time I speak to those who know of our departure, I always leave with a feeling of "The End-ness". At least I think I'll see our Singaporean friends again but I may never see some of these others. I will of course stay in touch with letters but that will fade, especially since I'd have to write in Indonesian...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
*Flashback* 14 September - The Last Murtabak Manis
This is a super unhealthy snack but its delicious. We have something like it in Malaysia but this is a hundred times better (and unhealthier). Murtabak Manis! I suppose this can be described as a giant, sweet, pancake lathered with margerine and topped off with your choice of crushed peanuts, cheese, chicolate chip or raisins. We always go for the peanuts.
I have been craving this for days but these stalls usually only open in the late afternoon and evening. That has been the smelliest time of the day recently so we've been staying in. The haze has been clearing a little over the past couple of days so after dinner, we went out.
I wanted to get some from my usual store but it wasn't there. You must go here to take a look at this one of a kind vehicle.
We went to another place recommended by our close friends instead since it was just down the road, in front of some auto shop. I'm really going to miss those friends when we leave Palembang. Richard and Aaron got down to order, one for us and one for those friends (they live one street away). Five minutes later, our friends arrive. What a coincidence!
* Look at that thumb nail!!! I'm only seeing it now, over a month after I ingested what it had handled *
I have been craving this for days but these stalls usually only open in the late afternoon and evening. That has been the smelliest time of the day recently so we've been staying in. The haze has been clearing a little over the past couple of days so after dinner, we went out.
I wanted to get some from my usual store but it wasn't there. You must go here to take a look at this one of a kind vehicle.
We went to another place recommended by our close friends instead since it was just down the road, in front of some auto shop. I'm really going to miss those friends when we leave Palembang. Richard and Aaron got down to order, one for us and one for those friends (they live one street away). Five minutes later, our friends arrive. What a coincidence!
* Look at that thumb nail!!! I'm only seeing it now, over a month after I ingested what it had handled *
Friday, October 16, 2009
*Flashback * 13 September: The First of Lasts
Well, THAT was an unexpected break from blogging. In fact, I haven't looked at a computer screen since Sunday morning. We didn't plan on going down to the Gold Coast but a family friend had an apartment there this week and invited us along. The initial two night stay was extended to three and then subsequently four nights. That meant four early mornings on the beach. What a bonus for us!!
Now, on to a topic that has been on my mind for months. I wanted to blog about it as it was happening but circumstances didn't really permit that. When we found out that the next baby was on the way, it set off a snowball of decision making which culminated in us moving to Australia. So, this break I'm on now isn't exactly like all the other breaks. We'll probably be here a few years. Richard will be joining us in a couple of months too. This blog is so much about the ups and downs of my life in Palembang and I really wanted to share the thoughts I had as we were preparing to leave. Instead, I wrote the posts from our final week there and saved them as drafts for when I could post them....which is basically a month later. I think I have a week's worth of those.
So just pretend that we're all still in September when you read my posts over the next few days. Here is the first, written on September 13:
When I woke up this morning, I thought "Today is the last time I'll go for mass at St. Frades." In fact, today is the start of many lasts for us. We've been here for 2 years and 7 months and it has really become "home".
I've been thinking a lot about why I feel so sad to leave this place. From my posts, you already know that I have many complaints about this place - unreliable power supply, suffocating haze, questionable water cleanliness and of course the total lack of anywhere to go on the weekends. I should be rejoicing that we're finally getting out of here.
But I'm not. I've been dreading this final week. Sometime last year, I really started seeing this place as our home. Then this year, we've made some very good friends. And because we've always referred to this place as "home" (even before I thought of it that way), Aaron now thinks he's Indonesian. We're going to miss Palembang!
I've been pushing through each day and not thinking about our departure but we're really down to the last few days now and doing all the 'goodbyes'. The simplicity of life here is probably what I fell in love with in the end. There may be 'nothing' here but it also means that there is nothing to tempt us into a materialistic life. Or a life where one's enjoyment and happiness is derived from external factors. This place has sort of centered us and made us enjoy friends, family and our surroundings for what they are instead of what they can do to entertain us.
I wonder if we'll ever come back for a visit. This isn't exactly a tourist destination but I hope we can stay in touch with the friends we have made. And one day, meet them again.
Now, on to a topic that has been on my mind for months. I wanted to blog about it as it was happening but circumstances didn't really permit that. When we found out that the next baby was on the way, it set off a snowball of decision making which culminated in us moving to Australia. So, this break I'm on now isn't exactly like all the other breaks. We'll probably be here a few years. Richard will be joining us in a couple of months too. This blog is so much about the ups and downs of my life in Palembang and I really wanted to share the thoughts I had as we were preparing to leave. Instead, I wrote the posts from our final week there and saved them as drafts for when I could post them....which is basically a month later. I think I have a week's worth of those.
So just pretend that we're all still in September when you read my posts over the next few days. Here is the first, written on September 13:
When I woke up this morning, I thought "Today is the last time I'll go for mass at St. Frades." In fact, today is the start of many lasts for us. We've been here for 2 years and 7 months and it has really become "home".
I've been thinking a lot about why I feel so sad to leave this place. From my posts, you already know that I have many complaints about this place - unreliable power supply, suffocating haze, questionable water cleanliness and of course the total lack of anywhere to go on the weekends. I should be rejoicing that we're finally getting out of here.
But I'm not. I've been dreading this final week. Sometime last year, I really started seeing this place as our home. Then this year, we've made some very good friends. And because we've always referred to this place as "home" (even before I thought of it that way), Aaron now thinks he's Indonesian. We're going to miss Palembang!
I've been pushing through each day and not thinking about our departure but we're really down to the last few days now and doing all the 'goodbyes'. The simplicity of life here is probably what I fell in love with in the end. There may be 'nothing' here but it also means that there is nothing to tempt us into a materialistic life. Or a life where one's enjoyment and happiness is derived from external factors. This place has sort of centered us and made us enjoy friends, family and our surroundings for what they are instead of what they can do to entertain us.
I wonder if we'll ever come back for a visit. This isn't exactly a tourist destination but I hope we can stay in touch with the friends we have made. And one day, meet them again.
Friday, September 18, 2009
No Food Left ???
On Wednesday, I mentioned that we are in the last week of Ramadan. The actual end date is determined by looking at the moon and for now, they have almost confirmed the day to be this Sunday. Final confirmation is on Saturday night.
Tonight, we had dinner with Iwan (our driver) and his wife. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes late getting to the restaurant and all the other starving patrons were already seated and ordered.
The way many restaurants in Palembang work is they have a variety of dishes already prepared and laid out on all the tables. You eat the dishes you want, leave the rest untouched and they won't charge you. On top of these, you can order the main meals which are the restaurant's specialties. When we got there, we ordered, then waited...and waited. And then, we were told that there would be another 20 minutes of waiting because they were out of the main dish. Their explanation was that tonight was the last night that they would be open before the holidays and as such didn't want to have any food remainder. I don't know where they were going to dig up the 3 servings of fish that we had ordered since they were supposedly out of it but we waited.
Thats when I noticed there were hardly any of the pre-prepared dishes on the table. We have been here before and it was overflowing with choice the last time. I felt so bad for Iwan because he has been waiting since 3am this morning to eat! He must have been starving and they didn't even serve any rice.
Anyway, the food didn't take the full 20 minutes and we were eating before long. It was nothing to brag about but I didn't mind. I liked the company and we got a good laugh out of the name the table was reserved under:
Usually, the misspelling that Richard gets is "Ricat" which has been pretty funny to us for some time but this new one is definitely funnier.
Tonight, we had dinner with Iwan (our driver) and his wife. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes late getting to the restaurant and all the other starving patrons were already seated and ordered.
The way many restaurants in Palembang work is they have a variety of dishes already prepared and laid out on all the tables. You eat the dishes you want, leave the rest untouched and they won't charge you. On top of these, you can order the main meals which are the restaurant's specialties. When we got there, we ordered, then waited...and waited. And then, we were told that there would be another 20 minutes of waiting because they were out of the main dish. Their explanation was that tonight was the last night that they would be open before the holidays and as such didn't want to have any food remainder. I don't know where they were going to dig up the 3 servings of fish that we had ordered since they were supposedly out of it but we waited.
Thats when I noticed there were hardly any of the pre-prepared dishes on the table. We have been here before and it was overflowing with choice the last time. I felt so bad for Iwan because he has been waiting since 3am this morning to eat! He must have been starving and they didn't even serve any rice.
Anyway, the food didn't take the full 20 minutes and we were eating before long. It was nothing to brag about but I didn't mind. I liked the company and we got a good laugh out of the name the table was reserved under:
Usually, the misspelling that Richard gets is "Ricat" which has been pretty funny to us for some time but this new one is definitely funnier.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Last Week Of Ramadan
There are only four or five days left to the fasting month of Ramadan for the Muslims here. I've been told that this has been a particularly difficult year because instead of the usual rainy season, this past month has been completely dry and has been one of the worst haze seasons in recent years.
Of course, work slows down during this month. At work, Richard was requested to schedule any 'major' maintenance for the night shift as the day shift teams would have no energy.
The shopping malls seem to be quite crowded, especially in the afternoons as people go there to stay cool and try to past the time more quickly. Some are drifting around window shopping but I've also come across people just leaning over the racks, resting. The crowds have been building steadily too and is reaching its peak now with the last few days of shopping left.
I usually do my shopping on the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds but look at the place yesterday afternoon.
This was the line to pick up my purchases. Before I got to this line, I had to go line up at another queue to pay for my purchases. And because I bought items from two different areas of the store, I had to go line up at two different cashiers to pay and then another two different pick-up lines. The funny thing is that somehow, I've grown more tolerant and I understood it.
Almost all Muslim employees will receive some form of salary bonus before Hari Raya Idul Fitri (thats what comes at the end of Ramadan). This will go to the new clothes, the food and drinks for entertaining and trips to visit family and friends. As you can probably guess from reading some of my older posts, the salaries here are small so, even a bonus of a month isn't a lot and so, this also seems to be the season of incurring debt (just like credit card debt near Christmas I suppose).
The best thing about this time of the year is that there is almost no traffic on the roads at 6pm (but don't go out before that). By 6pm, everybody is at home (or at a restaurant), waiting to break their fast and the roads are clear for us to get anywhere. Although, if we're planning to eat out somewhere, we'll have to call ahead to make reservations because all the restaurants seem to have a full house every night.
Of course, work slows down during this month. At work, Richard was requested to schedule any 'major' maintenance for the night shift as the day shift teams would have no energy.
The shopping malls seem to be quite crowded, especially in the afternoons as people go there to stay cool and try to past the time more quickly. Some are drifting around window shopping but I've also come across people just leaning over the racks, resting. The crowds have been building steadily too and is reaching its peak now with the last few days of shopping left.
I usually do my shopping on the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds but look at the place yesterday afternoon.
This was the line to pick up my purchases. Before I got to this line, I had to go line up at another queue to pay for my purchases. And because I bought items from two different areas of the store, I had to go line up at two different cashiers to pay and then another two different pick-up lines. The funny thing is that somehow, I've grown more tolerant and I understood it.
Almost all Muslim employees will receive some form of salary bonus before Hari Raya Idul Fitri (thats what comes at the end of Ramadan). This will go to the new clothes, the food and drinks for entertaining and trips to visit family and friends. As you can probably guess from reading some of my older posts, the salaries here are small so, even a bonus of a month isn't a lot and so, this also seems to be the season of incurring debt (just like credit card debt near Christmas I suppose).
The best thing about this time of the year is that there is almost no traffic on the roads at 6pm (but don't go out before that). By 6pm, everybody is at home (or at a restaurant), waiting to break their fast and the roads are clear for us to get anywhere. Although, if we're planning to eat out somewhere, we'll have to call ahead to make reservations because all the restaurants seem to have a full house every night.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Haze : Candle in the Wind
Yesterday was a miserable day. Not only was in hazy all day long, we also had a blackout in the afternoon!. This morning is a little less smelly but I still have that lingering headache and we all keep sneezing.
So, 09/09/09. Mike left a special comment on my last post because I get to the day first. I'm early enough today to schedule this to post at 9.09am so, why not? 9 is a lucky number in Chinese and we definitely need some luck over here....luck that we get rain or the winds blow in a different direction.
I found this on Chao Mugger. It was written for Singapore but is just as applicable here.
Haze : Candle in the Wind.
Goodbye clear blue sky
Though we never see you anymore
We hope you've not forgotten
to come back to Singapore
The fires won't stop burning
And no matter how hard we try
It seems we're edging closer
towards one thousand PSI
And it seems to me you lived your life
like a candle in the wind
Never staying a moment longer
when the haze set in
And your memory will always haunt us
when the CD sirens wail
Your candles burned out long before
our lungs completely fail ....
So, 09/09/09. Mike left a special comment on my last post because I get to the day first. I'm early enough today to schedule this to post at 9.09am so, why not? 9 is a lucky number in Chinese and we definitely need some luck over here....luck that we get rain or the winds blow in a different direction.
I found this on Chao Mugger. It was written for Singapore but is just as applicable here.
Haze : Candle in the Wind.
Goodbye clear blue sky
Though we never see you anymore
We hope you've not forgotten
to come back to Singapore
The fires won't stop burning
And no matter how hard we try
It seems we're edging closer
towards one thousand PSI
And it seems to me you lived your life
like a candle in the wind
Never staying a moment longer
when the haze set in
And your memory will always haunt us
when the CD sirens wail
Your candles burned out long before
our lungs completely fail ....
Monday, September 7, 2009
Hazy Time Of The Year
We've escaped the haze for the past two years but this year, its caught us. We experienced the Indonesian haze when we lived in Malaysia and I definitely didn't want to experience it here. This is a yearly 'event' during the dry season where farmers burn forests to clear land for agriculture. It causes massive blankets of dust/ash/smog to spread across Sumatra and fly over to Malaysia and Singapore as well. In recent years, Malaysians have blamed the Indonesians but I've also read that many of the fires are started by Malaysian companies in Indonesia. Whoever it is, they certainly make life miserable for everyone on both sides of the straits.
In 2007, I planned to be in Brisbane from the start of August (the supposed start of dry season). And in 2008, I left at the end of August and didn't need to breath in any of this rubbish. What happened this year? We definitely put thought into our trip but I wanted to travel together with Richard instead of going ahead alone first. So, we're booked to leave in just under two weeks.
A couple of weeks ago, we started waking up to a smoky stink in the house and a layer of dust on the floor. The days seemed much clearer. It wasn't pleasant but it was bearable.
And then yesterday, we woke up to this:
We were out because we were heading to church and then after wards, we couldn't go home because our house was too polluted. We headed to a hotel for breakfast and then to a mall.
I was prepared for a terrible night last night but when we woke up, the skies were more or less clear. And then, after lunch, the winds must have changed direction because we were covered in a horrible, smelly blanket of haze. It makes me feel as if I'm in a room full of smokers. And what makes this worse is that people in the neighborhood will join in and burn their own rubbish, adding to haze in our area! These are people who still smoke around babies so what can I expect?
I'm seriously considering changing our departure date but .... its complicated.
In 2007, I planned to be in Brisbane from the start of August (the supposed start of dry season). And in 2008, I left at the end of August and didn't need to breath in any of this rubbish. What happened this year? We definitely put thought into our trip but I wanted to travel together with Richard instead of going ahead alone first. So, we're booked to leave in just under two weeks.
A couple of weeks ago, we started waking up to a smoky stink in the house and a layer of dust on the floor. The days seemed much clearer. It wasn't pleasant but it was bearable.
And then yesterday, we woke up to this:
We were out because we were heading to church and then after wards, we couldn't go home because our house was too polluted. We headed to a hotel for breakfast and then to a mall.
I was prepared for a terrible night last night but when we woke up, the skies were more or less clear. And then, after lunch, the winds must have changed direction because we were covered in a horrible, smelly blanket of haze. It makes me feel as if I'm in a room full of smokers. And what makes this worse is that people in the neighborhood will join in and burn their own rubbish, adding to haze in our area! These are people who still smoke around babies so what can I expect?
I'm seriously considering changing our departure date but .... its complicated.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Self Imposed House Arrest - DONE!
I'm free at last!
Over the past few weeks, I've stayed at home almost every day. The only time I venture out is on the weekends when Richard will be on hand to help with Aaron if needed.
The morning sickness faded about a month ago but I still found driving around in the car horrible. The roads here are terribly bumpy and the traffic is stop start for most of the way anywhere. I'm not a person who gets motion sickness but any trips in the car left me feeling a little green. Its probably also got to do with the fact that the ventilation in this car seems to let a lot of the outside fumes in!
Well, my days of self imposed house arrest are over! Car rides still make me a little bit uneasy but nothing I can't recover from after 5 minutes.
The motivating factor that got me out today are two new pairs of shorts. In a toss up between a new pair of maternity pants and TWO pairs of "normal" shorts that cost the same, I picked the shorts. But I needed to make an accessory - a bit of elastic with a button on the end.
So off I went to the haberdashery in the Perumnas market. Where else would I go? Its become my favorite go-to place for almost anything.
Just look at the range in this place. It was my first time there because I rarely do any sort of sewing here in Palembang.
\
My elastic extension cost me approximately USD 0.05 and it saved me from buying a pair of pants that I will no longer be able to wear in February. Instead, I'll have two extra pairs of shorts!
Over the past few weeks, I've stayed at home almost every day. The only time I venture out is on the weekends when Richard will be on hand to help with Aaron if needed.
The morning sickness faded about a month ago but I still found driving around in the car horrible. The roads here are terribly bumpy and the traffic is stop start for most of the way anywhere. I'm not a person who gets motion sickness but any trips in the car left me feeling a little green. Its probably also got to do with the fact that the ventilation in this car seems to let a lot of the outside fumes in!
Well, my days of self imposed house arrest are over! Car rides still make me a little bit uneasy but nothing I can't recover from after 5 minutes.
The motivating factor that got me out today are two new pairs of shorts. In a toss up between a new pair of maternity pants and TWO pairs of "normal" shorts that cost the same, I picked the shorts. But I needed to make an accessory - a bit of elastic with a button on the end.
So off I went to the haberdashery in the Perumnas market. Where else would I go? Its become my favorite go-to place for almost anything.
Just look at the range in this place. It was my first time there because I rarely do any sort of sewing here in Palembang.
\
My elastic extension cost me approximately USD 0.05 and it saved me from buying a pair of pants that I will no longer be able to wear in February. Instead, I'll have two extra pairs of shorts!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Flying Kites In Perumnas
One of my favorite scenes in Palembang is that of the local children playing in their narrow streets. I always thought that I'd love for Aaron to have that experience. Unfortunately, the area we live in has not provided many opportunities as there aren't as many kids who play in the streets here. Affluence tends to move children indoors and in front of TVs and computer games.
When we were out today, Iwan, our driver, needed to drop something home to his wife. I love it when that happens because I get to catch a glimpse of life in Perumnas.
Today, there were a bunch of little kids between 4 and 7 playing with their kites. We watched for awhile...
The area immediately in front of the houses were too narrow for these little ones. The big kids manage to navigate the low roofs but it was too hard for the younger ones.
They eventually moved to a more open space where Aaron looked on....a little lost.
I really wanted him to at least get a taste for what its like to play freely in the streets (even if I was hovering) so we got him his own kite and set it up.
Initially, I tried to show Aaron how things were done, but, it was hopeless. I never played in the streets this way :).
Iwan was the expert. I'm glad he was around to help us get the kites up so that Aaron could try 'flying' them. The other kids asked to 'challenge' Aaron to a kite fight but Iwan laughed them off for picking on the little guy. (But then, in the real situation, it would have happened and Aaron would have had a lesson in dealing with the bigger guys)
The kite is now home with us in Kedamayan and we did try to take it out but there was absolutely no wind on this side today! We'll try again tomorrow.
When we were out today, Iwan, our driver, needed to drop something home to his wife. I love it when that happens because I get to catch a glimpse of life in Perumnas.
Today, there were a bunch of little kids between 4 and 7 playing with their kites. We watched for awhile...
The area immediately in front of the houses were too narrow for these little ones. The big kids manage to navigate the low roofs but it was too hard for the younger ones.
They eventually moved to a more open space where Aaron looked on....a little lost.
I really wanted him to at least get a taste for what its like to play freely in the streets (even if I was hovering) so we got him his own kite and set it up.
Initially, I tried to show Aaron how things were done, but, it was hopeless. I never played in the streets this way :).
Iwan was the expert. I'm glad he was around to help us get the kites up so that Aaron could try 'flying' them. The other kids asked to 'challenge' Aaron to a kite fight but Iwan laughed them off for picking on the little guy. (But then, in the real situation, it would have happened and Aaron would have had a lesson in dealing with the bigger guys)
The kite is now home with us in Kedamayan and we did try to take it out but there was absolutely no wind on this side today! We'll try again tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Panjat Pinang
I finally managed to upload a video! I'm not sure how long it took because I just left it going overnight. The size is a bit disappointing but better than nothing right?
This is from the Independence Day activities I mentioned on Sunday. I think its the highlight of the day for the people here. Panjat Pinang translates to climbing the palm tree.
The trunk is greased so its very slippery. The objective is of course to get to the top and untie all the prizes hanging there.
The video is of the 11th or 12th time that the men were trying to get up there. They tried so hard! Over and over again!
Richard left soon after this but Aaron and I waited, hoping to see these people succeed. Unfortunately, and rather disappointingly, they called a timeout when it was time for the Maghrib (sunset) prayers. They ended up tying a knife to a long bamboo pole and cutting the prizes down.
This is from the Independence Day activities I mentioned on Sunday. I think its the highlight of the day for the people here. Panjat Pinang translates to climbing the palm tree.
The trunk is greased so its very slippery. The objective is of course to get to the top and untie all the prizes hanging there.
The video is of the 11th or 12th time that the men were trying to get up there. They tried so hard! Over and over again!
Richard left soon after this but Aaron and I waited, hoping to see these people succeed. Unfortunately, and rather disappointingly, they called a timeout when it was time for the Maghrib (sunset) prayers. They ended up tying a knife to a long bamboo pole and cutting the prizes down.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Independence Day Weekend
We have had a great weekend, mostly at home. It has been rainy so staying at home has been very cool. Not like the recent dry, hazy and oppressively hot days we had recently.
Last night, we went out for dinner with some friends at Horizon Hotel. The kitchen at this hotel is my favorite in Palembang and so far, it hasn't failed me. So, needless to say, we had an enjoyable dinner last night. We also saw this funny sign at the entrance to the hotel....
I had this image of the bride and groom in their formal Indonesian wedding costumes but with a joint hanging out of their mouths.
Today, our neighborhood had the annual Independence Day activities. Just like last year, Aaron participated in the Kerupuk eating competition (they have to eat it without using their hands). Some one took pity on him this year and gave him a bit of help - boosting him to 2nd place!!
It was a simple weekend but lots of fun.
Last night, we went out for dinner with some friends at Horizon Hotel. The kitchen at this hotel is my favorite in Palembang and so far, it hasn't failed me. So, needless to say, we had an enjoyable dinner last night. We also saw this funny sign at the entrance to the hotel....
I had this image of the bride and groom in their formal Indonesian wedding costumes but with a joint hanging out of their mouths.
Today, our neighborhood had the annual Independence Day activities. Just like last year, Aaron participated in the Kerupuk eating competition (they have to eat it without using their hands). Some one took pity on him this year and gave him a bit of help - boosting him to 2nd place!!
It was a simple weekend but lots of fun.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Who Needs Grass?
For those of you that have been reading my blog for some time, you might remember me saying that there are absolutely no parks here in Palembang. There isn't a place where little kids can really go to just run around in the grass.
So, there are no parks here AND it so happened that we rented a house with no grass. Many houses here do have a nice lawn in their gardens. Unfortunately, we don't have a single blade of grass. The soil we have is very much clay and even weeds don't grow well. I'm amazed that I managed to have such healthy four angle bean plants.
It hasn't rained in awhile and all the sand/dirt has become extremely dry outside. Aaron has been having an hour of fun or more outside each morning.
Some days, he makes 'cement' by mixing in water with the dirt and stirring it around. He then transfers it from one place to the next doing what he calls construction work.
Other days, he gets his big machines out to do the heavy duty work. He becomes a complete mess by the end of it all but its so worth it. I find that I've been becoming increasing slack on the cleanliness levels here for the sake of fun!
The lack of grass is turning out to be a blessing in disguise after all.
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
So, there are no parks here AND it so happened that we rented a house with no grass. Many houses here do have a nice lawn in their gardens. Unfortunately, we don't have a single blade of grass. The soil we have is very much clay and even weeds don't grow well. I'm amazed that I managed to have such healthy four angle bean plants.
It hasn't rained in awhile and all the sand/dirt has become extremely dry outside. Aaron has been having an hour of fun or more outside each morning.
Some days, he makes 'cement' by mixing in water with the dirt and stirring it around. He then transfers it from one place to the next doing what he calls construction work.
Other days, he gets his big machines out to do the heavy duty work. He becomes a complete mess by the end of it all but its so worth it. I find that I've been becoming increasing slack on the cleanliness levels here for the sake of fun!
The lack of grass is turning out to be a blessing in disguise after all.
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
Saturday, August 1, 2009
No Power Means Eating Out
Each afternoon, I let Aaron play some computer games while I do my exercises (to a DVD). Later on, with the A/C on or sometimes just the fan, we go through all his activity books, read or perhaps play with his lego. Sometime after 5pm, I'll start on my blog post for the day and dinner and Aaron will watch his Thomas DVD.
Well, at around 2pm yesterday, everything stopped working. Another dreaded power outage! I kept hoping that it was just a short one but it dragged on the whole afternoon. The surprising thing is that the heat didn't seem to bother Aaron much at all. I sat by the door hoping to catch any breeze that might come through but he moved about as normal. We still had a decent afternoon doing most of the things we normally did.
By 4.30pm, I said we would go out for a walk. The sun was still pretty strong outside but by this time, it was cooler outside than in. And when we got back, the power still hadn't returned!
No power means no water and that means no cooking either :)
Richard took us to this place that he's been to a few times but I've never been. Its called Bang Kumis and specializes in cooking all the parts of a leg and behind.
The food is laid out and you have to go pick which parts you want, then tell them if you want the clear or coconut cream based broth.
It was alright. I didn't find it all that special but there are people that really love it. Cow tendons, marrow, tail, knee caps and these eggs. Of course, they're not really eggs....
Anyway, the place was pretty shabby, the food only average but the prices STEEP! I just didn't think it was worth it. At least I know now otherwise Richard will continue raving about it....
Power came back while we were out but we got home just in time for another short outage. I just went to sleep.
Well, at around 2pm yesterday, everything stopped working. Another dreaded power outage! I kept hoping that it was just a short one but it dragged on the whole afternoon. The surprising thing is that the heat didn't seem to bother Aaron much at all. I sat by the door hoping to catch any breeze that might come through but he moved about as normal. We still had a decent afternoon doing most of the things we normally did.
By 4.30pm, I said we would go out for a walk. The sun was still pretty strong outside but by this time, it was cooler outside than in. And when we got back, the power still hadn't returned!
No power means no water and that means no cooking either :)
Richard took us to this place that he's been to a few times but I've never been. Its called Bang Kumis and specializes in cooking all the parts of a leg and behind.
The food is laid out and you have to go pick which parts you want, then tell them if you want the clear or coconut cream based broth.
It was alright. I didn't find it all that special but there are people that really love it. Cow tendons, marrow, tail, knee caps and these eggs. Of course, they're not really eggs....
Anyway, the place was pretty shabby, the food only average but the prices STEEP! I just didn't think it was worth it. At least I know now otherwise Richard will continue raving about it....
Power came back while we were out but we got home just in time for another short outage. I just went to sleep.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
License to Eat and Sleep - NOT!
We came back from Kuala Lumpur on Sunday evening but it has taken me all this time to "recover". Things just aren't as they used to be....
Supposedly, I now have a license to eat as much as I like. But, thats just not happening. There is this new threshold that must be strictly adhered to otherwise, stuff just gets ejected. I'm sure its at a point less that what I can normally eat. So, I'm yo-yo-ing between starving (from eating too little) and stuffed (from exceeding that limit. Either way, I'm uncomfortable.
I'm told to get as much rest as possible too. Sleep more, take things easy, relax. Well, thats not happening much either with this second pregnancy because the result of the first pregnancy is running around all day long.
Our quick trip back to Kuala Lumpur was partly to visit the doctor and take a peek at the little being thats in me. Actually, its not so little anymore. I'm 16 weeks and supposedly, its 3 or 4 inches long. It already looks cute!
This pregnancy is progressing very differently to when I had Aaron. Back then, I didn't have any morning/all day sickness PLUS I had all the time in the world to sleep, sit around doing nothing or just doing things that I felt like doing. Oh, the luxury of it!
Still, everything is good. I know life is going to change again but thats good. I've started telling Aaron about it but of course, its a little abstract to him. What I'm most looking forward to is seeing him interact with the baby. Hopefully, it won't all be acts of insane jealousy!
For today, we have to go see about what we'll do with the fact that the water tank is all muddy because there is supposedly a burst pipe somewhere. The last time this happened was in July 2007. You can see a photos of it here. It looks pretty much the same.
Supposedly, I now have a license to eat as much as I like. But, thats just not happening. There is this new threshold that must be strictly adhered to otherwise, stuff just gets ejected. I'm sure its at a point less that what I can normally eat. So, I'm yo-yo-ing between starving (from eating too little) and stuffed (from exceeding that limit. Either way, I'm uncomfortable.
I'm told to get as much rest as possible too. Sleep more, take things easy, relax. Well, thats not happening much either with this second pregnancy because the result of the first pregnancy is running around all day long.
Our quick trip back to Kuala Lumpur was partly to visit the doctor and take a peek at the little being thats in me. Actually, its not so little anymore. I'm 16 weeks and supposedly, its 3 or 4 inches long. It already looks cute!
This pregnancy is progressing very differently to when I had Aaron. Back then, I didn't have any morning/all day sickness PLUS I had all the time in the world to sleep, sit around doing nothing or just doing things that I felt like doing. Oh, the luxury of it!
Still, everything is good. I know life is going to change again but thats good. I've started telling Aaron about it but of course, its a little abstract to him. What I'm most looking forward to is seeing him interact with the baby. Hopefully, it won't all be acts of insane jealousy!
For today, we have to go see about what we'll do with the fact that the water tank is all muddy because there is supposedly a burst pipe somewhere. The last time this happened was in July 2007. You can see a photos of it here. It looks pretty much the same.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
6 Hours Of Darkness
We had another black out last night. It started at the same time, dinner time, but lasted much longer. It came back after a couple of hours the last time so last night, we sat around waiting for it. I gave up around 9.30pm and went to bed. I think Richard waited a while longer because he was hoping to do the dishes before going to bed but he gave up too. In our house, when there is no power, there is also no water because the pump can't work to get water into the house.
A couple of years ago, somebody told me that there are no power interruptions before an election because the government doesn't want to frustrate the people. TRUE. They also said that you can expect frequent interruptions after the election. TRUE. (Although, I don't know if its just a co-incidence.) That must be when they balance out all the extra power they might have generated in the previous weeks or catch up on all the maintenance works. The national elections were last Wednesday and since then, the rotating blackouts around Palembang look to have started.
Anyway, we're off in a couple of hours and won't be back until Sunday evening. Hopefully, we won't be returning to any blackouts! We're making a short trip to Kuala Lumpur. Tell you about it when I get back. Have a good weekend everyone.
A couple of years ago, somebody told me that there are no power interruptions before an election because the government doesn't want to frustrate the people. TRUE. They also said that you can expect frequent interruptions after the election. TRUE. (Although, I don't know if its just a co-incidence.) That must be when they balance out all the extra power they might have generated in the previous weeks or catch up on all the maintenance works. The national elections were last Wednesday and since then, the rotating blackouts around Palembang look to have started.
Anyway, we're off in a couple of hours and won't be back until Sunday evening. Hopefully, we won't be returning to any blackouts! We're making a short trip to Kuala Lumpur. Tell you about it when I get back. Have a good weekend everyone.
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