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?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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, October 9, 2009
Cute Sign In Brisbane
Off and on, I find funny signs in Palembang and I'll share them here. Its usually to do with some spelling error or misuse of the English language.
I think this is the first time that a sign has caught my attention in Brisbane.
Today, I followed my brother on a walk down memory lane with visits to his Primary and Secondary school. This was at the entrance to the Primary School:
I think its much more effective than putting up one of those "School Zone" signs or a sign with the shadows of children crossing the road.
I think this is the first time that a sign has caught my attention in Brisbane.
Today, I followed my brother on a walk down memory lane with visits to his Primary and Secondary school. This was at the entrance to the Primary School:
I think its much more effective than putting up one of those "School Zone" signs or a sign with the shadows of children crossing the road.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Does He Go To Pre-School?
Over the past few weeks here in Brisbane, almost everybody that I've met up with has asked if Aaron goes to pre-school. After I tell them "No", they inevitably ask if I plan on sending him somewhere while we're here. And when I tell them "No" again, they usually look at me a little blankly. Sometimes I feel that they are thinking "What the heck is she thinking not educating him??"
This is the same question that I receive all the time in Palembang, Indonesia and Ipoh, Malaysia. People the world over seem obsessed with early education outside of the home. I know that much of this is derived from people trying to make sure that their children are not losing out to other kids that do attend pre-school. Also, I fully understand that stay-at-home-moms might want a few hours to themselves.
I don't know how I ended up being such an old-fashioned mom but I really think that a three year old's place is still at home, especially if his mom is there. School starts when they are five and after that it will be college and then its four or more decades of working life! Four years staying at home and having a less scheduled life is something I definitely want to give Aaron. Plus, I want him to myself for those four years!
There is so much about everyday life to be learnt in the home. Simple things like making the bed, doing laundry, sweeping floors, washing dishes, cooking and all the other 'chores'. At this age, they aren't even chores but things to learn and do. Of course, since I too try to make sure he doesn't lose out to other pre-school going kids, we do lots of school-type learning at home as well. I'm proud to say that he's good at numbers, alphabets and music notes. Of course I want him to have interactions with other kids and the outside world too. This is also definetly something I want for myself so we'll be hunting down weekly activities that where we get to meet some new people. I'm also lucky to have my parents around to help take him to different places.
So far, Aaron doesn't seem to have any problems with the Australian accent and will usually chat with people that try to engage him. He went to the museum this morning and tomorrow, we might check out the Rhyme Time at the State Library.
This is the same question that I receive all the time in Palembang, Indonesia and Ipoh, Malaysia. People the world over seem obsessed with early education outside of the home. I know that much of this is derived from people trying to make sure that their children are not losing out to other kids that do attend pre-school. Also, I fully understand that stay-at-home-moms might want a few hours to themselves.
I don't know how I ended up being such an old-fashioned mom but I really think that a three year old's place is still at home, especially if his mom is there. School starts when they are five and after that it will be college and then its four or more decades of working life! Four years staying at home and having a less scheduled life is something I definitely want to give Aaron. Plus, I want him to myself for those four years!
There is so much about everyday life to be learnt in the home. Simple things like making the bed, doing laundry, sweeping floors, washing dishes, cooking and all the other 'chores'. At this age, they aren't even chores but things to learn and do. Of course, since I too try to make sure he doesn't lose out to other pre-school going kids, we do lots of school-type learning at home as well. I'm proud to say that he's good at numbers, alphabets and music notes. Of course I want him to have interactions with other kids and the outside world too. This is also definetly something I want for myself so we'll be hunting down weekly activities that where we get to meet some new people. I'm also lucky to have my parents around to help take him to different places.
So far, Aaron doesn't seem to have any problems with the Australian accent and will usually chat with people that try to engage him. He went to the museum this morning and tomorrow, we might check out the Rhyme Time at the State Library.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Thoughts On Hand Me Down Items
I've got about 3 months left before the next little baby arrives. Technically, I already have everything that is needed. Most of Aaron's stuff is still in good condition and they'll probably be the right size. BUT. Doesn't this little guy deserve some new stuff too?
I've bought a few new items but keep thinking that I can save so much money to buy other stuff if he just uses everything that Aaron already has. By 'other things' I mean books and toys which are usually ridiculously pricey.
I could buy the stuff now and have Aaron enjoy them. And since he keeps his things in good condition, his little brother can play with them in the future. Double usage for the one price. Unfortunately, it would still be a hand me down.
Don't get me wrong. There isn't anything wrong with hand me downs and I really like the idea. And I'm sure kids at that age don't feel anything except joy and excitement when they get something new anyway. The issue here is more with me. Its the whole feeling of not wanting to be partial to one child. Why should Aaron get new things and his little brother not?
The conclusion I've reached so far is that everything Aaron has will obviously be re-used. Aaron never had a lot of going out clothes as a baby because we never had anywhere to go. So, automatically, this next baby might get some new items there. The majority of Aaron's toys right now are hand me downs (from me!) anyway so he can continue to get new items at special times. Nothing excessive because I don't want him growing up materialistic. The next baby can get new toys/books in the same way that Aaron has been getting them. He'll probably need less since Aaron's toys will be around to play with but I'm sure he'll get crisp new books and shiny engines too.
So in the end, the second child, usually the one to receive hand me downs, is the one that ends up with a lot of bonus items!
I've bought a few new items but keep thinking that I can save so much money to buy other stuff if he just uses everything that Aaron already has. By 'other things' I mean books and toys which are usually ridiculously pricey.
I could buy the stuff now and have Aaron enjoy them. And since he keeps his things in good condition, his little brother can play with them in the future. Double usage for the one price. Unfortunately, it would still be a hand me down.
Don't get me wrong. There isn't anything wrong with hand me downs and I really like the idea. And I'm sure kids at that age don't feel anything except joy and excitement when they get something new anyway. The issue here is more with me. Its the whole feeling of not wanting to be partial to one child. Why should Aaron get new things and his little brother not?
The conclusion I've reached so far is that everything Aaron has will obviously be re-used. Aaron never had a lot of going out clothes as a baby because we never had anywhere to go. So, automatically, this next baby might get some new items there. The majority of Aaron's toys right now are hand me downs (from me!) anyway so he can continue to get new items at special times. Nothing excessive because I don't want him growing up materialistic. The next baby can get new toys/books in the same way that Aaron has been getting them. He'll probably need less since Aaron's toys will be around to play with but I'm sure he'll get crisp new books and shiny engines too.
So in the end, the second child, usually the one to receive hand me downs, is the one that ends up with a lot of bonus items!
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