Our hotel provides us with the "Jakarta Post" so we read and discussed the local news. We stumbled upon an article of particular interest: "Improving teacher learning culture". To summarize, the article suggested that many Indonesian teachers get "certified" to teach and then do not continue their learning which often leads to falling in to stale teaching. I smirked as I realized the similarities our nations face - teachers who get "comfortable" with their pedagogy and find no need to change/adapt throughout their career.
One of my favorite quotes of the article, which is so relevant to the TGC program, could easily apply to the education system in the U.S.: "If teachers do not upgrade their skills and knowledge, then Indonesian education does not get an upgrade either. Our students have no chance in the global scrap for opportunities."
The article also explained that the Indonesian government will now be reevaluating teachers in hopes to improve teaching/learning. It ends on a poignant statement: "By reevaluating certified teachers, by providing opportunities for inservice training, and by obliging them to share their new-found knowledge with other teachers, teachers' learning culture will increase and spirit of self development grow." How appropriate that my upcoming adventure in Jakarta and Tangerang are all about the collaboration and growth of two nations.
Next, we decided to venture to the busy streets of Kuta. On our drive to Kuta, the scenery was a reminder that we are indeed in a third world country. It is easy to forget this when on our beautiful resort, but the devastated buildings, endless garbage, polluted water, and stray animals made me swallow hard. The image of the woman rummaging on the massive steaming garbage heap will stay with me forever.
In Kuta, we explored what seems like hundreds of shops. I felt quite proud that I have learned the art of haggling! We also had our first bit of Indonesian rain, which wasn't even bothersome, but we used it as an excuse to sit in a restaurant and have drinks and observe. As always, the locals treated us warmly.
We made our way to Made's Warung (a restaurant recommended by my husband's brother and by our driver). We allowed the waiter to choose our order and boy, we were not disappointed. We moaned with pleasure after every bite. The spices were extraordinary. We cleaned both massive plates of food. An absolute must if in Kuta!
Throughout the day, we also explored a number of beautiful temples. I was surprised at how open the locals were at allowing us to go wherever we wanted. We observed them giving offerings and prayers. It was quite spiritual and beautiful.
We were fortunate enough to meet Munir, our driver back to Kuta. Munir is one of my favorite people we have met thus far. His English was quite good, despite the fact that he has never attended a day of school in his 36 years. He has learned from his interactions with tourists (He especially loves Americans and Canadians who help him most). Munir shared his life story with us - his mother died when he was six, he lived in poverty, had three jobs at a very young age, adopted his niece when he was a teen so she would not become a beggar, married and had three children of his own. Despite his hardships, Munir said, "But it could be much worse. I am lucky. I could be missing an arm. I am very lucky." And he genuinely meant it. Munir told us the important role of karma in his life and spoke in beautiful proverbs which reminded me of Chinua Achebe's writing. I feel blessed for our all-too-brief interaction with Munir and I will think of his positive wonderful spirit often.
Once back from Kuta, we decided to enjoy the beach and ocean (with drinks). We also tried Beng Beng, an Indonesian candy which I discovered is made in Tangerang, one of my destinations!
Our evening finished with a special Balinese evening. We attended an event, which I would describe as similar to a Hawaiian luau. There was endless Balinese food, drink, vendors, and traditional dancing. It was all set under gorgeous lights and decorations. We were excited to try new foods, such as the suckling pig, skewered chicken and beef, seafood soup (with crunchy fish topping), passion fruit, banana fritter, and cassava. The Balinese music and dancing was enchanting and it seems that the petite female dancers took a liking to my husband! Overall, another extraordinary day!
