Bule…

I forgot to add in my last post one of the funniest things that I have encountered everywhere in indo thus far – the people’s fascination with foreigners… as I’m no stranger to the stares, and second-glances… having been a “shiny spot” in Ecuador as well (or mancha blanca que brille mucho, as Martin says), it doesn’t bother me at all… I just find it amusing, and try to enjoy the amusement I bring to them! Their special word for ‘whitey’ is “ bulé ” (the equivalent of “gringo” in Spanish)… although I don’t think it carries negative connotations. And as for Martin… well, Indonesians just don’t know WHAT to think! He doesn’t quite look Indonesian, but he isn’t white, so people tend to assume that he is from a remote part of Indonesia (especially in Jakarta, since there is lots of immigration to the city from the outer islands, and thus a very diverse look to the people)…. They are often surprised to learn that he doesn’t speak bahasa Indonesian!

I am amazed by the amount of English as well… in signs and product names… and everyone seems to have a basic vocabulary (numbers, and basic words). Anyway, we hope to be fluently conversing within weeks, and will no longer need to rely on our fingers to ask how much something costs!