Hello Indonesia

 

 

Hallo Indonesia

Teresa Tippens

After forty-eight long hours, we finally arrived in Banda Aceh. Apparently, we had a nice drive to the hotel and everyone was fascinated with the landscape and such--I can't remember. The only thing I really remember is Mbak Jeni saying, "Dinner is at 7. I'd advise not sleeping so you can get used to the time change!" I laughed internally and fell asleep almost as soon as we got to the hotel. Monica and Rebecca, who shared the room with me, did the same. Shockingly, we overslept and had to be called down to dinner. I can't really remember the dinner, either. I think it was delicious.

The next morning I woke up refreshed and ready for my first real taste of Aceh. It is beautiful here! The heat, which we had been told would be awful, wasn't quite as bad as I was expected. However, unlike summers back home, us ladies needed to cover up. Long pants or skirts, quarter to full length sleeves, and nothing too clingy or tight. I was terrified. I thought I was going to roast alive with all that clothing. Surprise surprise, I didn't. I guess I should have realized that if so many women here have done it everyday for years, it must not be that bad. It's mainly the fabric, I think. If I were wearing long woolen sweater or jeans, I would surely be boiling, but the cotton really makes a huge difference. And when we took a short recovery trip to the island of Weh (so beautiful!!!), we were free to walk around in less clothing, but quite frankly, it felt strange. There is definitely a difference in how people here treat you when you dress, well, more like a foreigner.

 

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