This is how we dress in the neighborhood. Not really - unless you have gone native - which I've seen a few times and it is not a pretty site. Emmerson and I walking home from a sarong themed Christmas party down the street from our apartment. The next day I was wearing a parka in single digit temperature Illinois, USA.
Another American corrupted by the Germans. Emmerson and the German+ boys.
In several of the small parks in the neighborhood fruit trees grow and are tended by an old retired couple who daily make their rounds, dutifully and lovingly caring for each tree .... actually I have know idea what the fruit scene is in these parks but someone is cultivating the various fruits growing in the parks. I like to imagine its a kindly old couple.
Close up of the wrapped mangoes.
Ramadan takes its toll. A clerk "tending" to the store. I spent quite a while in Photo Shop blurring the photo so as to protect her identity; an extremely difficult process involving a complete and thorough knowledge of the intricacies of photo editing ... or maybe this is the one I took without coming to a complete stop while walking through the mall.
The street vendors come to the neighborhood. Each one has his own sound and or call which alerts the neighborhood of his presence and to come out and buy stuff.
A food vendor's kitchen.
A neighborhood roundabout. Traffic sure is different over here.
6 comments:
I'm pretty sure you went native the moment you either:
A. Bought those clothes
B. Put those clothes on in public
C. Decided to have a baby in a developing country
D. Noticed mangos wrapped in newspaper and actually took photos and blogged about it.
Or, my favorite-
E. Refused to fix the front passenger door to your Kijang, forcing guests to sit in the back rather than get it fixed for a whopping $20. ;)
I like those pictures, no editing, plain and simple. If you have a picture of kids playing jump rope, I'd like to see that. I actually miss playing the jump rope (not the jump rope like in the states)-- it's the one with rubber bands that you link togather and the children play with the rope by jumping over the tension rope/linked rubber bands. I used to play that in elementary school in Jakarta. Is it still popular there?
I have not seen the type of jump rope you describe. If I happen to come across it I will get a shot so you can reminisce a bit.
Quote:
"This is how we dress in the neighborhood. Not really - unless you have gone native - which I've seen a few times and it is not a pretty site."
This is a rather arrogant thing to say isn't it? Are all the immigrants and temporary visitors in the West who wear western clothes "not a pretty sight"? Why the double standards?
I would suggest that wearing what to all intents and purposes is the ideal clothing for the climate and environment was common sense! It also allows you an opportunity to become closer to the local community in whose country you are a guest. I am assuming that you do have some indonesian neighbours, or are you one of those expat visitors who lives in an expat enclave and professes to know all about the locals when the nearest you get to them is employing them to cook, clean and drive for you?
I have lived in Jakarta for nearly 10 years now, and whilst relaxing with my family always use either celana bohim, or sarong, they are light weight, cool and comfortable. If I am not a pretty sight it has nothing to do with the clothes I am wearing!
Good point Richard!
Hi IndoIan,
What is the good point ? "That if I am not a pretty sight it has nothing to do with the clothes I am wearing" ;-)
Actually I rather like your blog, you seem to paint a fairly accurate picture of the region, and you don't appear to be scared to take chances with the food!
Emmerson is gorgeous by the way!
My condolences to your wife, it must be terrible to have to wake up to a man whose mouth smells of fish! :-)
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