So Far So Good

Peace Corps definitely keeps its traineesb busy. Upon arriving in Surabaya, the capital of East Java, our group spent two days undergoing preparations for our PST (pre-service training) homestays. Among other things, this meant getting vaccinations, learning to use a squatty potty (representation forthcoming), meeting regional polisi heads, and setting up bank accounts. Not getting much vitamin D time in the city, though, we were all ready to head to Malang, a cooler, more mountainous city to Surabaya’s south. For the next 9 weeks, all of the trainees will be separated in “learning communities” located in different villages surrounding the city here. This means that five days a week I get up around 6:30, take a quick bucket shower, eat breakfast, and walk about twenty minutes to my language class that begins at 8:00. Afternoon sessions vary, but trainees will often meet together in larger groups for cultural, TEFL, or health/safety training. I honestly don’t have many complaints. My walk to class presents me with some scenic views of rice paddies and steam belching mountains that I'm pretty sure are dormant volcanoes. The villagers are extremely hospitable (if anything, the culture of politeness is almost overwhelming). And the language work is challenging without being too overwhelming. I have a pretty solid story in regards to the politeness of the people here that I'll try to share in my next post along with some pictures of my village, some audio from my neighboring mosque's call to prayer, and a comic representation of proper squatty potty usage.