Becoming Tourists

From the time we arrived in Indonesia we have been avoiding one main thing - being tourists.  In fact, during one of our first weeks of language school we learned an important phrase, "Saya bukan turis."  Translated, "I am not a tourist."  It's important to make sure those we encounter understand that we are not tourists, that we are here to learn and that we desire relationships with those around us, and to understand the culture and language (which, let's just be honest, many tourists do not.)  So it's been vital in our culture and language acquisition to not be tourists, but to truly dive in and make sure that those around us know our intentions are for community.

After our first month of language school, Pete and I celebrated with a trip to a pool here in town where we could relax and enjoy the warmth of the sun with the cool of the water.  It was a nice afternoon followed by an extended weekend of playing with Cade, enjoying our little town better, and feeling somewhat accomplished.

A week ago, we completed Unit 2 (our second month) of language school.  It, too, was followed by a trip to the pool, but this time we had a whole week off, with no homework, questions to ask neighbors, texts to translate, or crazy amounts of new words to juggle in our brains.  What a precious and restful time it has been!  Not only did we enjoy a bit of brain rest, but we also dared to try a few "local experiences" (insert tourist-y outings).

On Monday, Pete and I rode our motorbike out to some sawah (rice fields) here in town and followed it up with a coffee date at a western coffee shop and restaurant here in town.  It was fun to see petani (farmers) working on the sawah and to greet locals in their own language.

Tuesday brought about another trip to the pool, this time a fun family day (along with some friends who live here in Salatiga) of splashing and swimming and eating and cuddling in towels on the lounge chairs.  Cade loves the pool and beams every time we announce that it is pool day!

Another motorbike ride was set up for Wednesday and we ventured to the top of a local mountain, Telemoyo.  The ride provided great views of the landscape of Salatiga and many photo ops!  While rough at times, we enjoyed it and were all proud to arrive at the top and then back down at the base again.

During our ride up Telemoyo.

On Thursday, we bummed around this cute little jungle/farm town of ours and took a leisurely, yet very productive trip to downtown for some shopping.

Then, Friday happened.  We woke up early, got dressed and packed our cameras for our biggest touristic venture since arriving here in Salatiga.  At 8am, we set out for Candi Borobudur - The Buddhist Temple, Borobudur.  After a brief stop for some coffee and donuts on the way, we arrived at Borobudur and opted for a tour guide so we could truly make the most of our time at the temple.  Our guide explained the history of the temple, its restorations, and the reason behind some of the design and architecture of the temple.  It was fascinating, heartbreaking, and beautiful.  I left more grateful for Jesus.

Our view from Candi Borobudur.

Pete and Ash in front of Candi Borobudur.

There are many carvings such as this around the temple that depict important aspects of Buddhism.

On Monday we will be back in class and will continue to learn more about grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, culture, etc.  There will be homework, questions for the neighbors, text drills, and more.  I am glad that we had this little break to focus on becoming tourists and to learn a little bit more about the beautiful land where we reside.  And while this week has been wonderful, I am grateful that "Saya bukan turis."