I'm goin to Sumatra!!

Discussion in 'Off Topic Area' started by nzric, Nov 29, 2005.

  1. nzric

    nzric on lookout for bad guys

    I just got accepted to do a volunteer program with my work. We're going to Sumatra (Banda Aceh) for two weeks at the beginning of February to do some volunteer work, crafts, building, english teaching and general all round nice stuff. Banda Aceh was one of the worst hit regions when the tsunami struck so they need all the help they can get.

    I'm really excited to go, I can't wait to get on the ground - even if it's only for two weeks!

    Anybody been to the region before? I probably won't have time to do any MA training over there but any info/tips about language/culture/life/the city would be much appreciated. I'm going to get "islam for dummies" and an english/bahasa dictionary straight away!
     
  2. Sgt_Major

    Sgt_Major Ex Global Mod Supporter

    english/bahasa dictionary is a must. But try to get the audio tapes if possible. The sounds of the words can be much different to the look of them, and some words have dual pronouciations, meaning different things.

    :D

    Good luck and hope you have fun. I'm jealous! I wish I was going! Bring me something home, will ya?? :D
     
  3. slipthejab

    slipthejab Hark, a vagrant! Supporter

    lucky dog

    You lucky dog! Damn!

    I've been before...(twice in 2003) but when I was there it was rather tense. Not exactly a holiday. :D But in general the people were lovely. When government soldiers rolled up... so did the tension. Needless to say traveling with military escorts is generally not the safest way to get around - it makes you prime target number one.

    At the moment it's probably an absolute mess. The Indo government have had little qualms about trying to rule the area with an iron glove. The Acehnese are a tough people though... they're used to people trying to come down heavy on them. They had been fighting the Dutch for a very long time. They sit on some of the larger gas and oil deposits in the area. Which the government is keen to get their hands on. Needless to say much of the proceeds would never see the Acehnese.

    The government has enacted laws that are basically a massive land grab attempt with a 2km buffer zone on the coastal areas... supposedly to benefit the Achehnese in case of anoth Tsunami... but that's not the case at all... it's more a case of they want the land and the development rights. Very similar tactic used in Sri Lanka right after the Tsunami. Rotten, rotten, rotten.

    The language will be fairly hard to get down... but get the basics. Many of the young children won't speak Bahasa as they don't start learning it until they are old enough to go to school and most won't have a grasp of it till they're a bit bigger. You'll be amazed how fast people can speak the language and switch at will between the two languages... and how much it sounds like little birds chattering away. They can roll their R's like nobody you've ever seen! :D

    Needless to say as it Aceh is much more muslim influenced than the rest of Indonesia (if that's possible) error on the side of formality when dealing with women.

    Enjoy your stay and bring that camera!!! :)

    edit: One thing of note... when you go to clear customs/immigration going into Indonesia... carry smaller US dollar bills if you can... depending on what your taking in with you their is a chance you will shaken down. Since it's the military that runs the clearance - they've will often choose people with odd baggage (in my case lighting and camera gear) and let us know that we do not have the proper papers/permit to enter the country with such gear. That permit can be sorted out right then and there with US dollars. So you don't want to reach down into one pocket and yank it all out at once... slowly build up the amount from different pockets. Otherwise you get taken for a fair bit more. :D
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2005
  4. Kwajman

    Kwajman Penguin in paradise....

    Wow, sounds like a great trip even though it will be a little rough. Take care!
     
  5. nzric

    nzric on lookout for bad guys

    Oh my god! I just got my info pack and I can't believe the amount of injections I need. I'm going to start leaking (10 different shots, not including the 3 more followup ones I need for rabies). And I need to learn how to play soccer. Doesn't matter where in the world you are, you get instant cred with the kids if you can play football!
     
  6. Legless_Marine

    Legless_Marine Banned Banned

    Islam for dummies:

    - It's improper to be alone with a woman who is not your direct relative.

    - There is a great deal of etiquette surrounding cross-gender handshakes. Do not offer your hand, unless she offers it too. Instead, place your hand on your chest, and give a slight bow. Same goes for women shaking mens hands.

    - When sitting and talking, don't cross your legs or raise your feet in such a way that you're pointing the soles of your feet at anyone. In fact, play it safe and keep your feet on the ground.

    - Use your right hand for touching people and passing/eating food. Muslims use the left for toilet matters, and don't want to be touching anyone's "poo hand".

    - Be open to smoke a Shisha/Hooka/Hubbly bubbly. It is a very communal experience, and will bring you closer to those around you.


    YMMV, HTH.
     

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