Sunday, 10Sep06

Highlights: hanging with my family all day, “it’s coffee” with Nina

Just like old times,, over spaghetti breakfast, I got into great conversation with ibu & bapak Rochmadi over something or other… what makes the world go ‘round, or something weighty like that (=
we wandered from subject to subject, starting with the reported shrinking of Betawi culture in Jakarta, and moving on to perceptions about the middle east, and how history is told in general. I enjoy talking with them both,,, there’s no pretext about having to be “right” to voice an opinion- which makes controversial thoughts ok to kick around & compare notes over. It’s just attempts to pay attention to things happening around us & understand them by comparing impressions.

Later in the day, they both had 2 wedding parties to attend, and then pak scheduled a (Chinese?) traditional health treatment,,, involving voluntarily being stung by bees in 14 places- with the idea that it invigorates & strengthens the body’s natural immune system. Hmmm. I’m going to press the “I believe” button on that one & take his word for it. (=

In the meantime I hung out with Ojik and his cousins (Om Girat & 6-year old Eva). We went to his English school (ElTi) to watch a movie,,, “Poseidon”, but I don’t think it was what they were expecting. Eva got scared in the first 15 minutes, and all of us left by the end of the first ½ hour. A bit scary.

So, we came home & watched a pirated dvd copy of “Cars”. (= great movie
It was my mom’s favorite between that, Superman & Pirates of the Carribean. Ha ha. Way to go maman! I liked it too.

Then Ojik & I played some soccer in the alley in front of the house. “Zidane” had to teach junior here a lesson right quick (= ha ha.