First Day in Bandung

It seems there are almost as many motorcycles are there are people!

So it's to the Bandung Immigration office this morning. We feel a lot of stares and are reminded that "one of these things is not like the other".

Ronnie using toothpick - Indonesian style

The day had barely started before I made several cultural faux pas. At breakfast in the hotel, I pointed twice - once to indicate to the cook which ingredients I wanted in my omelet, the second time to the waiter to indicate which of us had coffee and which had tea. Oops, again! Maybe this would be a good time to share some of the cultural etiquette which we are learning from our "Everyday Indonesian" handbook.

* It is considered rude to put your hands on your hips or cross your arms while talking to someone.
* It is considered rude to point with your index finger - rather use your thumb instead.
* Indonesians bathe twice daily (my experience thus far causes me to question this!) A common greeting in the evening is "Sudah mandi belum?" (have you had your bath yet?) Nothing in particular is meant by this, it is simply another way of saying "hello".
* Never finish food or drink that is presented to you, as to do so is to request more.
* When you leave, often you will be asked to stay longer, eat, bathe, take a nap or spend the night when you were not expecting to. Don't take these requests seriously unless repeated several times.
* Outbursts and public displays of emotion or displeasure are to be avoided at all costs. (Americans could take a lesson here)
* NEVER touch someone with your left hand. Historically this hand has been used for cleaning themselves and thus is considered extremely rude.
* Cover your mouth if you must pick your teeth in public.

Ronnie and I are constantly reminding each other to stop pointing, stop crossing our arms, etc.

That Indonesians are able to show no emotion is clearly amazing, given the situation on their streets. There are absolutely no words to describe the intermingling of cars, buses, motorcycles and various other types of transportation. Each person has to constantly negotiate for a spot. Ronnie has dubbed it "aggressive/defensive" driving. Honking is common but it seems to be more of saying "I'm here" vs "Get outta my way, you so-in-so!"

 my view from the back seat