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Hello from Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Rachel Sutton, September 2003

Hello friends, family, supporters, This is my first update from Indonesia,
to tell you about my experience so far in joining the Peace Brigades
International Indonesia project. I haven't actually joined the team yet,
because I am first completing my language training. But there are still
interesting things to tell you so here I go! I just finished my first week
of classes at Wisma Bahasa language school. So far, I am very impressed
with the quality of teaching. I am taking four hours a day of one-on-one
instruction. The lessons are a mixture of conversation in Indonesian with
my teachers about a variety of subjects, lessons on grammer and vocabulary,
and the completion of activities. I like the structure, because the time
given to open conversation gives me a chance to use what I've learned and
increases my confidence about communicating in the language. Also, I have
learned many things about Yogya and Indonesia from these conversations. In
the afternoon, I usually study on my own, and go out and "practise"
speaking on the street. I usually spend the evening with friends also in
PBI or from my homestay. I am hoping to make some friends from Indonesia,
but haven't had the opportunity yet. I have asked my teacher to look into
a Javanese dance class for me-I think this would be a good opportunity to
learn something new and to meet people.

For a Canadian who thinks Toronto is too big and noisy, Yogya takes some
getting used to. This "small" city actually has 3 million people. Most
major streets have sidewalks, but these are used for selling food and other
items, so everyone has to walk on the street. Traffic is always very busy,
and doesn't seem to work by the same rules and norms as Canada, so I'm
still often in fear of getting run over. But people are not often run over
here, so I'm sure once I understand the system I will be quite safe.

This weekend, my first, I went to the country to climb a volcano. That was
wonderful, to see the beautiful countryside and breath clean air. The hike
was very difficult, but the view from the top was worth it. We left at
about midnight, and were mostly able to cimb by the light of the full moon.
We arrived at the summit just before daybreak. The peak is about 3000
meters high. While still dark, we could see glowing lava not too far from
us. Once it was light, we could see steam rising from vents, and bright
green heat-loving bacteria growing around them, and mountains all around
peaking out of the clouds... Then we had to hike back down, which was a bit
miserable. And today I can hardly walk. But I'm glad I went! I still
don't have a mailing address, because I think I may move soon. My homestay
is fine, but I think it would be better for my Indonesian to move in with
some Indonesia students. I'm looking for a place right now. It seems
like there have been some slight improvements in Aceh, the residents are
feeling more safe than last month. But international efforts are
definitely still needed to ensure the safety of civilians in Aceh and the
preservation of civil society there. I hope all of you are well, and thank
you for your thoughts and your messages!

- Rachel