Learning Indonesian is an ongoing chore for me and one that will will take a while I think.
The other day I had an interesting little encounter down at the beach in Kuta. I had parked my motorbike and bumped into an older French guy called Roland who I know through a friend of his. Roland doesn’t speak a word of English and after several years of French at school I can count to 10, ask for a ham sandwich and a return ticket to Paris.
“Bonjour Roland.” I said. “Apa kabar Nick.” he said. “Baik baik.” I replied. I asked him how his friend was and he told me a few months ago he had a motorbike accident, broke his leg and is now recuperating back in France, hoping to return this summer. Our conversation lasted only a few minutes but I noticed the local drink vendors doing a ‘double take’ at these 2 ‘bules’ nattering in Indonesian.
How bizarre I thought as I walked away. Roland and I could never have a conversation in English or French, but we understood each other (my part being more on the listening end than the talking).
Last night in Seminyak, Space bar was having a surf party and it was free-flow drinks. I was intending to go but after already drinking a couple of beers in Kuta didn’t feel like overdoing it and being useless today, so I went home and had a cup of tea.
Its a beautiful day here in Kerobokan Bali and I’m thinking of making a trip to a volcano to pick up lava rocks for my bbq.
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The best compliment you can give to anyone’s culture, is to speak in their own language. Good job, Nick. You are helping world relations in your small and ever-expanding way.
G’Day Nick,
Its a buzz when you can get a surprised look of the locals when you speak Bahasa Indonesia amongst yourselves even if it is just a little.
It’s even better when they speak to you in English and you speak Indonesian in return. Sure takes them by surprise but does please them.
When I get back mate Candika and I will have you speaking fluent Bahasa Indo in no time. That’s a promise!.