Hello!
Yes, don’t worry! It looks as though I’ve forgotten an ‘l’, but that’s actually how you spell ‘hello’ in Indonesian 🙂
I’ve now been in Tobelo, on the island of Halmahera, for two full months. Do I feel homesick? Actually not, which on the one hand worries me a bit, but on the other probably shows that I’ve really settled in here. Maybe that feeling will come later, but as long as FaceTime exists, I don’t think you feel homesickness as much.
I now have my own room with an en-suite bathroom, which I really appreciate as it means I can retreat whenever I need a break from socialising. On the subject of social batteries, I’ve probably met more people in these two months than in my entire 20 years of life! The best thing is that they’re all lovely people who have grown dear to my heart in one way or another.
Of course, some people do place me in a certain social class because I’m German. I don’t hold it against anyone. I just wish we could see each other as equals, regardless of where we’re from.
The people who shape my life here
Now, I’d like to introduce you to a few of the people who have become an important part of my life here.
First of all, there’s my mentor, Pak Apner Songa, who is one of the warmest people I have ever met. He is honest, humorous and full of humanity. Anyone who has him as a mentor automatically gains him and his wife, Kak Rahel, as second parents. He makes you feel understood and heard, which is perhaps also the reason why I haven’t felt homesick so far.
The second person is Ibu Gustina Saruran. She has an infectiously positive energy and is one of the funniest people I know. She welcomed me to Bali with open arms, took me in at her home in Makassar for the night, was always there for me when I needed her, and has almost taken on a motherly role. I love that! <3
I’d love to tell you about many more people, but my list of friends would be endless!
My daily work at Universitas Halmahera
At first, I had a few difficulties with the timetable as, unfortunately, none has been officially drawn up to this day. That’s why we’re currently working on new projects, which we hope to implement soon. Our aim is to make students more enthusiastic about the importance of English and encourage them to enjoy learning it. I’m really looking forward to putting these plans into action and I’m optimistic that we’ll succeed!
Experiences & favourite places
Now, on to the best part of this blog: my experiences!
I’m simply in love with the unique, almost untouched nature here.
If you’re in North Halmahera, you absolutely must see: Luari Beach is perfect for snorkelling and relaxing (check out Cedric’s blog for a good picture of this beach). The hot springs in Mamuya are a dream, especially in the evening when it feels like you’re lying in a natural hot bath. Ta‘aga Paca Resort & Resto is simply breathtaking! The view of the lake with the mountains in the background is unforgettable.
My favourite food?
If you ask me after two months what my favourite Indonesian food is, I’ll answer without hesitation: grilled tuna! But tastes vary, as we all know, so it’s best to try it for yourself. 😉
Now my blog is drawing to a close.
I’m really excited to see what the next eight months will bring, especially in terms of new experiences, encounters, and little adventures. I’ll definitely keep you updated and look forward to sharing my experiences from this volunteering placement with you.
Aku cinta kalian dan sampai jumpa lagi! ღ
This text was automatically translated using an AI-powered translation system.
