Existential Reflection

Is existential reflection an oxymoron?

I've had a good day relaxing and getting over the earlier travel. I didn't hear the alarm this morning so I'm glad that someone down the hall slammed a door that jarred me out of a great slumber this morning. Normally I would have been irritated by the lack of neighborly consideration but since I didn't hear the alarm, I was grateful! Funny how circumstances can change one's perspective!! Heartfelt apologies to my neighbors that had to listen to the buzzer for an hour before I awoke!

After breakfast we had some free time to wander, so several of us ventured down the road to a mall for coffee and exercise. I hope we have time to go back when there is enough time for shopping! The walk was great for my still travel weary and sore muscles and I got the opportunity to photograph some nice plants (and a snail) to share with my friends.

Next we went to Merdeka Square to see the National Monument. We attracted a bit of attention and ended up in a number of photos with random monument visitors! It was fun and the monument was something to see!

The square is one of the largest in the world. The National Monument is 433 feet tall and commemorates the struggle for Indonesian independence. The flame at the top is covered in gold foil.

We had dinner at Tjikini Lima which was fabulous. I LOVED the Dragon Passion drink! I'd love a dress this color!

Here's my Asian Steak dinner.

The last 3 members of our group arrived this afternoon after delays from San Francisco rerouted them through Australia! Poor guys are wired and worn out. Two of the three have luggage arriving tomorrow. Oh the pains of travel!

After a few bus rides through town, I have the utmost respect for our driver who remains calm and collected in the chaos that is driving in Jakarta.

Traffic was heavy as people poured into the city for Saturday shopping and social events. Everywhere you look are motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic, the likes of which would make American "ambulance chasers" clap their hands with glee.

Sitting in front of the bus, the chaos sometimes made me fear for some of the drivers, but the well organized chaos seems to anticipate the ducking and swaying of the group and things flow well. Even so, I'm thankful that I'm not the one responsible for maneuvering through the streets!

The wealth and modernization of Jakarta is evident almost everywhere you look as the skyline is punctuated with cranes and accessorized with scaffolding. There is growth almost everywhere which adds to the chaos of the streets.

Tomorrow we will begin learning about Indonesia's education system and more about our host expectations. The afternoon will include more exploration of Jakarta. I can hardly wait!

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#tgcirex #ecaatstate #IREX #Indonesia #teacherexchange #exchangeourworld #learningaboutoneanother #learningtogether #globaled #tgcgoglobal #culturaldiplomacy