Planet Indonesia, just 3 of this weeks oddities!

We've been here 11 days and the crazy quirkiness of Indonesia is emerging thick and fast! Here are just 3 funny observations about work, food and manners!

1. Soto for any occasion

This has to be the most versatile dish on the planet. It’s called Soto, there are many variations, but generally it’s a broth with noodles, some veg and a type of meat. Occasionally, it comes with an egg and can vary in spice. It is ALWAYS on the menu, no matter the time of day, and there is ALWAYS someone eating it. Thankfully we both love it and it’s pretty healthy

2. 1 to carry the bag, 1 to open the bag

Owing to the fact that this island is grossly over populated, they have an abundance of people looking for work. So a task done by one person in Europe is divided among 5 here. For example, our room is cleaned in 4 stages, one person to make the bed, one person to collect cutlery, another person to clean the bathroom, and another to leave fresh towels. Oh, and another person to refill coffee and tea.

3. Please stop saying thank you

And we thought us Brits were polite! Being polite and obliging is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, so much so, it can cause quite a few problems. Many people are unwilling to admit they don’t understand something, don’t possess a particular skill, or are unable to help you in anyway. This means, you often believe someone has understood what you’ve said, only to be lead to the opposite part of town, dropped at the wrong restaurant or given a mug full of coffee and a mug full of milk when asking for coffee with milk.