Well, we are slightly more settled into our new abode. Over here, we have to buy jugs of water; the tap water is full of amoeba and parasites. The mother of some of our students has the business and she made her first delivery to our new house. She didn’t get lost following our directions, but to be sure, she stopped and asked some folks on the road to our road where our house is. Of course, they all knew and directed her here.
I was overdue for a pedicure; I like to get one about every month. They take care of calouses and cuticle as much as the toe nails. So, when hubs got home from school, I bebopped down to my favorite salon. While there, the worker asked me where I lived. I gave a general direction to our old house, the one we left JUST THIS PAST SATURDAY! Not long at all! But, one of the family members which owns the business stopped and said, “don’t you live xxxx?” He gave much more specific directions to our new house. I tried to deflect, but he was correcting me with more detail. Finally, I told them I wanted it to be a secret because Pak Tomas would come and he is a trouble-maker. They understood and swore up and down they would keep it a secret. How can it be a secret when they already know?
It was late when I left the salon as they had to get selfies and all sorts of things. If you happen to see me hugging and being hugged, remember, these are NOT my closest friends. They are just-met acquaitances. When we, when the kids were with us, went to a zoo in Bandung, we were photographed as much as the animals in the zoo were. Then, there is the sneaky photo when people suddenly swarm around us with the photographer running out front and we’re being hugged by people we have never met before. Just a photo and run!
All that was a bunny trail prior to the import of me being late. It was past dinner time so I thought I’d stop and get some fast food. Fast is a relative term meaning a customer drives up and tells them what we want. These little push carts populate the sides of the main streeet and sell fried chicken, soup, etc. with each cart having its own specialty. Tonight was for sate ayam (SAW-tay AYE-yam), which is chicken on a stick in peanut sauce. The description doesn’t do it justice. Total yum! When I pulled up, I asked the proprietor if he enough for our family. He did. I placed my order and sat on my motorcycle to wait.
But, then, I got an inspiration! Why don’t I go to my friend’s store and see if she had any diet cokes. She did not, but she did have coke zero which is what the hubs drinks. I bought all she had. She then asked if we had moved yet. Yes, we had, and SHE knew all about our new place. I asked her to keep it a secret because I didn’t want Pak Tomas to know. She said, yes, she would.
I went back to the sate seller. Still not done. I was not surprised. It takes about twenty to thirty minutes to prepare an order like ours. Then, I hopped onto Trusty-Rusty and motored home.
I related the story to Hubs and commented on my desire to keep our location quiet. He pointed out “two old white people taking care of two Papuans would stand out in any neighborhood.”
Yes, that’s right. It is just a matter of time until Pak Tomas finds us again.
Very interesting post about life where you are. If you never give Oak Tomas money it seems like he would give up, I hope so.
Hello, Jemian!
Really like hearing about how life is where you are.
Reminds me of living in Puerto Rico back in the 60’s.
Your hubby is right, you both standout among the natives, hard to hide out.
Is there such a thing as a Restraining Order or Nuisance Order that could be put on Pak Tomas?
What a great story. Other than the part about everybody knowing where you live already. Because of the stalker. It sounds like the natives love having you there,
How sweet that you get hugs everywhere you go
Oh Jemian, Please stay safe.
Prayers.
That would be awfully nerve wracking having a stalker.
Question: Isn’t coke zero the same as having a diet coke. Doesn’t the zero mean no sugar or does that just mean no caffeine?
Jemian I have not had a pedicure since you and I went so I still have the nail polish the longer nails and everything. I’d really like to go get one but money is limited. If money is available I would like my son to go. He started working at Walmart and his feet and legs are just really sore
Jemian I have not had a pedicure since you and I went so I still have the nail polish the longer nails and everything. I’d really like to go get one but money is limited. If money is available I would like my son to go. He started working at Walmart and his feet and legs are just really sore