After the meeting all the students were so excited for what was to come in the next week. Even though we have only been in the city for 3 days, the anticipation to get out of it and into the forest in enormous. Saturday afternoon, we had some free time, so we decided to head to the beach. The amount of garbage floating around in all the waterways around the city left us with very hesitant to the condition that the shoreline would be in.
The beach ended up being very beautiful and we were told that every morning the rangers clean up all the garbage that floats up onto the shore. You would think that the people here would be disgusted by simply throwing their garbage onto the streets, for they are the ones that have to live in the mess everyday, but after talking with Stan, it seems that the local people just simply dont see any other way and that at this point the effort that it would take for them to bring their garbage somewhere to dispose it is not worth the effort. It is definately quite sad to see, especially when you notice that the wrappers and most of the garbage is from western junk food that our global markets have introduced to this city.
Feeling the sand in between my toes for the first time on the trip provided me with another moment of reality in which I had to stop and realize that i really am here. And that for the next 2 months everything that i see is reality. It is hard not to let yourself get carried away in somewhat of a daze, and it is moments like these that ground me and remember that i am connected to this city in some sort of way and have a purpose here.
Saturday night, Budi and Danielle suggested that we eat at the local market along the ocean. We were all overwhelmed by all the options! All the local vendors had their little boths set up side by side all cooking up different rice/noodle/chicken dishes made with freshly pressed spices.
I opted for flame cooked corn on the corn lathered in spicy "sauce". it was very very tasty. For desert I discovered what may be my new favourite food.. Avocado/Chocolate smoothies!
After great conversation with Budi and Danielle over dinner, we hoped in a bus back to the hotel where my bed was waiting patiently for me to fall asleep without any time to reflect on the day.
Sunday morning the last of the students arrived, so we were finally all together. 18 of us definately make a little more of an impact than 6!
We had our first official class at 9am in which Brent and Sheryl discussed mainly logistics and gave us updates. We then had a quick refresher in some wilderness first aid training, then it was off to the markets to find some high rain boots for our forest adventures!
The market was filled with local stands of jewlery, shoes, fabric, bags and fresh fruit . Wishing that i knew more indonesian, we struggled through making a few purchases and bargaining with the vendors.
For dinner it was back to the market where i couldnt resist the amazing corn and avocado smoothie once again!
Today was a very busy day. This morning a few us started our day off with yoga lead by Alanah (another student on the trip). It felt good to take time to stretch everything out and relax, since it seems like we have been running around non stop for the last few days. Class started at 9am and didnt end until 6pm. However from 10am-1pm we were given some time to work on our documentaries. With a time lapse shot idea in mind we headed towards the mall further downtown. While filming the time lapse, a gentlemen came up to talk to us. He was very interested in what we were doing. He ended up being a cab driver and really wanted to take us to a fish market. So in his cab we jumped. He drove us along the coast where we were able to see all the oil ports. The bay of Balikpapan a tremendous amount of crude oil rigs, and we were told that 60% of the locals in Balikpapan are employed by the oil companies. We also drove by a palm oil plantation that is right on the ocean, ie. easy access to ports and trade.
The fish market was unlike anything that i had every seen ! as soon as we walked into the dark building it was very apparent of the amount that we stood out, for everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at us. I am still blown away by how friendly all the local indonesians are towards us. They all want to try and talk to us , and they have the biggest smiles that I have ever seen!
One Indonesian came up to us and started talking to us in perfect english. He was very interested in what we were doing and immediately offered his help if we needed anything. He is an economist in Balikpapan, and we were able to get an interview of him on camera (our first real interview!) hopefully we will try and post it soon. He had some interesting things to say and we are already seeing quite a few themes arising from the values of the people who live in the city. We have his contact info so next time we are in Balikpapan we might try and track him down for some more interviews.
I cant believe that it is already almost 11pm! the days just fly by. Tomorow my group heads to the field camp for 2 nights for monkey and dolphin surveys. I cant wait !
So no internet until Friday when we are back in Balikpapan, but I am sure that i will have many stories to tell!
If you are interested in seeing more specifically what each groups question is based upon, by joining ethialexpeditions.ning.com you are able to see the different groups and follow whichever interests you the most.
Til friday,
-nadine
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