Lovin' Jakarta!

Jakarta is fabulous! There is so much to say we don't know where to start!

This city is much different than we originally expected. And, the school is off the charts! They met us right after immigration and somehow were able to get into security to meet us at baggage claim. They helped us separate our baggage into our weekend necessities and then our take home bags. Then, they took us to the Sultan Hotel for orientation weekend. Everything was incredibly smooth and they just let us relax and catch up on jet-lag. After a weekend of orientation at the hotel, they moved us to our new homes. The couples and families were moved to an area called Bintaro. Our new house is quite large and beautiful. There are 18 houses clustered around a green space with tennis courts and trampoline. The houses are shaped like an ‘L’ with the pool and clubhouse at the bend. It sounds bigger than it really is, but it’s still very nice.

Here’s a few pics of our new city.

Jen and Jess enjoying a spa visit

Hanni, our cook, makes us some incredible food. Here’s a tasty Mexican treat!

The track at the high school.

Surviving orientation one cup of coffee at a time.

The entrance to our the elementary campus.

The campus is beautiful with plenty of space to run.

Jen’s art room was not finished when we first arrived.

The first day on campus, the staff played traditional Indonesian music to welcome us. Very cool!

Campus is like a tropical park!

Us shopping for some plants for the house.

During orientation week, one of the principals threw us new teachers a party. Word got out that a few of us had anniversary’s coming.

Our bedroom.

Our living room.

Hanni went all out for our anniversary. And, Jen was able to track down some Antinori wine.

Another shot of campus.

Buying our new car! It’s not new but new to us.

Jen and Liz in the elementary lobby.

Another shot of campus.

A new coworker, Jen S., and I greeting students on the first day.

Marsih and Hanni in our kitchen helping us out with a dinner party.

Hanni made twice-baked potatoes! Awesome.

They put on a great spread for us!

What can we say? We love Jakarta!