Only missed the bus by a hand's width, maybe two hands' width, so no need to worry excessively, that would be too Western. Thankfully, the near miss didn't have any impact on the way the angkota driver approached his task, as he used his regular job as way of putting into practice what he's learnt from spending many hours watching formula one, tailgating the bus until an opportunity arose to overtake. Inside lane overtaking left me a little speechless, but the most aggressive beeping I've heard since I've been an angkota passenger helped clear the way, thus enabling the quickest trip home from work I've endured. Reassured by the other passengers' complete indifference. And only 2.000 rupiah. To think, some go to Gold Coast for a bit of excitement.
That was last night. This morning's trip somewhat sedate.
Morning spent observing Frances' "Speaking" class, where the students speak when they have to give a presentation but assiduously avoid talking at any other time. Frances' frustration with the passivity palpable. I gave feedback on some of the presentations. At their conclusion, students had to work on an activity for next week's class; none had done the required homework.
From there, to teach "Prose," with today's lesson focusing on an Amy Tan story, "Two Kinds." Class had to an activity prior to the lesson - to write 2 reflections on the meaning of the title and the significance of the first sentence. Here, this intensive literary analysis is not done often. Comprehension of content and meaning are the main priorities, usually. But Ibu Ina is keen to learn how to analyse a text, so she was taking a lot of notes as I talked about the development of narrative momentum, the importance of conflict as a means of creating momentum, and how stories are resolved or not resolved, and so on. Had the class work in groups, the only way to work effectively with 40 students, and focus on particular conflicts and whether or not they were resolved. For the next two weeks students were supposed to present an assignment, but Ibu Ina has changed the course timetable so that the students get to have me teach them how to analyse short stories. I'm only here for a couple of more classes, and she'd rather me teach than sit through two weeks of student presentations (each student has to produce a collage related to one of the short stories they've read).
Makan siang - the usual, with a Coke as well as water. Spent my time talking pop culture and pop music with a group of students from South Sulawesi.
Doesn't rain, but it pours. Last night I booked my hotel for this weekend in Yogyakarta, with Dyah sorting out the car. Frances dropped into my office and invited me to attend a seminar in Yogyakarta on multiculturalism. When? Tomorrow and Thursday! Back to work on Friday, then return for Saturday and Sunday. Duncan was destined to go, but he's crook. Accommodation and fees have been paid, so a ring-in was needed. Only drawback is that we're leaving at 6am tomorrow. I usually get up at 7am. Waking at 5am will be a struggle. Tonight is one night that I'll be looking forward to hearing suara mesjid! Better than an alarm clock!
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