Indonesia: Life In The Islands

A Few of My Favorite Things

Well...some of them. Here are four things that make my house in Malang different than anyplaceI've ever lived:
1) mosquitos: they are everywhere, they are huge, and they are loud. These guys can wake you up out of a dead sleep by buzzing in your ear. I've embarked upon a healthy solution--I spray my hair and pillows with DEET before I go to sleep so they leave my face alone. My legs, arms, and core are still fair game.
2) volcanic ash: I've never been much of a housekeeper, but when ash from a nearby volcano is coating my table and computer screen to the point that they're gray and no longer transparent, I know it's time to channel my inner French maid and attack with my feather duster.
3) whatever animals are living in my attic: I tend to think it's bats, but who can really be sure--something is scratching around up there. I get a second opinion tomorrow. Good thing there's a flimsy lock on my bedroom in case t's a rabid raccoon or something (although I don't think raccoons are indigenous to Indonesia--so it's probably just bats).
4) my baby lizards: as i type this I can see one running around outside the door. They're really little, probably two inches long, and I only see them if I catch them running out of the corner of my eye. They are nice houseguests, although if one runs on me when I'm sleeping I don't think I'll appreciate it.
well, sugung dalu, my mosquitos, bats, and lizards want to go to bed now--and since we all sleep together, it's lights out.

posted by Caitlin @ 11:51 PM