half way

I am now more or less half way through my time in Malang. The Saturday before last I had the ‘privilege’ of attending the UMM graduation ceremony. It was actually a compulsory activity for ACICIS, but it did have its perks. We were VIP guests, which came along with a small bag of snacks. Just as well, as in true Indonesian style the ceremony started close to 45 minutes late. In the end we didn’t have to stay for the part were everyone receives their certificates (thank goodness, as there was a huge dome full of them).

Last week we had our progress reports for our research. It wasn’t too stressful. Our presentations were spread over two days (meaning lots of food!) and everyone presented in English. It will be a different matter in two months time when we have to present in Indonesian to a room full of academics and press (or so they threaten). Apart from that life has been cruising along. I’ve done more research, more interviews and more writing. My parents are coming to visit this saturday so that will be a nice break, but after that I’m going to have to knuckle down and get the rest of my interviews done.