Superman!
When I was in the Philippines most people there like drinking and
the most famous beer is San Miguel. When I stayed with my host family
in northern Manila, I was offered San Miguel and I accepted it because
I didn't want to disappoint the host. Actually, it was not so hard.
However, they filled up my glass with more beer when my glass was empty.
I drank 5 small bottles and what happened? I walked as if I was Superman!
I didn't feel my feet on the floor and I felt the world moved so quickly
and lots of stars went around me. Then I got a headache and slept all day!
This happened again when I was in Japan. I drank sake, which
was much stronger than San Miguel. I did it again because my foster
family was so kind and friendly. I didn't want too offend them.
Actually I am not a drunkard. So, friends, do not hesitate to say
" No" if you don't want to do or take something. Otherwise you will
have stars around you.
(Rudy, ADS6B)
Saying No
As a Javanese, I feel very difficult to say no. It seems impolite
if we say no and refuse someone's visit, even if we don't want them to
be there. I have some friends who always come to my study room to
chat, about their boyfriends, their family and so on. At the beginning
I can tolerate it. But if after one story, another person comes....wow!
I have spent more than 70% of my study time just for hearing and advising.
I know that it's good to be a listener. And maybe in certain situations,
I'll need a listener too. But it's hard to be a listener for 10-20
people. When I live in Australia, I don't know whether it's possible
or not to say no in certain situations and ask to be heard in another situation.
It seems so selfish, doesn't it? However, it is very important to hear
the voice of our heart.
(Maria Anityasari, ADS6B)
Tut Tut
Once a teacher told us something interesting and I responded by tutting
(clicking my tongue) as I admired what she said. This is the way
to express approval in Indonesia. But the teacher said," Do you disagree
with what I said?" I said, " No I really agree with you and admire
your story!" The teacher then explained that in Australia, it is
showing disapproval to click your tongue like that. I was embarrassed
because I didn't know.
(Iqbal, ADS6B)
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One Shuttlecock Please
Badminton is my favourite sport. I played it quite often in
Britain, where this unforgettable experience took place. It happened
when I wanted to buy a shuttlecock for the first time in a small sports
shop there. After I told the shopkeeper what I needed, he looked
surprised and even confused. I thought it might be because of my
English, so I further explained. Even though I finally got what I
wanted, I left the shop still with a puzzling thing in my head. Later
on I came to the real explanation when I met other Indonesian friends in
the sports centre. We were shaking with laughter after realising
that I hadn't said "shuttle" because we just say "kok' in Indonesian.
(Ami, ADS 3A)
Some Australian Manners
In Australia, it is polite to hand someone something with your right
or left hand
Burping is considered bad manners
Standing with your hands on your hips is not seen as aggressive or threatening
as it is in Indonesia
Australians often open their presents in front of their friends
Australians do not often hold hands if they are the same gender.
They do not walk down the street arm in arm as they do in Indonesia
(Gufran, ADS 3A)
Body Language
To most Indonesians, the head is the symbol of dignity. You
will be in big trouble if you touch someone's head without a good reason.
It is considered very rude.
In Australia, it is different. It happened to me when I was
teaching Indonesian in a secondary school in Alice Springs. A girl
student came to my desk in the classroom and touched my head saying: "Pak
Gufran, your hair is very black! I like it!" Without feeling offended,
I smiled and said "Thank you".
(Gufran, ADS 3A)
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