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polo III · Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 6

greetings (Salamat eclectic),

I'm coming to Indonesia Sept. 1st. I heard something (from reliable source) that disturbed me greatly. After bowel movement it's Indonesian custom to wipe your butt with your hand! First you pour some water bown backside then wipe up with your left hand.
Get a few miles out of Jakarta and you don't even have toilets! A hole in the ground is it.
A friend of my moma's smuggled bibles into China a few years ago. She told me that the bathrooms at Taiwan "International" Airport were merely holes in the ground. If there are no toilets at an international airport, what's it gonna be like in a small town? :shock: :shock:
So...if you get stationed outside of Jakarta, maybe bring a small porta-potty?

laughing_magpie06 · Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 282

Don't worry, after a month or so you will have it down to a fine art.
It is a bit like eating messy food with your hand and only a small bowl of water. But being left handed I find much easier to use that hand to do these things. Haram they must be thinking!!

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

now you're beginning to understand why it is impolite in Indonesia to offer anyone your left hand, to take change, to eat with etc.

As a left hander, I had to re-train quickly, and I'm proud to say that I can use chopsticks with my right hand! Try doing that with your left hand you right-handers. Laughing

But to be fair to all concerned, most Indonesian toilets in hotels and nice houses have a neat little shower thang which you can use to wash down your nether region.

malu · Joined: 22 Apr 2007 Posts: 1344 Location: Sunny Java

What makes me think that the OP is from the US of A?

jwbhomer · Joined: 14 Dec 2003 Posts: 876 Location: CANADA

I smell a troll.

Atoms for Peace · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 135 Location: NKRI

treacle · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 36 Location: the hills

yes, those idiot yanks released the movie 'Krakatoa, East of Java' in 1969 later reissued as 'Volcano'.

nominated for an Oscar in 1970 for it's visual effects but presumably not for its geographical accuracy.

Atoms for Peace · Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 135 Location: NKRI

Ha Ha! I wasn't thinking of that movie. I was referring to The Thunderbirds (near the end). Laughing

guruengerish · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 424 Location: Australia

idea for a sticky.

"Only 20% of Americans hold passports.

Prepare to forgive the other 80% who ask stupid questions about travelling overseas".

Quote of the week:

"I'm leaving for Indonesia next week' Are there any shots or medications I should get"?

Another well-read American is about to set forth into the world.

Hey guys: I might be pushing an Aussie product, but Lonely Planet is a good start if you're going to visit/work/live in a country. Rolling Eyes

Llamalicious · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 6:31 pm Post subject:

Sorry, but if you ignore the Lonely Planet, you'll have a much better trip.

Why? Well, for a start you'll avoid the Trustafarians - "world travellers" on daddy's credit card who nevertheless have a deep cultural understanding of the place they're visiting... Sample conversation:

"I'm so in touch with the culture here. They just, like, accept me as one of their own."

"But-"

"The girls in particular find me immensely culturally relevant."

"Bu-"

"I mean, it must be such a treat for them to be close to a hot, young guy like me who doesn't, like, pay them for sex. Well, yes, I have sex with them and then I pay them. But that's, like, the culture. I mean... yeah?!?"

"B-"

"They're really thankful..."

ezekiel · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Posts: 79 Location: Indonesia

Anyone understand why Indonesians who actually wear wedding rings wear them on their left hand ring finger!!? It totally contradicts the clean hand / dirty hand rule..my wife and I have always worn ours on our right hands because I couldn't imagine the symbol of my eternal love and commitment being on my @rs# hand... Shocked

salam