Greased pole, motorbike ride, Row, Row, Row Your Boat:)

Today was mostly spent watching men attempt climbing up a greased bamboo pole--quite a sight to see! After almost three hours, they finally made it to the top where there were presents waiting to be distributed. The teachers also got to participate in the festivities.

Now, onto the most exciting adventure of the evening. Due to the first day of school being on Monday and the long week of orientation we all endured this past week, Jennie decided to plan a trip up to the hot springs. The group included just about all of the singles and three married couples, there were 15 people in all. Eight of us rode on motorbike and seven rode in a taxi. Now, I couldn't take pictures without losing my life so my picture painting rhetoric will have to suffice:) I got to ride with Lindsey on the back of her bike. (Yes, grandma Molly, as some of you like to call me, rode on the back of a motorbike today!) Lindsey likes to go really fast, but she is a good driver. The other day we had a couple of close calls. Let's just say I have learned a lot about trust:) The trip was expected to take about an hour going up a curvy mountain highway. Keep in mind there are no rules really when it comes to driving a bike through busy Bandung traffic, we get cut off and sometimes cut people off--it really is great fun as long as I am tightly gripping the back handle:) It was about 5:00 when we headed out, which meant we would be heading up the mountain just at sunset. Once I got past the fear, I got to enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the rice paddies of Bandung with the wind blowing in my hair. It was truly exhilarating! The whole time we are driving up the mountain I am thinking "Holy cow, if my parents knew what I was doing they would flip:)" and "I am so fortunate to get to see something so beautiful, seriously the best student teaching experience ever!" I am pretty sure the drive up the mountain goes pretty high on the list of the most amazing things I have ever done:)
The hot springs part was nice and relaxing too. Kind of embarrassing, but funny nonetheless, we all got drinks from the snack stand and in boredom figured out how to play "Row, Row Row Your Boat" using our glass bottles filled with various amounts of water. A video on YouTube should be appearing shortly:)
Today was awesome, I got to experience some pretty cool things. I am so fortunate to be here in Indonesia. It has only been two weeks, but I have gotten to experience so much. Can't wait to see what these next four months have in store.
My next post will probably be reporting the First Day of School! One of my most favorite days of the year; I have had my first day of school outfit picked out for weeks:) Please keep Charity and me in your prayers as we start off this semester.