Melting in Banda Aceh

The temperature gage on the front of the ute said 42 on Friday, but then it dipped down to 35, then it went back up to 39. Not particularly reliable. I think that kind of averages out to 40, no? Very humid too. Have spent the weekend in the guesthouse watching DVDs, surfing the internet and doing some work. With the wonders of wireless internet I actually managed to sit on one couch for about 6 hours and not have to move except to eat. World Relief (the NGO I am with) is pre-occupied this weekend with some visitors from a church in Boston. Forgive me my ignorance but I had no idea these huge churches with huge financial resources run like NGOs existed, and have 'Missions committees' that decide upon where the money goes. This one is considering a partnership with the WR HQ in Baltimore and will spend under two weeks (UNDER two weeks) travelling from Boston to Cambodia, Aceh, and next stop Beijing. Makes me look like a softy.

Despite being alone all weekend it has been a nice one. Am currently being guarded by two policeman (a story for then I am back in safer climes), and a guard, and am in a 5 bedroom house all alone. One of the policemen came through for a chat before:

Me: 'Hello'
Him: 'I don't speak English'
Me: 'Oh, hmmm'
Him: 'Speak Indonesian?'
Me: 'No'
Me: Miming - would you like a drink
Him: 'No'
Me: 'Oh' smile
Him: Smile

Scintillating.

So far, I like it here. Really interesting to talk to some of the staff about the realities of living in a town with no cinema, no alcohol, no live music, devoutly Islamic and with Shariah law...you get the picture. Weekends are spent at home watching DVDs, hanging out with friends and surfing the internet. Apart from the other people part I think I've had a realistic slice of life here!

Tonight I meet Rob Bellingham at the church here and then head off to stay in the village with Hamba Rebana (a small Indonesian NGO) for four days and learn some more about the project with ex-freedom fighters (GAM). Looking forward to it, and getting to dig a bit deeper into what is really happening here.

For now I might amuse myself by remembering the NGO offices (and landrovers) that we regularly passed on the way to the office this week...

World Vision
UNDP
Malteser
Mentors Initiative
American Red Cross
Saudi Arabian Red Cross/Cresent
Turkish Red Cross/Cresent
OCHA
CRS
Childfund - CFF
Save the Children
Samaritan's Purse...

Its like development paradise.