Week 8: Local Interpretation

First thing - a celebration of sorts this week - poor Jo has been under the weather for the majority of our time here fighting, beating, and then re-fighting a respiratory ailment. This week after a fresh round with the local dr she got the meds to finally kick it to the curb. I think there's some element of contribution from the constant air conditioning -> 90 degrees and full humidity -> back to air conditioning repeat cycle. I've noticed my lungs rebelling at times to the confusing environmental swings. 

To celebrate we went out for Japanese. 

There was another cute robot that delivered out edamame. I think she got some video that should end up on her blog that captured the robot's sweet childlike voice singing a song that also functions as a gentle "out of my way or I'll mow you down with your sushi".

It was Halloween here this week, and I got quite a few questions from my local co-workers about how it works back in the US. Did we miss celebrating it, did we get time off, what was our usual costume, etc. I decided not to dress up, although some actually did. The management team was encouraged to have a bucket of candy at our cubicle for individuals to come by and trick or treat at our office. Not a terrible idea for a group with a lot of new hires where relationships are still developing. On the other hand, a little funny for grown ups to do in a professional environment. 

Also, the work cafeteria decided to offer a free American-style lunch entree on the 31st. Again, with a little twist on the interpretation.

Although per the officially signage it's Devil's Eyeball spaghetti, it actuality its a mayonnaise-eye spaghetti, with a melted American cheese mouth. Which to be honest, sounds like a recipe that the Devil might cook up for those unfortunate enough to be sent his way in the afterlife. I did not partake. Hopefully I don't have to after I die either.

Another fun local twist was an all-day off-site training and teambuilding we had with our full factory team. Focus was on building trust. Also required us to sing. And dance. And massage each other with pool noodles. I'm not making this up.

Local team members seemed completely at home with this. The expats, less so. But it was all good fun and the uptight Americans got a little loosened up. Physically and emotionally. 

During out lunch break we went for a walk along the beach. Came across this fine fellow - picture isn't great since I couldn't get to close without him scurrying away. It's a monitor lizard, his body is about the size of a large cat. Not counting the tail that you can't see in this pic.

For final thoughts on local interpretation for this week - I offer ais kacang. Seems like a distant cousin of Hawaiian shave ice - although the exact translation is actually "bean ice"

As shown here, a bed of shave ice and ice cream is augmented with a healthy dollop of beans and green mochi-like jelly squiggles. Before you judge, I'll say its honestly quite good. The beans actually work to add a savory component to the whole thing. When you come to visit I'll be encouraging you to give it a try.