OK, for reasons that no one seems to explain, my new city can be referred to either as Makassar or Ujung Pandang. A continuity eludes many people. A few airlines refer to here as Makassar, a few as UP. I know this isn’t a problem as many places are referred to by a couple names, but few with equal validity.
The new flat is more a mansion than anything on a quiet and short dead-end street. It’s a virtual fortress with even more eyes looking on than in the past! I’m happy with it. I’ve contracted the services of a houseboy for a couple days a week to clean and wash my clothes. In fact, he should be here anytime to get cracking. I’ve got a lot of clothes that need to be washed.
Yesterday was spent doing meet and greets of university’s Rektor (President) and those just below him. I had a good meetings with a couple teachers from various departments here as well as a teacher from the Makassar Teacher’s Association. Everyone had their say, and my juggling act began. I have to keep some time free for doing work for the learning center as well as some teaching. Note to self: don’t overwork yourself.
In order to quell any overwork, I’ll need to continue my half-hearted effort at training for a sprint triathlon. I have found a decent fitness center and Olympic size pool at the local country club. It’s near campus, so I can get in a workout midday, if need be…
6 Comments
hi Tony,
you see as I told you makassar or ujung pandang is more civilised than manado. arent you thankfull for being transferred? enjoy the pool and the gym keep your nice shape and see you very soon. miss you.
Civilized can be defined in many ways, Ivone. Cheap taxi rides and nearby pools are a good start… New cities are always lonely.
Hmm. New city and cheap taxi rides compounded with pools. Sounds like you could find something to keep yourself busy with in your new city.
Sounds like the new city is, well, more city. And what about that other thing? Yeah, work?
When you start blogging about work, I’ll start blogging about work, Scott.
I say you start a campaign to refer Ujung Pandang as “Da U.P. of Indonesia.” Once the name catches on you can introduce such splendors of the Michigan UP to your friends there, like pasties, the nickname “Yoopers” (how does that translate?), and moose. Then there can be student exhange programs between places like Copper Harbor and Ujung Pandang. You’re sitting on a cultural exchange gold mine my friend. I’ll start printing the t-shirts.
You know, UP in India stands for Uttar Pradesh. There’s gotta be some more places that go by UP. I’m thinking of a lot of import/export business. World wide. Any other two-letter t-shirts we could make a bundle on while we’re at it?