Random and Non-random strolls

We’re very famous in the neighborhood. People who were once strangers were already acquaintances. We are even mutuals in Instagram! We’re not well-versed in the Indonesian language so when our eyes meet with those people, we often laugh at each other. We even have the thought in Bisaya that they think, “Naa na pud ning mga labad”.

1.   Burjo Bintang 4 and Burjo Millennial

Burjo Bintang 4 was the first restaurant introduced to us by Mr. Rio, UNISSULA OIA Director. Every time, we go in there, the dudes would give us paper to write our order. Majority of the food they serve is spicy so we often haggle to not prepare the meals spicy. This also applies to Burjo Millennial but it has a nice overview.

2.   Cakra Laundry

During our wash at Chakra Laundry, we got our laundry for free. The nice lady even played a classic Filipino song. The second time around, we got it at a 50% discount because we followed their IG. We often laugh at each other when our eyes meet because of language barrier. Google translate is not 100% accurate but we still managed to communicate with each other.

3.   Alfamart

Alfamart is a convenience store near in our accommodation. We randomly buy stuffs there like ice cream, chips, and many others. When the cashiers would see us, they like push each other who will talk to us because they know we can’t speak Indonesian, and we have trouble discussing the prices of the items.

4.   Indomaret

Indomaret is like Alfamart Pro. We go here to order Frappes, Milk-based drinks, and Coffee at Point Coffee. We also buy some of our basic needs here like eggs, flour, and many others. Aside from that, I bought additional skin care products because it was relatively cheaper than the skin care products in the Philippines. Same with Alfamart, when the cashiers see us going to the store, they try to hide.

5.   The Unfamiliar Road (Literally and Figuratively)

In the Philippines, we are used to look from left to right but here in Indonesia, it’s from right to left. The speed of the vehicles surprised me because it’s as if the vehicles are always on a race. Every time the traffic aid sees us; they always assist us in crossing the road. We are no longer strangers and in fact, they ask around when any of us are missing.

6.   Super Indo

Out of desperation to buy fruits and vegetables, we walk from our accommodation, Kost Executive de Mansion to Super Indo. We thought that it could be near but it was a 2.1. km- walk. It was fun because we managed to see stores other than Indomaret and Alfamart. Plot twist, there’s a fresh vegetable and fruit shop near our accommodation and we just noticed it on our second to the last week.

7.   DP Mall Semarang

We first went to this mall on 1st Cultural Trip. It was a large mall and we have noticed that all of the international brands are on the ground floor while most food shops are on the third floor. We grabbed a quick snack together with our student buddies. The second time around was not planned. We only wore our Filipino slippers in the mall and people were staring at us. During this time, we were roaming around the traditional market to find a hiking attire for Gedong Songo until it rained. We decided to go to DP Mall to buy some foods but we ended up strolling on the entire mall.

8.   Ada Supermarket

This was the first place where we bought our groceries after arriving. What made the experience even more special was that we were not only accompanied by our assigned student buddies, but also by Safa and Uyon—the inbound exchange student teachers from UNISSULA. Although we were not their designated student buddies, they still chose to be there for us. Their presence and willingness to help us settle in, even without any obligation, truly touched my heart. It showed a kind of warmth and sincerity that went beyond formal roles—an act of kindness that made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for in an unfamiliar place.