Dear Jon,

Thanks for asking! Sure, post it if it'll help anyone.  I'd like to check out 
your other postings. Sounds like a neat undertaking. 

Cheryl

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Tips for moving to Bali:

I personally have not lived in beautiful Bali and lost many chances to visit
there while living in Indonesia 1992-95 but I've known Balinese people and
they are very polite, very tolerant, and naturally graceful and artistic.
Sometimes in their politeness they can beat around the bush when dealing with
them and you need to look for subtle cues to discern whether they are angry
or bored, etc. Some have adapted to the tourism and had become more gung-ho
and aggressive but the real Balinese is a joy to get to know.
I lived in Ujung Pandang, S. Sulawesi and the Makasarese are the opposites of
the Balinese but at least you know where you stand with them.
Never shake hands using your left hand but always with your right. The left
hand is considered unclean. Be polite to the elderly,& bowing your head in
deference as you shake their hands is a plus. I'd advise doing as much
homework as you can about the Indonesian culture, it is a hodgepodge of many
distinct cultures from the different language groups and tribes scattered in
5,300 islands. To be accepted immediately and not tolerated in an aggrieved
way as "orang asing" (foreigner), be conservative in dress, friendly and not
demanding your own way and time management and most especially, not demanding
that things be done very efficiently.Life is slower, more laid back, over
there. On the other hand, be professional in the classroom as the students
will expect higher standards from you. If you can start learning Bahasa
Indonesia phrases now, you'll be ahead. The phrases that helped me a lot with
too-forward becak (c is pronounced as 'ch') drivers, insistent vendors and
beggars is "Tidak mau" (lit. (I) don't want) and " (Mohon) Jangan begitu!"
(Please) Don't act that way! which can be used in reply in varying shades of
firmness. Don't be shocked if you get asked very personal questions (ex.: How
much do you earn?) as this interrogation of the "orang asing" is a form of
flattery...To that question you can evade with "Sedikit saja" with a laugh.
(A little only).

Bahasa In. is easy to learn. To avoid spending on private tutors, you can
find someone who knows English and wants to practice so it's a reciprocal
relationship that usually become close friendship with that person's family.
Find out the voltage and appliance needs. Most places have only 220 V
sockets. Don't bring your dishes, most linens, etc. as they have a
flourishing textile and manufacturing industry. Some still not too high a
quality but getting there. Most expats bring with them their hobby needs like
sewing notions, Christian fiction books, etc. I wished I brought my pressure
cooker when I was there as sometimes the grass-fed beef gets tough. Bring
lots of sunscreen and mosquito repellent, medicines you need until you find
out they have the equivalents.
E-mail me if you have other questions in case I can help. This is way too
long already. ENJOY!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Garmong