One year already ...

1 May 2008. Today is one year already I've been staying in Slovenia. Can't believe time went so fast. People says 'If you feel time goes so fast, means you are having a good time'. Well, many things happened during a year here, bad and good things. In general, I am having a good time mostly ... been doing some trip around Slovenia, and even abroad, eventhough just some closer countries. At least, I got some nice memories to see other countries and culture. It was very difficult for me first time I got here. Worried what I am going to survive ... living in a strange country where everything is totally different. After a while, slowly I managed to adapt, step by step ... with the people, the environment, the rules, the culture and the foods. Slovenian people in general are nice and very welcome with the foreigner. So far I haven't got any bad experience with them. Eventhough I still get 'the look' from them. I guess my physical look is unsual for them since not so many asian live here, especially in the town I live. I only see few chinese. Sometimes when I meet some kids, they look me with curious look ... not like an adult, they stare at me curiously like I am an alien :-) And when I smile at them, they give their adorable smile. very cute!! :-) For me living in Slovenia is like living in a modern village. The country is so small, yet well organized. The nature is clean and fresh. The country is surrounded by hills and mountains. Just like in the village, where everything is green and fresh. For me is a big change since I grew in big town like Surabaya where all around is just skycrapers, houses, and traffic jam was a daily view. Means high pollution, no fresh air.
As the law and rules here, it's pretty strict here since the goverment want to have everything in order. I spent a year to take care all the papers I need, from residence permit, diploma, health insurance, and working permit. Luckily there's no 'money' talk. You only pay what you need to pay. No 'tip' or 'uang lelah'. Especially no 'special' price if your spouse is a foreigner. All you've got to do is fulfill all the requirents. So if you intend to live here, prepare yourself to deal with all the birocracies or they will kick you out :-)
Culture ... ehm it's definately different than Indonesia. Can't explain one by one. Small example, it's rude to point something or someone. While in Indonesia, when I want to make sure, sometimes I use my hand to point thing what we are talking about :-) Or, on birthday, they always sing, but not a birthday song, but traditional or national songs. They sing all along during the celebration.
The foods, first time I had problem to adapt because I never used to with western meal. I had digestion problem in my first week. Now, alhamdulillah I already found some Indonesia spices, also some friends I knew from internet kindly sent me some Indonesian spices that I don't find them here. I cook mostly Indonesian dishes, but sometimes I also make western meal so that won't be bored. Luckily i have a husband that not so picky with the foods, as long as no chillies :-) Some Slovenian dishes are delicious, but mostly their specialities are made from pork. And I can't eat or cook it at home.
My only problem after a year here is the language. I can say it's my biggest problem. And since 2 months ago, my father in law teach me because I don't take any course. Sometimes its frustruated me beacuse it's so diffucult to learn. I know lot of words, yet I still can't speak. I only understand a little when people are talking. Because I don't know the language, it's hard for me to get a job. Only time will tell when I will be able to speak fluently. I wish I live in a place where english is the language ...


Pic source : http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/cey0036l.jpg