Learning how to cook for myself and buying items at the market with my neighbors and teachers has helped me gain a strong sense of how to get around the city and how to talk to people in the Indonesian way. For example, using the word "you" in Bahasa Indonesian is highly linked to respect. There are many different ways to address someone, and they all carry different levels of respect: kamu ("you" for close friends or someone younger than you), bapak ("you" for male elders), ibu ("mom" or "you" for female elders), bang ("you" for slightly older male friends), kak ("you" for slightly older female friends), and anda (the closest to our word "you", generic and simply polite).
Simple hellos and introductions are important to Bukittinggi residents, as it is much more than just simple formalities. I can appreciate that. Do you have someone you appreciate, but haven't told them in awhile? Letting them know you care can go a really long way!
