The first thing I noticed was that it was loud. And I mean really loud. I can only presume that Indonesian PA engineers are all already deaf, because I'm yet to find one turned to anything lower than ear-splitting. So loud was the music that I'm only 70% sure that they were singing in English - though that may be due in part to the kids' adorably accented take on the language. It sounds like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...
After the charming rendition, the hostesses appeared, their attempts to hype the crowded mall hindered because their voices were super-distorted. Both women were very attractive, if rather heavily made up. But I admit to being mildly concerned for the innocence of the kids sitting on the floor, watching the particularly short-skirted hostess strut around on stage.
After I think what scared/fascinated me most about this strange cultural experience was seeing the proud kids, after one-by-one yelling their name into the microphone before disappearing back-of-stage, re-emerge to join their Moms (and a few dads), triumphantly carrying their prize - a drink of water and a box of fried chicken! Indonesia: proudly increasing children's confidence AND waistlines... (and killing their ear drums).
Experiences like this remind me where I am, and definitely put a smile on my face.
