know your left and your right hand

we are safely in indonesia and living in a pretty remote area where internet is dependent on the weather. Right now we're in Malang city, on our day off, taking advantage of the supermarket and the internet cafes.

so far we've been busy creating educational information for ProFauna, particularly these animal footprints in concrete. You may be laughing but this is one of the most challenging tasks I've completed...ever.

ProFauna staff (PS): Here is a table, concrete, sand, water and a book we would like you to replicate in 3D and each be accurate to size. Maybe. (the Indonesian are very polite and always seem to suggest things rather than command or use imperatives - even if that's what they mean)
Us: How should we make it?
PS: (crickets chirping)

They hadn't thought it through. We didn't want to make something resembling a second grade project that would forever be cemented (literally) in the memory of every Profauna staff and visitor following our departure.

But having few materials - I'm not talking about lacking a right angle or animal footprint stamp (which would have been incredibly useful) but not even having a writing implement or ruler - we had to improvise. Think discarded wood, random building materials, bricks and spoons. But yesterday we made our last footprint - a pangolin and all I want to write here is "That's RIGHT *expletive*" but i'll refrain.

anyway, besides a lack of stationery there is also no toilet paper (white gold, another volunteer refers to it as)...for some of us (meaning ari). You may be wondering, what does this mean? Exactly what it suggests. For the last 7 days ari is not only developing his ambidexterous abilities (for those of you who do not know, he is left-handed) but also going without toilet paper. Not because he is not in need of toilet paper but to sum it up, eat with your right and wipe with your left.

I will admit, I declared defeat before the war even began. Despite other volunteers swearing by the cleanliness of it all and the undoubtful environmental impact I'm sure toilet paper creates in the world, I have yet to bring myself to "do as the locals do". So for now, I'll hold on to my white gold and refrain from left-handed interactions.