How to buy canned drinks, pt. 1

True, this is not the most difficult task in the world, but it does involve certain subtleties.

First, before setting out, grab a backpack so you don't end up adding to your collection of 17,000 plastic bags. Indonesia has plastic-bag mania; even street vendors distribute them with abandon. Bangladesh has banned them because they plug the gutters and cause flooding. Wouldn't it be nice if the rest of the world followed suit?

Then set off down our street.

Bu Dena's warung is right behind the SUV you see in the top photo. She and her husband will holler "Makan dulu!" (Eat first!). If you're not hungry, say "Sudah makan, Bu!" (I already ate!) Fear not - her husband, who seems to be unwrapping an air-conditioner part, is not naked. He's wearing shorts.

Walk with a air of purposefulness, because if a certain other ibu spots you, she'll want to stop you and tell you sad tales with a long face in an effort to borrow money.

Turn left at the end of the street and then make a quick right. Try not to look at the House of Evil on the corner. They're keeping a poor little ferret-like mammal in a too-small cage out front.

Acquire the target: the yellow sign at the other end of the long hole. The kids on the bike may or may not say "Hello Mister." (This is a unisex greeting. I get "hello mistered" about three times as much as I get called Miss, Missus or Ma'am.)

Arrive at the WT Mart, also known (to us) as the Please-Sit-Down Store. Why? And what marvels wait inside? To find out, tune in for the exciting conclusion of "How to buy canned drinks"!