Meet Sharon Sobotka. The extrovert who lives life to the full in Jakarta.
Thank you. I am Polish American. My parents were first generation that makes me second-generation Polish.
And in states where are you?
I am a girl from Chicago, born and raised. But I lived in Moscow, where we moved to the work of my husband and we were in Jakarta for two and a half years now.
What does your husband work?
There is a diplomatic attaché.
Sounds very James Bond. And how long have you been married?
Let me see ... 24 years. Oh my god, it's time!
This is indeed. Do you have children
Yes, we have two children - A boy and a girl -. Aidan and Tara
So how are you found living in Jakarta?
This city is daunting when you arrive and it is very much the "Wild West". The streets not only thousands of cars and motorcycles and thousands of people trying to cross over, but you also have guys thrown on carts! Fortunately, I am a city girl so it will not progressively me a lot. You must find your own rhythm or you miss the fun and meet interesting people from all over the world with fascinating backgrounds who live here.
How did you manage to find your rhythm?
By Players Jakarta, a community theater group in English that gives all its profits to Habitat for Humanity, Indonesia. This group has an age of 16 and 60 with members from creative and interesting backgrounds, documentary makers for people working for USAID. From there, I joined other organizations that put on events and now I volunteer at the Gathering Highland, Scotland concert, Taste of Jakarta and many others. The groups are very tolerant in Jakarta if you have the energy and will to do something.
What is your role with Jakarta players now?
Now I'm president, I act, produce, direct and sell because the real community theater allows you to quickly advance in the organization!
So, Madam Chair, what's the last show that you produced?
Last December, I co-directed The Real Inspector Hound I can only describe as a murder mystery farce. I led it with an Englishman who kept the game faithful to its British roots. It was a great show that you kept guessing as he kept you in the points!
And you used to be on the board of the Association of American women. What was it?
Yes, I did and it was great fun. We used to organize many fundraising bazaars and shopping for good causes. I left the board because I started working for the US Embassy.
I see. And what are you doing at the embassy?
I work as an office management assistant. Basically, right now I'm in facilitating the construction of the new embassy building will be beautiful.
So you have a job, two children, a husband who travels a lot, you're on the board of a group of community theater, do you volunteer for all kinds of events charity - nothing
well, I also DJ at private charity holidays! My stage name is Shazzie Zee! But do not worry DJs, you do not have to worry about me taking your concerts far! I am also part of a group of books, which are fantastic by the way, especially if you happen to be a shy person.
What you're certainly not! What advice can you give to the new expatriate wives in Jakarta?
Joining a group because people are very tolerant and find the one that feeds your interest and makes you feel so that you can go out and be adventurous. Do not stay home and hope that something will happen. Get to the other side of the wall! And travel the islands of Indonesia, because Jakarta is Indonesia.
Two major publications that I recommend are the Association of American women for when you first get here; "Presentation of Jakarta", which is full of all the basic information that gives you comfort and "Jakarta Commercial Guide," which shows you where you can get almost everything. Embassies also have community liaison officers who are a wealth of information.
So Sharon, will you slow down?
Slow? Why would I do that?
Great answer. To contact Sharon, email kin4fam@yahoo.com