Mmmm, clean air, glistening rivers, peace and quiet...
All things that Jakarta hasn't had for probably 70 years. We're fresh off the 26 hour bus ride from Bali, and got into Jakarta (the 'financial capital' of Indonesia) last night. After some shrewd haggling, and a great ride in a Hajah buggy (a three wheeled coffin, with a driver) we made it to JL. Jaksa, the street-with-all-the-cheap-places-to-stay.
As if Jakarta on its own wasn't strange enough, we were just about to inquire at the first guesthouse we went past, and who should bowl up to us (after falling on her backside with excitement) but everyone's favourite English Rose; Jo! What are the odds eh? (Seriously Kate, what are the odds?)
So, we loafed about in the restaurant last night, and today our main mission is to get OUT of Jakarta and continue the trail up to Sumatra - it's off to book some buses next.
Since my last post however, we had a lovely couple of days up in Ubud, north of Denpasar. Ubud is apparently the cultural capital of Bali, but the more cynical amongst us note that the wholesale capture of the town by tourists seems to have negated that concept a little. Anyway, we had a really nice little room (mmmmm, hot water...) and great surroundings, but promptly fell ill on arrival. Sadly our two days (not to mention our 26 hours on the bus) were plagued with sniffles, coughs, and sore throats.
I know what you're thinking Mum, it's NOT S.A.R.S...
On the up side however, confirmation arrived today that we will definitely be meeting Aaron(not 'Spangly', 'Spudly', 'Spokey', 'Sparky' or any of the other wild mis-rememberings of his nickname that have surfaced over the last two weeks) and Jodi in Thailand at the beginning of September - hooraaaaaahh!!!
So, the travel agent is calling, and although our next stop might not be as Gibbon-y, Rhinoceros-y, or Jungle-y as we're hoping, it'll be a darn sight better than smelly old Jakarta. We're off soon to climb the national monument (which apparently penetrates the top of the smog layer), so my opinion of the city may change after that, otherwise I am,
Your man knee deep in black rivers of filth,
Arch :)
3 Comments:
Your trip sounds wicked Arch. Bowdie would be proud of your surfing exploits bra, he’s a modern day savage after all, and I think he might have seen that look in your eye. That look that betrays your ever searching lust for the rush, the ultimate ride dude. If you want the ultimate you have to be willingly to pay the ultimate price. Jonny Utah missed his window.
Happy birthday for the other day.
Boobie’s on a solid 3.8, and looking quite strong.
Enjoy yourselves
Jon
Ahhhh the sound of pure drivel echoing silently through broken speakers.
Get ready mate because the tinsel towners are on their way!!!!! 2 sleeps to go until we leave and the anticipation is peaking.
We're going to arrive in Bangkok 5/9 and spen two nights there and fly to Phuket or Krabi for a bit and be in Ton Sai around the 10th. It's unlikely you'll receive this before you get there but I thought it would be kinda nice to post something!!
Get your beer cooler ready......
Aaron (Spanky) & Jodes (affectionately now going by "Wicko")
Oi!
Hey lovely people...it appears that I have a long holiday coming up (possibly 3 or 4 weeks!) so was tossing up how to use my time - where are you going to be end of september/beginning of october?
Love Kate
Post a Comment
<< Home