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| JAPAN | June 5th – June 9th
I’m so lonely...
I was starting to miss everyone that I had met on this Asia trip. Getting on that plane to Japan, knowing that this time I wouldn’t have anyone to wait for me at the airport, I suddenly realized I was by myself for the first time on this trip.
I’ve always done well being by myself, but I guess it was the sudden abundance of family and female companionship that made me yearn to see everyone back in Vietnam and Thailand and Indonesia and Singapore. Had I spent enough time in Singapore? Should I have just gotten a flight back to Jakarta? Maybe I could’ve gotten a flight back to Saigon and see my family one more time. I don’t know what it was, but I was starting to feel lonely.
Unfamiliar with the Familiar
When I finally landed in Japan in the early morning, it was such a cultural shock. I had visited Japan only two years ago, and I knew my way around, sort of. I thought I would be used to it. But when I got off that plane and headed for the main Tokyo station, when I saw the sudden surge of rushing people heading to work, the overcrowded subways, the loud beeps and dings of the overheard intercom, I was somehow unfamiliar with it all.
As I booked my ticket for the 3-hour train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto, I was suddenly at ease. I looked around and saw all the businessmen with their pressed suits and funny glasses, the school girls with their uniforms and knee-high socks, the cute Japanese girls with their decorative phones and equally decorative nails, and all the little quirky things that make Japan so Japanese, a sudden smile came upon on my face. How could I be lonely amongst all these Japanese that I found so interesting and endearing? I just smiled as I looked out the window to the beautiful Japanese countryside.
Kyoto, full of beautiful contradictions
Kyoto was just as I had remembered it: clean, contemporary and old, and full of beautiful contradictions of old temples and structures with the most modern stores and buildings spread across a beautifully natural landscape.
It was raining, hard, but I didn’t bother to buy an umbrella. I was just enjoying the rain, and looking forward to renting a bike and exploring the city. But first, I had to find my hostel, and then I had to take care of lunch. Because as anxious as I was to start exploring, I was freakin’ hungry!
Ah...back to Kyoto, my favorite place in Japan! It was raining, but nothing was gonna rain on my parade today!
First thing to take care of was lunch! After checking into my hostel and renting a bike at a local bike shop, I ran into this quaint little Japanese restaurant. It’s got a very traditional, Japanese retro-chic feel to it.
Who says you can’t have a decent meal for cheap in Japan? Pork katsu curry and potato croquette for about 1000 yen ($10).
This is why I love Kyoto. It’s full of beautiful contradictions, of old buildings and temples amongst the modern streets of Japan.
I was just riding down the street to get some cash from the local 7-11 store when I ran into this old temple.
Cute Kyoto girls! But they run away from me before I could snap a decent picture.
Hostel Hospitality
I’ve stayed at many hostels before, throughout Europe and Asia, and so I would say I’m quite experienced in hostel hospitality. But I was really impressed with the one I had found in Kyoto...Sandal Wood Inn. And being that this place was booked last minute (since I had that impromptu trip to Singapore), I was counting my blessings that the place was so clean and homely and cheap.
I was even more impressed when I met the hostel staff manager, Jumi, a very energetic and beautiful Japanese girl. She looked typically Japanese with her long hair, pale complexion, and vibrantly-trendy fashion sense. But unlike the other girls, she was actually quite tall and her voice was a smooth, husky tone, not elfishly high-pitched.
She was also peculiar in how touchy she was. Immediately upon meeting me, she bettered my offer of a handshake with a bearhug of an embrace. And she continued this touching streak whenever I saw her waking up in the morning, or when I came home from a long trek through the city, or whenever I came out of the shower (at one point, she was smelling me). But the girl was nice and cute, so I wasn’t going to complain. This was the best hostel hospitality I ever had.
Jumi, the cutest, nicest, and touchiest hostel manager I’ve ever met. Homegirl was nice enough to show me around the neighborhood and let me use her membership at the PC café to enjoy some internet time and unlimited free drinks!
In return, I took her out for some treats at her favorite spot: Mr. Donut!
Mochi donuts, made from mochi flour. They don’t look it, but these donuts were chewy bastards.
Everyone looked bored, so I asked the hostel mates to go out for some food and drinks with me. Jumi recommended the pancake house down the street. Pancakes? Really?!
Oh! Those kind of pancakes! Damn! These were good. They taste better than they look.
The best Japanese beef steak I’ve ever had. I miss it. Good job Jumi!
An alcoholic beverage? Sure, why not.
Kyoto Explorin’
My loneliness over, I was ready to explore Kyoto. For the next few days, I had no plans other than to rent a bike and start exploring. My preparations pretty much consisted of me taking out a map and asking myself, “What looks interesting?” This time, I was on my own, and I was starting to understand the advantages of trekking on my own. I could go about at my own pace without having to worry about anybody else’s schedules. I could try out new foods without anyone else complaining. And if I got lost, I’d only look like a fool to myself.
The next day, more Kyoto exploration. A rather interesting-looking street. I wonder what’s down here...
I found this little restaurant down the rather interesting-looking street.
Oh my goodness! This chicken was so good!
Katsura River, I will conquer you!
Another cute Kyoto girl on a bike! She smiles at first, but when I bust out my camera, she turns away. I guess taking pictures of strangers is creepy to some girls.
Just crossing the bridge and I see a small gathering of people. A homeless festival?
No! These young peeps were gathered here for some BBQ and some fun in the sun by the river.
These girls were like The Plastics from “Mean Girls”...they were cute, but had a little attitude.
Finally, after a 2-hour ride, I reach the northern banks of the river.
Cross the bridge to find my destination, the bamboo thickets of the Tenryuji Temple.
Free samples at the local shops!
Tenryuji Temple!
Biggest koi pond I’ve ever seen.
Stairway to the bamboo thickets...
The bamboo thickets were freakin’ awesome! I spent a good 30 minutes just sitting in the little resting house, listening to some good MP3’s, staring at the bamboos and just daydreaming...
Again, going down the road of the Katsura River, I run into another...temple?
No! It wasn’t a temple! It was actually a monkey park! Cool!
“When I get that feeling, I need...monkey sexual healing!”
Now that’s just blatant! You buy a girl a drink before you do that!
It was a long-ass hike to the monkey park, but you can’t beat the view of Kyoto. And there’s the Katsura River just below.
On the way down from the monkey park, I run into this monkey playground for the kiddies.
There was actually a sign next to the slide that read, “For children only.” Well, I’m a kid at heart, so I can go, right? The mommies below look at me disapprovingly.
The rest of the ride back was just pure natural bliss.
And when I come home, I found that the girls at the hostel were making octopus balls! Thanks again Jumi!
Another day in Kyoto, more exploration...group tai-chi class?
This is why I love Japan...they’re so full of weird stuff everywhere! This is a statue I see outside of a local hair salon.
Is it me, or does this guy look like a gay Conan O’Brien?
Today, it’s the Kamo River on the eastern banks of Kyoto. Kamo, I will conquer you!
Back again in the Gion district. This time around, I didn’t bother to look for geisha. I don’t have time. And also, last time, when I found one, it was a disappointment. Geisha aren’t that hot. I don’t get their appeal. If I saw a geisha at a club, I probably wouldn’t buy her a drink or ask her to dance. But I bet she’d giggle her ass off at any joke I told her.
Last meal in Kyoto...so damn good!
Last day in Kyoto...where's my stuff?!
After a few days in Kyoto, I was getting ready to head over to Tokyo for a day before heading home. But as I was checking out that afternoon, I suddenly realized that I didn’t have my card-holder which held all my credit cards and ID. After coming home, I usually empty my pockets and just throw everything in my backpack and lock it up. But upon packing everything, I realized that my cards weren’t there!
I wasn’t freaking out initially. I already made copies of my cards and had the international phone numbers for the card center just in case I lost them. And I had enough cash on me for the rest of the trip. But still, what a pain in the ass to lose them on the last day.
I knew I hadn’t used my credit card since 12pm the day before because I still had my ATM receipt from that day. And since then, I only visited a restaurant for dinner the other night and Mr. Donut again for breakfast that morning. So kindly asking Jumi to write me a message in Japanese that pretty much stated what a dumbass I was and that I had lost my credit cards, I revisited all the places I went to previously and handed them my note of shame. And one by one, after reading my note, they regretfully told me they didn’t find my stuff in their store. Damn!
Finally, Jumi suggested that I visit the local police box and ask the staff sergeant to search for my card holder. At first, I was thinking there was no hope. But what the hell. I might as well see what a police box in Kyoto looks like.
Arriving at the police box, which was really a small, cramped excuse of a make-shift police station, I handed the policeman my note of shame. He actually made me fill out a report! What’s the point?! I was thinking he just wanted me to wallow further in my shame. But after handing in my paperwork, and asking me in his broken English for a description of my card holder, he made a phone call and was able to locate my cardholder that had been turned in to another police box across town.
What the freak?! Are you serious?! I couldn’t believe my luck. And I couldn’t believe how efficient the police were in finding my stuff. Well, I guess when you have zero crime rate, lost stuff becomes top priority. So after taking a train across town to retrieve my stuff, it was finally time to say my goodbyes to Jumi and to head to Tokyo, credit cards and all!
Tokyo
I didn’t have much time in Tokyo to do much exploring this time. And I didn’t want to. Tokyo is a fun town, but not much for cultural exploration, and I was too tired to hit the bars or clubs. So instead, I went out and spent all my money on food, drinks, and women!
One night in Tokyo only, so I’m spending all my money on this feast.
I’m not a fan of sushi, but this was some fresh-ass sushi!
The only stop on the way to the airport that was of any interest was Akihabara, a well known “otaku” (nerd) hangout because of its ample supply of anime, manga, video games, and electronic goods.
Seriously, what is this?! A man bra?! Freakin’ weird otakus.
Another fetish of the otakus...girls in maid outfits!
I seriously don’t understand why these otakus love maid outfits. But if putting on a maid outfit is your thing, who am I to judge?
An Akihabara maid handing out maps and coupons to entice passerby’s to visit the local maid café. I guess it works, because I decide to check one out!
This is my maid, Uno. She majored in serving delicious drinks and desserts. She tells me that I’m handsome and intelligent and charming, and gives me a card that entitles me to being called “your majesty”. Okay, now I understand why these otakus love maids so much. They’re awesome!
A little goes a long way
The last time I visited Japan, I was so enamored with the country that I was seriously looking into finding a job as an English teacher. And then when I visited Bali and Jakarta for the first time, I was so impressed by the energy of the city and the design-savvy of the companies out there, I was also tempted to find a job. But in my recent travels, I’ve learned that I really don’t want to work overseas. I’d miss my family and friends too much.
Some people travel to escape their life. But sometimes, people fail to realize that it’s more than an escape; it’s also a peering into the window of another life. I’ve peered, and I like to look out that window. But I’m still not ready to jump out of it just yet. For now, the grass is green enough on my side of the window. And the little bit of peering that I’ve done is enough to last me for a while.
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| SINGAPORE | June 4th
Last Day...For Reals
My last day with Linda had finally come. And this time, it was for real. There would be no more casual get-togethers in Bangkok, no more running into each other in Jakarta, and I was too tired to do any more spontaneous trips with her anywhere. I was very anxious to go to Japan, but I don’t regret any lost time because I had such a great time in Singapore. But alas, all good things must come to an end.
I Should Be an Accountant
Something that I’m very proud of myself on this Singapore trip was how well I budgeted my expenses. I had withdrawn an initial amount of money on my first day in Singapore, thinking it would be just enough. As the days passed, I would see my money trickle away to restaurant bills, bar tabs, SIM cards, metro passes, etc.
Finally, on my last day, I had just enough, I believed, for a pleasant last meal with Linda, some drinks, and enough for a taxi ride to the airport and dinner. I figured that if I went over budget, I would refrain from withdrawing anymore Singaporean money (because money exchange is a pain in the pass) and just charge it to my credit card. No need. When that final dinner bill came out, and it read $24.00, and I dug into my pocked and realized I had $25.10, I was amazed that I budgeted just right. So I paid for my dinner and kept the $1.10 in Singaporean coins as a souvenir, a reminder of an awesome time in an awesome country with an awesome girl.
PS Café, a fine dining experience for our last meal. Initially, because of Linda’s accent, I thought we were going to the BS Café. That would’ve been interesting.
The outdoor patio reminds me of an old English countryside restaurant (though I’ve actually never been to England).
Oh yes! Prawn salad!
My first time having veal. It was scrumptious!
Last meal with Linda, and this time, it was for reals. Boo!
After a very nice meal, it was time for a pleasant walk through Singapore’s famous botanical garden.
Linda is too afraid to try out the safari trail, so I break out on my own.
But we meet up again at the orchid garden.
So vain! Taking another picture of herself instead of the beautiful flowers.
Looking at all these orchids reminds me of the good old days working at Link4.
Botanical models!
Linda, get out of my light!
Ah! Much better!
Just walking about naturally, not noticing the camera at all.
What a pretty flower...and Linda’s not bad herself.
What a pretty flower...and the orchids aren’t bad either.
Another day, another quay.
What’s that spraying those people from afar? An exposed fire-hydrant?
Nope. It’s the hideous looking Merlion. (No offense to any Singaporeans out there.)
I know that the Merlion is the pride of Singapore, but we just couldn’t help ourselves from taking inappropriate pictures...like this one!
And this one!
And this one too!
So vain! Another picture of yourself?!
So vain!
Where are we?
Seriously, where are we?
This was just such a funny looking sculpture.
A light at the end of the tunnel. All good things must come to an end...
Crossroads?
At this point, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Asia, and I just know for sure I’ll visit again. I’m not so sure about Linda though, if I’ll ever see her again. She tells me that I should look her up the next time I visit Asia, but who knows when that will be. So even if I don’t ever see her again, I still can’t deny that she’s been a true blessing on this trip, and I’m very glad to have met her. Now, on to Japan!
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| SINGAPORE | June 2nd – June 3rd
Crazy?
I think a few people thought I was crazy for going to Singapore so last minute with a girl I had just met. But then again, some people thought I was crazy for going to Jakarta too. But the first time I went to Jakarta, it was extremely fun and not as dangerous as everyone had believed. It totally surpassed any expectations I had of the place. And so, this was my rationale for agreeing to visit Singapore. I was hoping that Singapore would also be a fun place to visit. Even though a few of my friends had told me that Singapore wasn’t that fun, the way Linda described it, it seemed otherwise. And she had surprised me with how fun she made Jakarta for me; I was hoping she’d show me the same magic in Singapore.
And so, I woke up at 4am (when the Muslims were still praying their early morning prayers at the mosques) and took an early 6am flight to Singapore. I was still a little nervous that when I landed, there was a slight chance that Linda wouldn’t be there, and I’d be stuck in Singapore struggling to find a place to sleep for the night. So I checked my documents, made sure I had my credit cards and cash with me, checked my stuff and made those just-in-case alternate plans in my head. But it was all in vain. Like she promised, Linda was at the airport to pick me up and show me around Singapore.
First order of things to do in Singapore...EAT!
Secondly, check out the nightlife in Singapore with a walk through Clarke Quay.
Just chillin’, sitting naturally, not posing at all.
“Greta, where are you? Where do you want to meet? In front of Hooters? Okay...”
Where is Greta?!
Very cool, or very creepy? A bar that’s set up like a medical clinic...
That’s right. You take your drinks from an IV bag.
Those aren't handicapped patrons. They’re just regular, non-paraplegic customers sitting in the bar’s standard wheelchair seats.
A belly-dancer? Sure, why not.
Saatchi & Saatchi’s Singaporean office, right in the heart of Clarke Quay.
I’d give my left nut (and maybe even a part of my right one) for a chance to work with Saatchi & Saatchi.
Greta’s Visit and the Big Scare
Greta had dropped a bomb on me the night before telling me that she was also going to Singapore with her mom. How very convenient. But of course, I was looking forward to seeing her in Singapore, and her mom as well.
So when we decided to meet up at night for drinks in Singapore, I was both excited to see her one last time, but also a little anxious to see how she’d react to meeting Linda. After all, Greta was a little precarious about me going to Singapore in the first place with a girl I just met. And I was concerned that Linda’s wild and goofy behavior would be a bit much for Greta’s mom.
The first scare I had was when we were at a hookah bar (or as they call it in Singapore, a “shisha” bar). They suddenly started playing a Ricky Martin salsa song that Linda and I were familiar with. I guess it brought back memories of when we first met or something, because she started shaking her shoulders and dancing a bit. Looking at Greta and her mom, I wasn’t quite sure if this was amusing them or scaring them. They had a sort of uneasy grin on their faces. But before I knew it, Greta told me that she wanted to see us dancing. I thought this was a bit ridiculous because we were sitting out in the open patio, at a bar where there was no dancing. But what the hell. Just go for it. So Linda and I just got up out of our seats and started dancing to the music. And when we were done, we got applause from the patrons sitting nearby, as well as Greta and her mom. So I guess they were amused. And I guess they could see why I enjoyed myself with Linda so much, why her spontaneous nature was so fun to me. In the end, the girls conducted themselves really well and were very friendly with each other, and I think they all had a good time.
Chillin’ at a traditional hookah (or “shisha” as they call it in Singapore) bar.
Sweet orange-flavored shisha and a nice Amaretto Sour is a perfect combination to enjoy a cool evening in Singapore.
I think the smoke looks like a goat or a ram coming out of my mouth. Do you see it?
Dragon lady!
Greta’s still struggling. Sorry Greta, but no smoke. At least you look cute pouting your lips.
Do it like us Greta. Just inhale...
...and BLOW!
Finally! Greta blows!
Greta’s mom is still strugglin’.
After chilling at the shisha bar and walking around the rest of Clarke Quay, we end up at a popular bar that Linda frequents. We order some drinks and watch a mini concert put on by some cover band from the States. They look like a combination of Destiny’s Child and Black Eyed Peas. And wouldn’t you know it, they sang cover songs from Beyoncé, Fergie, Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas, and Madonna. They were actually quite good, and the show was pretty entertaining. But it took a group of rowdy American kids (who couldn’t have been more than 19 years old) and a drunk, white businessman making unwanted advances on the girls to put a sour note on our otherwise fun night.
So after the show, Linda and I said our final farewells to Greta and her mom. Good times.
Sentosa Adventures
The next morning, Linda wanted to take me to Sentosa Island, a sort of theme park, cultural, recreational center built on a man-made island just off the coast of Singapore. It sounded a little touristy to me, but again, I put my complete trust in Linda.
The Sky Lift to Sentosa Island...
I pee’d in my pants a little when we approached this.
Looking at this picture, I came to the realization that I’d make a terrible lady-boy; my Adam’s apple is just too obvious.
A view of the Singapore skyline from the Sky Lift...
Singapore is in crazy development mode.
The mighty Merlion, the pride of Singapore. Linda and I both agree that we think it looks ridiculous.
This ain’t the most effective 3-D effect, but whatever.
At the mouth of the beast.
What can I say...she likes cows.
Oh yes! Segway Adventures, one of the most fun things I did in Singapore. A true highlight of my trip!
Jackie Chan endorses it! So you know it’s safe! Because Jackie Chan never gets hurt doing stupid or dangerous stunts...
Before you ride missy, you need a quick tutorial.
 
The Segway Adventures training course. How lame.
Segway model!
Segway models!
Segway crash!
The beaches of Sentosa...
A model shoot?
A wedding shoot?
Sentosa Island was completely awesome. I had a really awesome time. I then realized that I was really enjoying myself in Singapore, and wished I had booked more time. But no, all good things must come to an end. And while I had 1 more day in Singapore, this day was over. I was completely pooped.
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| PUNCAK, INDONESIA | May 30th – June 1st
Last Meal?
Last night was supposed to have been my last evening with Linda. I was supposed to have dim-sum with Greta and her family this morning, but again, some things came up beyond her control. So once again, I was back to calling up Linda for another last meal. She was gracious enough to oblige. But she had to go to the salon right after. Sure. I guess I can join her. It wouldn’t be the gayest thing I’ve done so far on this trip.
And still, up to this point, the idea of going to Singapore was lingering on my mind. I had already looked up tickets the night before and found out they were on promo for only $70. So the idea was still very tempting. But going to Singapore would mean cutting out a few days in Japan, which I eagerly wanted to visit. In the end, after seeing Linda again for lunch, I decided, what the heck, just go for it. Singapore it was.
Another last meal with Linda? Apparently not. It was at this point that I agreed to go to Singapore. Who could refuse such a pretty smile?
Seriously, what is homegirl’s secret to eating this much and staying so slim?
This is why I love Jakarta so much. Everywhere you look, you see nuances of great design. Who would’ve thunk to design the walls with different varieties of noodles?!
At the salon, getting the full-service treatment, including this brain massage, which has the added effect of making her face look like she just took a happy pill.
This reflexology/massage hurt like a mofo! But I was too manly to tell him to stop. And I was too much of a wuss to ask him to stop... :(
Ah yes! The Erykah Badu treatment.
Puncak-bound!
After saying our goodbyes (and not for the last time apparently), I left Linda at the salon to meet up with Greta and Dennis at a local supermarket where they were shopping with their family. For some reason, when I saw her family again, her mom, her brothers and their wives and all the screaming kids, I actually kinda missed them. The kids came running up to me and hugged me and started tugging on my pants and shirt and calling me “uncle” so sweetly, I almost forgot how annoying their piercing cries had disturbed my slumber in Bali. I also realized that I hadn’t really spent that much time with Greta or Dennis in the last 2-3 days. So I was really looking forward to this weekend getaway to Puncak with them.
At a popular (but smoke-filled) sate restaurant in Puncak for a weekend getaway with Greta, Dennis, and “friends”.
Lamb sate! Yum!
I forgot what this was. Lamb? Goat? Pork? Either way, it was yummy!
Another gluttonous meal complete.
Oops! Looks like someone overslept after a crazy night of Indo-English Taboo!
The villa in Kota Bunga.
The pond terrace in the backyard...so gorgeous! Dennis contemplates life in the serene beauty and realizes that he misses Calvin after not having seen him for the past 3 days.
The early bird gets the worm...even though we early birds didn’t wake up until noon, and our worm was this late afternoon lunch.
Driving around the hills of Puncak.
A very posh neighborhood in Puncak. Very posh indeed.
What a nice juxtaposition to find this humble street vendor selling a cheap, popular Indonesian snack in such a nice neighborhood.
First, you slice up some fruit and add some chili (that’s right, chili)...
Then you throw in some shavings of brown sugar...
You mash it all together and make sure there aren’t any toenail clippings...
And it’s ready to serve! This was Greta’s favorite. What’s it called? Help me out Greta.
Another beautiful sunset, and it’s time to call it a day in Puncak.
After a hideous 4-hour drive through traffic, some comfort and luxury at the very chic Penang Bistro.
Very good food and an awesome interior, and such cheap prices!
Our last meal? Yes, it is...
My last day in Jakarta with Dennis and Greta started and ended pretty much the same way it did the last time I was in Jakarta: very low key. Greta and I had lunch, spent a day at the salon where Greta got her hair done, and I got a massage (which was absolutely heavenly), and when Dennis got home from work, we all went to see a movie and had dinner. Nothing too crazy. But then again, that’s why I enjoy my time with them so much. We always have fun, just hanging out, talking, keeping it low key, and without much fanfare. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Greta, before her haircut, though still checking her Blackberry, as she did on our last lunch the last time I visited. C’mon Greta! It’s our last day! Show some remorse!
Greta! You look gorgeous! Stop running from my camera!
I had to grab Greta and sneak this shot in, but to no avail.
Greta! I told you that you look gorgeous! I’m sure to get a lot of hits on this pic! Dennis is a lucky man.
Getting ready to watch Terminator Salvation at the Premiere-class theaters in Jakarta.
Automated leather Barcalounger seating, minimal room capacity, warm blankets, and a variety of beverages and snacks make this the best and most comfortable theater experience I’ve ever had! And all for only $5.00!
How very grey-pouponish! They serve coffee and tea!
The only thing that kinda sucked about this theater experience was the censorship of extreme violence and sexual content from movies. I just know I missed a beheading and a sex scene here and there! So boring! Where’s my sex and violence?!
Final dinner with the couple. I’ll miss them dearly. I’m so jealous of their happiness. You can just tell by how close and intimate they are with each other, even at a public dinner setting.
Actually, not quite a final dinner, yet...
Greta sorta dropped a bomb on me earlier in the evening. She had just found out that her mom was going to Singapore the next morning for some business, and she asked Greta to accompany her. So snaps! Now I’ve got 3 beautiful women meeting up with me in Singapore. Unfortunately for Dennis, this truly would be our last evening. The bromance ended here.
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| JAKARTA, INDONESIA | May 29th
Some more Indonesian culture
I had such a great time with Linda and I had seen so much of Jakarta the day before, I was so happy that she offered to take me out again. At this point, Greta was completely busy with her family stuff and was a bit relieved that I had someone to take me out. Poor Greta. She wanted to go out, but a dutiful wife has to do what a dutiful wife has to do.
This time around, I was a bit more down to do anything. Linda had shown me a side of Jakarta that I had never seen, a side of Jakarta that I might have otherwise have been too scared to check out on my own. So I put my total trust in her that she’d show me a good time. Anything she wanted to try, anywhere she wanted go, no matter how dirty or hardcore, I’d be down.
One of the biggest mosques in Jakarta.
Finally, some street food!
This stuff looks good, but I just know it’s going to catch up to me later on. (More on this later)
So yummy, so spicy, and just a little dirty...apologies to my bowels.
I just love this wall at the “restaurant” that we had lunch at. The textures, the grim and dirt, the worn-out towel hanging in the back...it just adds so much character to the place.
First stop, the Museum of Jakarta.
Okay, so remember how I said that street food I had earlier for lunch would catch up to me? Well, it finally caught up to me. I’ve no idea why Linda decided to snap this shot of me walking to the bathroom though. Perhaps she suspected foul play.
The girl’s gotta amuse herself somehow while I’m in the bathroom.
This is the infamous bathroom moment that I had in Jakarta. I just had street food, I had to use the bathroom, and there was no toilet paper and the toilet didn’t flush either. So use your imagination. I may have been strutting like nothing happened, but I was feeling pretty shitty...literally.
Now we’re hitting up Taman Mini, a sort of cultural park that showcases replicas of all 27 provinces of Indonesia through traditional houses, dresses, food, dance, and art. It’s like cheating on an exploration of all of Indonesia.
These costumed fools would not leave us alone. And it was weird hearing them speak in Indonesian. I’m used to costumed cartoon characters saying, “Hello boys and girls,” not “Halo anak laki-laki dan gadis.”
Sky Lift through Taman Mini...definitely a cool experience.
I know this doesn’t look Indonesian. It’s actually Dutch. It’s included here because the Dutch had once colonized Indonesia for over three centuries (thank you Wikipedia).
The sunset over Taman Mini is gorgeous from the sky lift.
Linda and I head to the beach for dinner. When I arrive to the beaches in Jakarta, I suddenly started to miss Bali.
A familiar scene. It reminds me of my favorite seafood restaurant in Bali...Menaga Café. This place is pretty good, and the interior is very nice, but it’s still not as delicious as Menaga (see Dennis, my heart will always belong to you in Menaga Café).
But the seafood collection was very cool. Look! You can pick out your shark!
These bamboo-shelled clams are pretty tasty, but the bamboo shells kinda freak me out...not to mention their phallic-like heads.
All gone.
A quiet evening?
I was pretty tired after dinner. I had been walking around so many places, driving everywhere with Linda, and trying out all sorts of foods. When she asked me what I wanted to do on our last night in Jakarta, whether I wanted to go to a club to party or to just hang out at a nice quiet lounge for drinks, I opted for the lounge.
Unfortunately, things never turn out as you plan. So we went home to get cleaned up and change. After Linda picked me up, she told me there would be a slight change of plans. We would be meeting up with another friend, Shirley (another girl that I had met on my last night in Jakarta as well), at a bar where one of her clients was playing (her client being a rock band). I was hoping the band was at least a soft rock band with an inclination towards easy listening or adult contemporary. No such luck.
The bar was absolutely not where I wanted to be. The place was filled with foreigners, smoke, hookers, beer, and loud music. I was dressed nicely with my pants pressed and my shirt tucked for a nice evening at a lounge over some drinks and some jazz music. I wasn’t expecting loud Indonesian bands playing covers of American hard rock to a room full of white men hanging around hookers. Damn!
Linda wasn’t feeling the place either. After a few drinks, we decide to leave. Shirley and her friend were a little buzzed and wanted to go to a club and dance the night away. Alright, I guess we be clubbin’ then.
CJ’s at the Mulia Hotel where Linda used to work (and where Greta apparently got married I later found out).
This was my first time experiencing a weekend in Jakarta. The place was absolutely packed!
The girls...
Salsa hair!
Rocker hair!
What were Linda and Shirley doing with my camera while I was out?
$5.00 for water is pretty expensive even for American standards, but it was freakin’ hot in there!
My Zoolander face...
Our last night?
Throughout the day, through our little chats in the car, I was asking Linda what Singapore was like, how it compares to Jakarta and Bangkok. I’ve heard from a few people who told me they had traveled to Singapore and were absolutely bored, that they were able to see everything in Singapore in just a day or two, and that they had no desire to go back. So I was curious why she liked living there so much. I thought Jakarta so far had been so much fun.
Linda could sense my curiosity.
“You should visit Singapore,” she tells me.
“If I were to visit, you would show me around?” I ask her.
“Sure.”
“No, I can’t. I’m going to Japan in 2 days. Maybe another time. I just can’t do it. It’s too last minute.”
Still, I was flirting with the idea. And Linda kept insisting that I visit. Every time I told her that I’m having so much fun with her, that I’d miss her after I leave Jakarta, she kept telling me, “Don’t worry. I’ll see you in Singapore.” Even when I told her that I’d pay for dinner or buy her drinks because it’s our last night in Jakarta, she’d reply with a, “No it’s not. You’re going to Singapore.” The idea was very tempting.
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