F’ing jet lag
I was definitely too optimistic about overcoming jet lag. I went to bed at 11 p.m., fell asleep 45 minutes later, and then woke up at 3 a.m., unable to get back to sleep. So much for adjusting quickly.
Off to Pangandaran
After two days in Jakarta, I’m heading down to the Indonesian beach resort of Pangandaran by train. Getting to the main station is easy, called Gambir. Here, instead of traditional e-tickets, you get a barcode, which you scan at the counter or a machine to print your actual ticket—kind of like in the UK.
What really surprises me here is the police presence here in Jakarta. It’s everywhere, much like in Nepal. I’m wondering if there’s heightened security due to the Pope’s visit.
The train seats, however, seem to be designed for smaller people. My shoulders rest awkwardly on the sides of the headrest, and I can only sit comfortably if I slouch or significantly recline the chair. So my chair remains fully reclined for the 6.5 hour journey and I realx.
Then follows a 1.5 hour taxi ride from Banjar station to Pangandaran. Its bearable, up until the last 30 minutes. Finally, I arrive at the homestay – which is run by a German women called Kirsten. Take a look at the photos of the place, it is so nice with a classic colonial feel. The toliet and bathroom are outside next to the room (with privacy of course). The water is cold, but for €27 per night I really cannot complain.
I’ve got no idea how long I will stay here. It is about going with how I feel.
Train spotters in Jakarta
I’ve also been impressed by how modern and clean the city feels. Jakarta’s infrastructure is much more advanced than I anticipated. And here’s something I didn’t expect—train spotters in Indonesia. I watched two guys at the end of the platform, recording train numbers, just like you’d see in the UK. Who knew?
