Days that bike Jakarta

From Sydney, it took about 10 hours to get to Bangkok. If you ever have the option to fly with Thai Airways, definitely do it. The service is excellent. Upon arrival in Bangkok, the Mutti had to change airports. All the Asian budget airlines depart from the old international airport in Dong Mueang, which is located 50 kilometers north of the new international airport. If you have a connecting flight from the other airport, you can use the shuttle bus for free, which connects both airports. Definitely allow for some extra time. The transfer took me a whopping three hours and went across the city. I had already taken care of a room in a hostel in advance. It was located in a quiet area and a gem in a city that felt hectic in terms of traffic. Quiet and green. And peace, especially at night, is the greatest asset for me. Oh my God, I'm getting old.
On Saturday evening, it was off to Jakarta from Bangkok. If you want to fly cheaply and safely between Asian countries, I can recommend Lion Air Thai so far. The legroom is as small as with Ryanair, but the fleet consists mostly of the new Boeing 737-800 models. So everything is safe! Since the Mutti didn't land in Jakarta until around 23:00 and had some concerns about safety, especially regarding a trip to downtown, she first stayed in an airport hotel. A faint touch of luxury for a small price. In comparison: In Australia, I paid almost the same for a bed in an eight-bed room with the "Mutti seal of approval Just okay" for value for money, cleanliness, etc. Yes, you really have to earn the Mutti seal of excellence. And some hostels have already achieved that. The Wonderful Loft Hostel in Jakarta is one of them. If you are planning a stopover in Jakarta, that's the place to be. Located in the middle of the historic old town, or rather what is left of it (5€, including breakfast). The drive from the airport hotel took about an hour and a half. But only because my taxi driver couldn't find the way. Although he had insisted that he knew the way. Luckily, I had downloaded an offline map of Jakarta to my phone beforehand. Together, with united forces, we finally found the way. Praise be to my sense of orientation. The heat in Jakarta is oppressive. There's simply no breeze. Praise be to the air conditioning, although I don't really like it. I took a little nap first and then looked for something to eat. After five minutes, I was soaked with sweat. Eating wasn't even an option for now. As soon as I turned into the historic center of Jakarta, I was immediately intercepted by students from an English class. Interview time! The Mutti is quite professional and loves answering questions. And then a photo shoot. With the group, each individual, in groups of three, four. Strike a pose! I only managed to move forward about 50 meters before the next group from the same class intercepted me. So I gave another interview and then the next photo shoot. With the group, in pairs, groups of three, four. "You try everything you can to escape!" Afterwards, there was an autograph session. As a fair-skinned European with a blond beard and blue eyes, the Mutti immediately became the new celebrity in Jakarta. After all the interviews, posing, and giving autographs, I finally found my chosen restaurant. One Nasi Goreng, please. It was delicious and only cost 3 euros with a drink. As soon as I left the restaurant, the photo shoot started again. This time with a group of young girls. Again as a group, in pairs, groups of three, four. Picture of a Beauty Queen! Next time, if I should come to Jakarta again, only with a manager! No, just kidding: They are all so cute and adorable. "They had style, they had grace!"

The internet says: The best thing to do is not to stare at women in Indonesia, accidentally bump into them on the street, and not extend your hand first. Accordingly, I expected some restraint and distance. However, the girls during the shoot were quite cuddly and less reserved than the boys! In this and the upcoming blog posts, I will break a lance or two! First lance: Contrary to many opinions and statements, I found Jakarta to be relatively safe, albeit hectic! There are certainly areas to avoid. But that's the case in every city. Moreover, the Indonesians are all very nice, friendly, and helpful!
Giving interviews, autographs, and one photo shoot after another is quite tiring. So it was time to go to bed and switch to stone mode.
After sleeping in, I had a continental breakfast the next morning. Coffee, toast, and Nutella substitute. Before the heat of the day could get too intense, I set off early to explore Jakarta a bit. Well, what's worth seeing. Chinatown and the harbor. You need about three hours for both. By the way, crossing a street in Jakarta is not that easy. Upon arriving in Chinatown, I first walked through a small market street.

However, I passed through it a bit faster and then took a photo. The smell of meat and fish mixed with the heat and humidity was, let's say, challenging for my nose.

Then I continued to a Buddhist temple, where I first lit an incense stick.

After the tour through Chinatown, my way led me back to the historic center.

And directly to the second oldest building in the city from the 18th century. The Cafe Batavia. There, the Mutti indulged in a delicious Java coffee.

With caffeine in my system, I continued walking to the harbor.

The only truly interesting sights there are the old watchtower and the warehouse, remnants from the colonial era (admission is 5000 rupiah). The rest doesn't look so nice.

Suddenly, the midday heat started to take a toll on me. Accordingly, I made my way back to the hostel. I spent the afternoon and early evening in the air-conditioned hostel. I had had enough of the heat, and at 21:00, the night train from Jakarta to Banjar (near Pangandaran, my actual destination) was supposed to depart. At the hostel, I was given the choice of either taking a motorbike or a taxi to the train station. You'll find out in the next blog post which option I chose!

I wouldn't recommend staying in Jakarta for more than two days. You should see the city, but as I said, don't stay there too long!

At this point, here's a little contest for you! The first person to post under this article which artist + song I quoted in this post will win a Kölsch beer and a personal photo shoot with me!

The legal recourse is excluded!

In that sense: Keep a cool head!

Have fun and be proud!

Your Jan/Mutti