Where I live is so uneventful for my disposition that every once in a while I just need to get away. So earlier this month we went on a 5-day trip to Jakarta to celebrate my birthday and to get Riri a passport. We stayed at the lovely Ascott hotel which is just a dozen or so quick steps away from the Grand Indonesia shopping center. (Can you spell “perfect”? 🤩)
As this was my first time to be in the nation’s capital, I was looking out for its notorious traffic jams, typically found on top 10 worst lists on the net and, wasn’t disappointed 🤯Thankfully, it didn’t put a damper on the whole trip as my husband was smart enough to get us a place where everything (that mattered) was within walking distance.
Normally, I’d wear my shoes thin shopping. But because I’m no longer a stranger to online shopping, I was content with just a few items (exquisitely smelling shower cream from France, anyone?😘), eating really good food (still haven’t found a resto in Batam that does Western food well) and practicing my Bahasa Indonesia.
Speaking of which, I really liked the fact that Jakarta service people -from security guards to cleaning staff to sales ladies- didn’t shy away from me when I approached them. In Batam, I sometimes feel like a leper, driving people away just by the way I look. I know some people in Batam can speak English, but maybe are just not comfortable doing so. (Aaaand, I should just get over this fact and move on with life, non? 🤨)
But what I really enjoyed from this trip is that I saw inspiration for crochet and knitting everywhere. It was like I was given a magic pill of sorts! I might not have found a yarn supply store, which was my original plan, but I saw ideas everywhere, especially in store displays. I might even try and re-create them at a later time. I don’t know if my skills are enough at this point but like I always say when faced with something daunting but exciting: “all progress depends on the crazy woman” 😉
Staying in Batam has made me realize that while I love being close to nature, I am a city girl at heart. Cities give off a certain energy that I just thrive on, so every once in a while I need to get my fix of metropolitan buzz. This trip was just the thing I needed 💖
Oh and, it definitely needs a part 2. This time with proper pictures & souvenir items in the bag! 😆😆
Of Snailmail, Books & Vanities 
Something about major cities soothes me and energizes me. Which seems a bit contradictory, but inside my head it makes sense
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I know, right? It’s great to be with people and I love all the options that’s available, even if I don’t avail of them, just knowing they’re there is enough. I made straight for their bookstore upon arrival and jumped up and down among the books & magazines – finally, in English! 🤣 (I’m so shallow … 🤭)
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Not shallow at all. The comfort of the familiar is very profound
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Looks like a fascinating place. I can only take major cities in small doses. But they do have lots of good shops!
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Small doses are usually enough 😉
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I used to need that city fix but now I stay as far away as possible..natures where I thrive forsure….its beautiful when you can do both an love them both and honor that desire to experience both..
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its beautiful when you can do both an love them both and honor that desire to experience both.. –> yes I do plan to pay more attention to this moving forward. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Kerri 🙂
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I look forward to reading more ..
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