Wonderful Indonesia

Finally! I finally found the time to open my dearly beloved blog! My fingers missed the feel of this familiar keyboard as I randomly type. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind,  from closing to opening a new chapter in my life. The idea was first- not taken seriously and then it became scary serious and each day I battled with my self if this is even worth it.  Going back to my mantra: When in doubt, pray. I prayed for this new opportunity to grow and now forever grateful that I am given a new beginning. Cliche as it may sound but now the rest is history! 
So excited that I am with my favorite red scarf wondering alone in the principal gateway of Indonesia at Soekarno-hatta Intl. Airport.
Rule 1 when traveling is to get to know the country and who knows this better than Mr. Google? Also available at Indonesia's official tourism website . Here's what I learned in a nutshell.

1. Well known islands of Indonesia are Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan (formerly Borneo), Sulawesi (formerly Celebes), the Maluku Islands (or better known as Moluccas, the original Spice Islands) and Papua New Guinea. I was like really? Papua New Guinea? It pays to research.
2. Islam is the most dominant religion comprising almost 80% of the total population of Indonesia. Now this just got me. Should I bring some hijab? 
3.  Indonesia has 3 different time zones which is very interesting!
4. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, but most belong to the Austronesian language family which is related to the languages spoken in Madagascar, Philippines, New Zealand and many other polynesian countries. So true because similar words like two; dua in some parts in the Philippines in the Visayas region, Jalan is street, four is empat sounds like apat, upat, we: kita.

Nice meeting you Indonesia

After disembarking, the gloomy weather doesn’t help at all at the thought that  I will be here in the days to come. Insha'Allah. God help me. I exchanged some USD at the airport (which I don’t recommend you do). Upon my exit, I saw my name on a placard and I motioned to the exit gate. The sight of families camping just outside the airport waiting for the arrival of loved-ones is somewhat just like in Manila, a little too crowded I may say.

To Tangerang

The ride to Tangerang a city in the province of Banten, 25km West of Indonesia, is at least 45 minutes depending on traffic situation. I checked in at Atria Gadis Serpong Hotel, my temporary haven. It has everything I need which is perfect- spacious room, a comfy bed, internet - at least that cheers me up. I decided to check the mall next block— Summarecon Mal Serpong. So I set foot to explore after all its only 4PM.

The Nanny's @ Summarecon Mall

The thing is that I found myself walking alone, and I am unable to find the nearest pedestrian crossing. So I broke one rule of my many cardinal rules: Obey traffic rules. Why isn't there a single pedestrian here? Luckily I managed to arrived at the mall without being arrested and I hurried to one of the cutesy resto I could find. Please.let.me.eat.

 

I flipped through the menu and ordered in my fast English accent, one pasta plate (yes Italian food) a dessert, and some iced lemon juice when I was interrupted—must've been fast? I looked up to see the waitress in her most sincere face motioning an X—no english. Okay, so she went to kitchen area and came back to me, this time with another girl. Earlier I am just starving, now, I'm a bit irritated. The girl greeted me—Good afternoon Madam, may I take the order? I am so relieved. Finally.

 

Here's what I had. Seafood pasta and some Iced Lemon. Delizioso!  

Took a cab from the mall to the hotel which cost me IDR 20,000,
and so goes my first day :)

Selamat pagi Indonesia!

A brand new day for me, pretty refreshing after some rain last night. A complete contrast to where I've been at yesterday- the weather in Manila by this time is increasingly painful. The hotel bar have very good selections of foods but I contented myself with some coffee, some toasted bread, jam and bacon—which turns out to be beef bacon. It was ow—kay.

Time check - 8AM and off I go to our Jakarta office. It was a funny first day because I thought I was meeting the guys in our head office in Jakarta but turns out I am supposed to be in our Application center in Tangerang instead! Whew! I was worried that I would end up calling my boss and tell him I am lost. Lols. Anyhow, glad to arrive in the Application center in one piece and laughing at myself.

Technologist daw

The following days were engaged in a more serious training mode. I would leave hotel by 730 and we would start off by 8. Take our lunch for like an hour then back again to work. I am glad as well that we are not in the city proper since I heard Jakarta is a busy city. So after my training, I would take a cab from center to Hotel or if I'm lucky one of the guys would come drop me to the hotel.

I enjoy after work stroll, where I usually would go to nearest convenience store just to check interesting stuff! I notice that people doesn't seem to enjoy going to mall, most shops are closed-for some reason! Now the difference.

Mari Makan

I wouldn't bore you regarding my entire trip and #eksenapamore moves. Instead, let me give you a sample of what I ate during my brief stay in Indonesia afterall-what's a trip without sampling some local foods right? Indonesian foods are full of intense flavor and spices and when I say spices-I mean spicier stuff at which color almost coming to life. So, what are we waiting for? Mari makan (kain na!)

Nasi Goreng Desa

Nasi goreng or Fried Rice is a typical Indonesian food. Nasi Goreng Desa uses a small amount of soy sauce, paired with fried chicken, egg and some crackers. I really enjoyed this!

Spicy salmon? Big Yes

Kue putu mayang or steamed rice cake with coconut.

Traditional Indonesian food

Bubuk Ayam or rice porridge with shredded chicken meat.

Well, it was raining and was craving for this.

Roti and some fried potatoes and a hearty dollop of sambal to go with it! 

Sate (Satay)Photo by Google

Meat skwerers found almost everywhere and is one the best dish of Indonesia. 

Sate have many variants, from goat(sate kambing), pork (Sate babi) fish (sate Bandeng) and chicken. I had Sate Ponorogo, a marinated chicken meat with peanut and chili sauce during lunch but forgot to snap photo...tsk. 

Pardon that, just hungry.

Bye for now, Indonesia

So if you ask me, is it hard to get around Indonesia? Yes and No. Yes, language remains a barrier, and I would say Philippines is lucky to have access to English education. Indonesia is just like Manila in some ways, and it's not too bad! And speaking about foods when you're in Indonesia, you can never go wrong- add chilies and a bit more spices and eat up. Terimah Kasih and see you again Indonesia!

Until next time,
itsmelory (^.^)