Java, Indonesia ; First Impressions
- nomadicmye
- Oct 12, 2015
- 3 min read
Big smoggy cities, beautiful sceneries and temples, crazy scooter rides and amazing people from all over the globe; here's the sum of week #1 in Indonesia !
Jet lagged in Jakarta Biggest jet lag I have experienced. I don't even remember being that messed up when I went to Australia. I was very sleepy at 6-7-8 p.m on the first days and waking up at 3-4 a.m... I mean WAKING UP!!! I was hoping to fall back asleep till like 5:30 a.m, turning sideways and upside down in the small hostel bed but clearly it didn't work so I was up and around! It got better after the first week! A Mosquito repellent adventure! I had a cold the first few days in Jakarta. That's probably because I barely had no sleep for 48 hours because of the flights & layovers that lasted forever. No big deal. I've got a skin reaction\infection due to insect repellent - the Watkins creamy one - and I was totally freaked out. The skin in my face was very swollen, making me a weird wrinkly look. Thankfully, it's getting better as I write these lines. So, I guess it's my mistake but I didn't put tons on, just left overs from putting cream on my legs. I applied the cream to my face & neck & behind and on ears. BAD. All swollen, bumpy, weird! Anyways, lesson learned, but, still need to find a trustable alternative for when I will need to put insect repellent on those areas. Advice ?
Eating: Me VS Food Those of you who know me personally may wonder how I deal with food as I am picky and sometimes difficult. (Update 2016... After nearly 6 months of Asia, this has changed a lot !)
When I got in Jakarta I tried a local buffet style restaurant that was near the hostel. My partner and I were the only tourists/caucasian in the place and all eyes were on us! Everybody was very kind and patient with us and it's been a great experience. I was trying things, some I didn't like, some was okay... There's a first step to everything, right ? :)
I have to say that surprisingly -and too bad for me- there's a lot of variety in the food they offered on Java so when I wasn't so sure about what or where to eat I would easily find a good pizzeria or salad place. I know, I know.
Accommodations in Indonesia On Java, so in Jakarta and Yogyakarta, I slept in very good and comfortable hostel and B&B for a very affordable price! Look out for the pictures to actually believe it. The little hotel in Yogyakarta was lovely, with a nice little pool and lush green gardens. Hostels, homestays, cheap hotels, name it... It's exotic, charming, colourful and even luxurious. Every place I go, I want to stay longer... and I remind you that this is only the very beggining of a potential 6 months journey! Getting around on Java HAHAHA! It's a joke here. Crossing a street is a challenge and a very hazardous one! Driving ? Bike & walk for me. My partner drives a motorbike and I can tell you... it's INSANE! Still he does it freaking well, while I am saying prayers behind him. LOL! Seriously...it's very doable... if your are an experienced driver and preferably if you have driven a motorcycle, dirt-bike or scooter before. Don't look back, mirrors are useless, just go and make your way between every "obstacle"! Scooter rental : you don't "need" a license and it's cheap : around 50 000 Rps for 24 hours.
Any questions ? Ask me ! :)
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