Indonesian Adventure :: Day 1

Today was my first full day in Indonesia. I woke up at 5:30am for some reason and decided to go outside and take a couple shots at first light. The air was really fresh, actually almost everywhere I go it smells really nice. I'm sure the people here don't notice it but I certainly do! My uncle decided to take me around Jakarta a bit, show me the area and do a basic little first day tour. oh man I was in for a surprise! Traffic around here is INSANE!! There are lanes but people don't really use them, turn when they feel like it and use whatever means they can do get through, quite a shock for this north american.

People also cross really heavy traffic and even on highways! Beggars and guys trying to sell you random whatever whenever the traffic slows down. I even saw a guy robbing gasoline from a passing gas truck! so crazy! just runs up to it while it's coming off the ramp as it slows down, then quickly unscrews the cap and squirts some into his big clear plastic bag (all while running trying to keep up with the truck!), crazy! hahahaha.. so entertaining to watch.

While I was waiting for my uncle and his friend in the van, I noticed this little shop out in front of me, didn't really think anything of it, probably just another food kiosk or whatever. however this other van pulled up in front of me and then this kid comes out of the busted up hut and opens the bin (all the way on the left on the left bottom pics) and fills it into an orange container. next thing I knew the guy was filling up his tank! it was a gas station! oh man! with a huge ass funnel and everything! crazee!

Now as I mentioned yesterday, Indonesia isn't just all ghetto, it's also very advanced. They have malls that dust the eaton center in size, department stores that are comparable to virgina wallmarts and cool cars we'll never see in North America. Still plenty of cell phones around and still the latest in electronics. I'm actually surprised because I remember Jakarta being some nasty dirty smelly city, but from what I've seen it's the opposite. Such gorgeous plantlife, the locals are very friendly and fresh tropical fruit everywhere! today I had fresh jackfruit and oh man it was so delicious! So definately building up some very pleasant memories thus far.

I'm too tired to make more thumbnails so please click here for additional photos you can click on.