As today is Indonesian Independence Day, the only things open are the shopping centers (they are actually called "Shopping Towns") and movie theaters (which are contained within the towns). We have avoided riding motorbikes for the entire trip because our bible, the guidebook, informed us that it is the number one cause of tourist accidents and deaths in this part of the world. However, with the shear number of motorbikes driving on the streets of Jakarta and their impressive ability to weave through dense traffic, we couldn't let this triviality stop us. When we approached two bike taxis, we were reassured to see a helmet hanging from the handle bars of each bike. After negotiating the price, the drivers put on the helmets and motioned for us to hop on the back. So much for safety, but they did get us to the mall quickly.
Our entire afternoon and evening was spent in one giant shopping complex (technically it was 3 different malls but they were all connected by skybridges). After window shopping on the luxury goods floor, we did some serious damage at the Polo store, as their Independence Day sale prices could never be matched in the States. Anu, just like you've told us that we shouldn't be allowed to drink together, we also shouldn't be allowed to shop together. Whenever one of us asked the other if he should get a particular item, we would quickly respond with "Whatever, it's cheap, I'll get one too." We nearly cleared out the entire store and it took a team of 4 sales ladies 15 minutes to ring us up (it's not quite as bad as it sounds because they had to type in many of the barcode numbers).
After an authentic dinner in the massive food court, we saw Pixar's UP in 3D. This movie was simply stunning, as was the theater, which had seats the size of lazy boys and the best sound system we've ever experienced (it really was an experience to feel our seats shake as the house flew through the thunderstorm). Funny thing is, when we finally made it outside (the place was like a maze to navigate) we realized it had rained earlier in the day and we had been completely oblivious. We know we should have avoided large upscale American hotels given recent events, but we couldn't resist going to see the Grand Hyatt's lobby adjacent to the shopping center and we were reassured when we had to pass through airport-style security just to get in. What a great day celebrating Independence Day in a mall.
Are you back in the States???? Seems like it! Nothing like absorbing the last few bits of SE Asian culture before departing, no? In all fairness, again, I was impressed to hear that you had done some responsible decision making about the scooters until you were "back in America". How are you going to get all of your purchases home? (That's a mom's mind working, right?)
ReplyDeleteI am going to miss your being on this trip. Hearing from you every day has been a dream come true. I have LOVED it. I know it must have taken a lot of time out of your trip, not to mention the inconvenience (about which you never complained). Thank you so much for doing this for all of us. I know you will be happy to have it in the future as well. I am going to save it all for your children... just in case you don't!
I am hoping for possibly one last entry before you leave, but if not safe journey home. I love you so much!!
I need some polo shirts.
ReplyDelete-Jeremy
According to my calculations as I type this comment it is 6 PM Monday here in the middle of summer. and In Jakarta it is 6 AM Tuesday and the middle of winter. That seems strange, but even stranger is the fact that you will leave Taipei on Wednesday at 23:55 and arrive at LAX 3 hours before you left Taiwan.
ReplyDeleteThat means you have 32 hours left before you board your plane to Taipei. I would suspect we are in store for at least one more blog post before you fly home. So I have some questions. I'd really like to know if toilets spin clockwise in the southern hemisphere? In which bag is my present? What was the drug of choice at the stadium? What are you going to do with all those bro shirts? Do you intend to continue to dress alike when you get back to the states? When do you intend to shave?
Safe travels and a sincere thanks for being such great correspondents during your trip. It was a pleasure to read your entertaining well thought out posts and see how much fun you had. Love from all of us.
You look like a couple of old Amish men with your collars buttoned up so high....lol. Minus the pink, of course.
ReplyDeleteOhhh...and isn't that the same pose you did in your American outfits??? You know, the ones with the funny glasses and top hats? That's okay. You can do the pose again with me in the middle Thurs. night. Yay! Can't wait!
OMG...The word verification I just had to type was: Shotspi. It reminded me of Danny's favorite word: Shotskies!!!
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