The day continues with a twist. I spent quite a bit of time writing a continuation of my earlier post. Something happened, the autosave apparently didn’t save so now I’m starting over.
After the last post, I heard a flight announcement and headed toward Gate 5, down the stairs and outside walking directly into a maintenance desk of some sort. Hmmmm? I was directed back upstairs. Back up to the terminal, I noticed a long line of people lined up at Gate 6. Actually it was more than a long line, it was EVERYONE getting on the plane. You think Americans are quick to get in line, stay out of the way of the Indonesian’s! I boldly walked to the head of the line to an official Air Asia agent and showed her my boarding pass to make sure this was my flight. She told me to step to the side an I would board my “Hot Seat” soon. As soon as they announced boarding, she motioned me forward. Manners out the window, I bypassed nearly everyone and discovered I was in an exit row apparently known as a “Hot Seat”.
I had a lot of room for our 40 minute flight! As soon as the seat belt sign was turned off, we were handed immigration forms. I filled mine out completely since last time I missed a couple lines.
The plane landed and the crowed repeated the same behavior as before. Everyone stood as soon as the plane stopped at the gate. Seriously! I looked back and could see only two other people sitting. Being shorter, their heads not reaching the overhead bins, they could stand in the seat rows. I forced my way into the isle ahead of the crowd behind me rushing forward and walked down the stairs to the humid day waiting for us ahead.
Directed to immigration at the other end of the airport, I started walking. I remembered the routine. Walk to the Visa on Arrival window and pay your $25 US. Take the VOA to the next window where an official checks it out, stamps your paper work and sends you off to the immigration line which was by now quite long. Thirty minutes later, I reached the agent. Finger printed, photographed and questioned (Why you traveling alone? Where is your wife?) I passed through to security.
Through security, I didn’t make it to baggage claim before being pounced upon by money changers. I told them I wanted the ATM, it didn’t help. My bag arrived almost immediately. I stepped to the side, reorganized my gear, took my breath and proceeded to walk through the aggressive crowd of touts outside waiting for their travel prey. Three or four followed me competing with each other for my attention.
One man wanted to be very helpful, offering a discount of $60,000 for motor bike. When I turned him down, he offered to help me with Orang Utan, ladies, massage, a very diversified tout it seemed!
Once inside the cool of the ATM, I unloaded my pack and did some quick math to see how much money I needed. Unfortunately, the ATM I selected would only dispense $1,000,000?! Not enough so I will have to find more later. There are no ATM’s or money changers in the interior so best to be stocked and prepared. (OK, that’ essentially $110 US).
Loaded with money and pack, I stepped out to endure the aggressive touts once more. I learned a long time ago that, even though it feels quite rude, ignoring them is the only thing that works. Two of them were working me, one to each side, and I nearly ignored them enough to step into traffic! Thanks to courteous drivers, I was able to cross the street and leave them behind. Ahead, I saw the gas station Jimmy told me about. One more street to cross, I walked into the store a bought a bottle of water. AhhhhhH!
Another travel tip, break your big bills soon. Even the quick mart balked at the $50,000 bill I handed her.
Outside, I saw a concrete pillar to sit on and headed over. Before I walked more than a couple steps, alongside pulled another TUK TUK driver. How much I asked? “Fifty thousand”, he replied. I said it was too much. He said no and repeated himself, “Fifteen thousand, ten and five”. Quite reasonable compared to the bargain of $60,000 I had been offered earlier. I accepted and we set off for the 10 minute drive to the Pondok Wisata Angel with lots of gawking and staring around us on the way. Apparently, a huge American crammed into a TUK TUK with baggage is not a daily sight?
I tipped him $5,000 for being honest and walked into my hotel. It’s on a busy street in the fourth largest city in Indonesia. It’s the largest city outside Java. I don’t normally do cities! My room is a tiny single on the third floor at the back of the building where it is really quiet. I dropped my pack and went wandering to get my bearings.
I walked for 40 minutes and stumbled upon a vege kitchen with vegan food. It looked so scrumptious so I stopped and had a very nutritious meal! What fun ladies work there.
Walking another 30 minutes, I finally spotted my first tourist! Now, I’m back at the hotel, finishing up this piece and getting ready to shower before going out for some dinner and to get another couple million rupiah from an ATM before heading to the interior tomorrow.
I’m heading off to the interior jungle tomorrow via bus and bus and bus and bus….could be a long day. No one here is certain how it works but I know my starting point, will get to the bus station I need and go from there. No internet in the interior so I’ll catch up when I am able!
Stay warm!