Jakarta Tales Vol 1 (contd)

I JUST WANNA FEEL...

Now to sum up my reactions. Honestly, when I landed here, I was disappointed and wanted to take the next flight back home. But the more people I meet and the more I am staying here, I keep postponing my decision :)

Actually, to be very honest, I'm not in love with the place. Not yet. It's not so international and hi-tech as I thought it would be and the stopover at Singapore really heightened my expectations. So at every opportunity, I keep comparing it to Singapore and feel let down. More so, because it reminds me of India so much. For instance, Jakarta isn't as polluted or dirty but it is to a certain extent. There are garbage dumps in the lanes and in contrast, Singapore is so clean you would want to check if your shoes are dirtying it. While Singapore and Jakarta are equally humid, you don't feel it in Singapore because everything out there is air-con. Out here, its' not.

And though the culture shock is huge and I desperately keep looking out for Indians and get frustrated on not being able to communicate when someone can't understand English, or when I have to repeat the simplest of things in English more than twice, or that I couldn't explain what "dal makhani" is, or that I am finding it difficult to pick up Bahasa, I still think it's not as challenging as I thought it would be. I mean, it's not something I wouldn't have found inIndia, except the people and food.

But yes, there's one thing I'm in love with and that's the people. No, not with anyone in particular but everyone. Strangers say "hi" to me on the roads. People are almost willing to drop me off to a place when I ask for directions and they respect the fact that I don't speak their language, yet. More importantly, I love the people am staying with and my colleagues. They've been so friendly and helpful and have been listening to my ideas already.

Finally, the end. The experience hasn't been overwhelming so far but I'm liking it. The more I stay here, the more I am growing accustomed to it. And although I terribly miss home, I think I'll manage this one year. With some hope and help from God. Andyou. Tolong permissi mas and 'mba, saya harus perggi (Now if you'll excuse me ladies and gentlemen, I have to go).


With every good wish
Your favourite Indian in Jakarta
Yousuf