Day 2: Tuesday in Jakarta

Weather Update: Very hot with a chance of rain. High of 33°C.

Staying Safe

Hostel World sent me an email with a checklist for staying safe while travelling overseas, reminding me to drink bottled water and practice safe eating habits.

Sleeping in a Pod

This is my first experience sleeping in a Pod, a Japanese-style sleeping accommodation. It’s like being in a bunk bed but enclosed in your own bubble. The space is very limited, intended only for sleeping. I chose a queen-size pod, which was a tight fit. I banged my head several times getting in and out of bed, as the bed above is only about a meter above you. With 64 pods in total, it’s quite an interesting setup. This could be a potential solution for homelessness if implemented correctly in empty office spaces across New Zealand.

Visiting the Batavia Café

I left the hostel and headed to the Batavia Café nearby. It feels straight out of a 1930s movie, with walls covered in photographs from the 1920s to the 1950s. I imagined Noel Coward and Picasso smoking cigarettes, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall drinking whiskies at the bar and Agatha Christie in the far corner writing another novel.

The staff are dressed in full regalia, and the music has a nostalgic, Christmassy feel. My breakfast was a mixed salad for $7.28, plus a 10% service charge. This high-end establishment would be one of the top places in Tauranga if it were located there.

Preparing for Tomorrow

I decided that tomorrow I’ll ride the Gondola, which overlooks the harbour and the Java Sea. I found the train and bus stations, readying myself for another adventure.

Lunchtime Discovery

Around lunchtime, I passed a local street food market packed with locals having lunch. I knew this was the perfect place to eat, so I returned later when it was less busy. While I was there, it poured down with rain. Once the rain let up, I dashed back to the Batavia Café, which is close to the hostel, and finished the day with a couple of beers before bed.

Reflections

Walking: 4.93km

Today was filled with unique experiences, from sleeping in a Pod to exploring the charming Batavia Café. For those following my journey, I hope these updates provide a glimpse into the vibrant life in Jakarta.

Cheers to the adventures ahead and the stories yet to unfold! 🌏✨🏛️🍻

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my travels! 🌞✨

Feel free to share your thoughts and tips on making this blog more engaging. Let’s keep this journey interesting together! 🚀📖