Day 4: Thursday - Some Success at Last in Jakarta

Weather Update: Hot with cloudy periods and light rain. High of 33°C.

Morning Success

I started my day with a visit to the information centre, where Simon [see Photo} impressed me with his attention to detail. He spent two hours on the phone with the shipping company and secured my berth on the ferry to Batam/Singapore, departing Friday at 11 pm. I’m in Cabin 2A on Deck 5. While he handled the logistics, I enjoyed a mid-morning breakfast. Simon, I appreciated everything you did for me and I enjoyed our chats, you are the man.

Afternoon Gondola Adventure

After lunch, I caught a train to Ancol for the gondola ride. The gondola is part of a massive theme park, bustling with tourists during the summer. The ride covers about 2 km each way around the harbour. However, my luck took a turn as it started pouring rain and the wind picked up, making the gondola swing precariously. Eventually, they closed the gondola for safety once everyone returned to the start. I headed inside because the rain was lashing down and had a beer.

Navigating Jakarta's Streets

If you think the traffic is bad in Tauranga think again. Crossing the road in Jakarta is a true test of courage. There are no road rules, traffic lights, or controlled crossing points. You have to step into the street, hold up your hand, and force traffic to stop, even on pedestrian walkways. Initially, it's daunting, but you quickly learn to judge when it's safe to cross.

Evening Reflections

I returned to my starting point, grabbed a bite to eat, and updated my map. It's surprising how time-consuming it is to write a diary/blog and add photos. I haven't had time to update my website blog or send out a newsletter yet. Perhaps I should focus more on my blog and less on the map updates. Feedback would be appreciated—there’s a section on my website for contacting me with suggestions.

Train: 22km

Walking: 7.61km

Reflections

Today brought a mix of successes and challenges, from securing my ferry ticket to navigating the unpredictable weather and streets of Jakarta. For those following my journey, I hope these updates give you a true sense of the adventures and hurdles of travel.

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! 🚀📖