Esther Goes To Jakarta

  The long awaited post is finally here.  As I'm still working on the templates as you can see it's still a bit messed up at the front page.  Never the less, let me get on with the story.  Well basically we were in Jakarta from the 28th July till the 6th of August.  The flight was kinda packed, and many people were really concerned about H1N1.  But never the less, by the grace of God we all arrived Jakarta safely despite the 1 hour delay by AirAsia.  Esther was asleep during the whole time, but unfortunately for Deluxe her arm got cramps due to carrying Esther the whole time.  Anyway, we arrived Jakarta about 1 am Malaysian time and headed straight home after that.

  As we got up the next day, we've pretty much stayed home and rest.  Well basically for me I guess have to take a break because worried of falling sick.  Because my previous trip which actually took me out while I got back from Jakarta and ended up spending a night at the hospital due to the fact of consuming the wrong medicine which was prescribe to me by the doctor.  Anyhow, on that day Esther finally met her cousin Venice.  Yes it was indeed a sight for sore eyes to see that both of them would be able to get along very well.  We were very surprised with Venice that she would give in to Esther as she was younger.  Never the less, both of them were having fun whenever the see each other.

  Later that evening all of us went and visited Deluxe's Aunt.  And of course Esther & Venice were showered with hugs and kisses by none the less her Ku Poh (Grand Aunt).  As she haven't seen Esther for about 9 months already.  I guess Esther was pretty confused with all the people around her suddenly.  But knowing her cousin Venice was around, she was cool with everything.  Not to mention the amount of toys and dolls were around that pretty much kept her busy, while the rest of us tend to catch up regarding the latest news with each other.

   After we left, we headed to another place where Deluxe's Uncle is staying.  As this was considered the final stop of the journey before heading home.  We've pretty much stayed on slightly a bit longer.  Esther got reacquainted  with another familiar face.  But unfortunately for her "Pak Poh", she was sort of freaked out so she held on to Deluxe even more.  Lol, the sight of her clinging on to Deluxe was a classic moment.  Never the less it was all good.  She did meet up with her grand uncle, and one of her uncle who couldn't stop taking pictures of Venice and Esther.   I guess two little stars in the making.  After that we head back home which was pretty much end of day 2.

  On day 3, our next destination was to Mangga Dua ITC.  One of the places you must go while you are in Jakarta.  Inside you'll find all sorts of things, and tons of people moving around.  Unfortunately for me, I was told that I shouldn't take out my camera as it would attract unnecessary problems as well as magicians.  Their trick would make things disappear without you even noticing it, so I had to wear my back pack in front to prevent any of those things from happening.  Lol.  Anyway, after lunch we pretty much went around the whole place in search of Esther's floor pads.  Round and round we go, and managed to stopped by a few places to get a new pair of shorts as wells as other stuff.  But never the less, we reached our destination in a little shop of Mangga Dua ITC.

  In this shop, Deluxe and mum in law were speaking bahasa Indonesia with them.  And once they over heard the lady speaking hakka with the husband, well.  You could say all hell broke loose.  And yes, you tend to get things cheaper when you are "Chi Ka Ngin" (family).  So basically it's all good when you know dialect, as it gives you an upper advantage in everything.  Which reminded me of our trip when we went to KK 2 years ago, as the shop keeper really treated us like family even gave us a complimentary meal.

  After a while, Esther started to get cranky.  As she was getting hungry and sleepy.  So we quickly rushed back to the car and headed to Artha Gading which was the next mall on the way back home.  Upon arrival, Deluxe brother wanted to check to see if the office was still open for renewing the driving license.  But unfortunately it was closed as they are only opened till 3pm, and we were there was like 4.30pm.  Anyway, we decided to have a walk around and see what this mall had to offer us, as it was considered one of the biggest mall in Jakarta.  No doubt it was huge, but we only managed to cover probably 5% as we only went and see the amusement park only.  Due to the fact that now we have children and shopping for clothes doesn't seem to interests them.  Lol.  We didn't get on the rides, as it wasn't really worth it.  So most of the time we just stand in front of something and start taking pictures.  Lol.

  Then it was not long before we decided to head over to another mall, which so by happened to be in that area as well for dinner.  We went to the food court and I had Soto Mie, which kinda taste like our Kuching |Gu Bak Mee" (Beef Noodles) but with more taste.  Dunkin Donuts was there as well, but I was quickly turned off when I saw the price.  Lol.   Call me cheapskate I don't mind, but I don't think I wanna spend that sort for money just for 1 donut.  So basically that sort of ended our Day 3 of Jakarta.

  Day 4 began when Deluxe best friend, dropped by and visited us.  Apparently she have a son also who is older than Esther about 5-6 months.  Yes, Nicholas was surrounded by roses well Esther and Venice of course.  Lol.  So you could imagine 3 children play together and yes it was very happening inside the house that once was only filled with 4 people.  As Deluxe and Margaret was catching up on all times, and at the same time watching over the children.  I've decided to follow dad in law to learn the art of trading.

  No doubt the journey to that place took like close to 2 hours, which was due to the massive traffic jam.  Even going through using the toll didn't help much at all as by the time we exited the toll, the traffic was even congested.  Anyway, after going through a few things there we headed back to the shop and spent an hour and a half there before heading back.  On the way back from the shop it was about 10pm Jakarta time already.  All of us haven't had dinner, so Dad in law suggested that we try and have something before going back.  As I was a bit concern about home if they had already eaten or not, they told me not to worry about them.  So what I had was "Ayam Kodok" which is Chicken Frog (literally direct translation).  Well, actually it was more like begger chicken to me.  It's kinda small but just nice for 4 people to eat, and the taste was great.  And after 28 years of walking in this planet, I eaten my very first frog legs.  Yes, you've heard me.  Frog legs, which tasted like chicken.  Don't think I'll try that again ever.  Anyway, that pretty much ended day 4.

  Day 5 was a Sunday, as both mom and dad in law went and attended their church service which was extremely early for me to get up.  So we went and attended Gereja Reformed Injili Indonesia which was extremely huge.  Here we managed to catch up with Deluxe's other friends Lenny & Shelly.  Yes, the last time they were together was 2 years ago during our wedding.  But it was pretty much a good reunion as we decided to go to Plaza Indonesia for lunch.  I find that this place was kinda unique in a sense whereby each floor was actually using a different theme.  There was like a whole floor of New York City, then followed by Hollywood, and also China Town.  I was told that there were more themes, but we didn't go and explore the other side.  Again, while I was taking photographs of the place a security guard came by and asked me not to do it.  Then my brother in law told me that, they were worried because of the high resolution camera that I'm using to duplicate whatever design they have in that mall.  Because there was one incident in Vegas where his friend also using a DSLR took pictures of everything inside, the security stopped him and asked him to delete all the photos that he took.  If not they'll confiscate his memory card, so what to do. He ended up formatting everything.  But then the guard did tell me that I can actually use either my handphone or those compact camera and it won't really be a big issue.  So I find it pointless lugging my camera around in shopping malls already.  Lol.

  After we managed to meet Lenny & Shelly for lunch, we went and drop off our cousin back to her place.  But ended up staying there the whole afternoon.  As unexpected visitors came as well.  So basically they were having fun the whole time, while I was behind in the kitchen munching away on freshly made Pisang Goren (fried banana).  Never the less, it was good for Esther as she was able to socialize with other children.  So at least we know she won't have problems making friends in the future.

  The 2 kids on the left is basically her 2nd cousin, as they were thrilled to see Esther.  Don't know why though but they wanted to carry her all the time.  But of course with adult supervision.  Lol.  Never the less, it was quite an experience for her, so that's why we had to stayed on a little bit longer for them to play as well as getting along with each other.  Esther seems to grow a lot when she interacts with other children especially her elder cousin Venice.  As both of them are always having fun, even though it was nap time for Esther.  As soon as she hears Venice's voice she tends to jump up and wants to go outside to play with her.  Lol.  Anyway, after that we pretty much headed home and call it a day.

  Day 6, I went out a while with dad in law in the morning, while Deluxe was able to renew her driving license.  And it was because of Esther, the personal asked her to wait for a while without asking her to come back during the afternoon to collect it because that time it was close to 12pm so normally they'll get people to come back around 1 after their lunch break. 

  Any how, Lenny & Shelly dropped by the house again to pretty much catch up with Deluxe before they will be heading back to their respective places.  And of course they managed to hang out with and took many more pictures.  Yes, Esther was well loved and cared for during her trip to Jakarta.  You could tell she was having a time of her life there.  As she began to crawl on her legs instead on her tummy.  Trying to climb on chairs to pretty much stand up, and also being very adventurous in exploring new territory.  Now we are a bit concern in leaving her alone, unattended even when she sleeps.  Yes, eventually climb off the bed and on to the floor and started crying to let us know that she's awake already.  Poor girl was probably scared when she woke up when no one was around her.  But it's all good I suppose.  Part of growing up.  Lol.

  After they left, we went to Mall of Indonesia which is also nearby our area.  Here Esther and Venice finally get onto the rides provided inside the mall.  You could say it was like a mini amusement park in there.  You can actually explore part of the mall on their cable car.  First Esther and Venice rode on a mini car before sitting inside the train.  Lol, you should really see Esther's reaction.  She was frighten because there was no support inside the car and wanted to get off immediately.  But once she got used to it, the ride finally stop.  Then it was off to the train whereby the mothers were allowed to accompany them while riding on it.  As they go round and round in circles, they were pretty much smiling whenever they pass us at the meeting point.  Once the ride was over, we ended up headed for the food court to get our dinner.  As it was pretty much a hectic day, we decided to went back home and rest.

  Day 7 however started off with work.  As I had to take photographs of all the antiques which will be posted up to be sold in Situs.Me.  It's a new Indonesian local website where you can actually post your items to be sold.  More like Lelong or eBay.  So that pretty much took up a whole day for us to take pictures, and get the measurements of everything.  But towards the evening, we went to Sari Kuring for dinner. 

  The food there was excellent.  I didn't dare to order the sambal as I was worried that it might upset my stomach and things would go bad in the end.  Lol.  When the food arrived, Esther was being very adventurous.  So I had to bring her around the restaurant looking at fishes as well as the lamps that were inside.  As this was more less like a father and daughter bonding moment, she was happy when she saw the fish swimming around in the fish tanks.  I guess it was something new for her.  Lol.

  After dinner, we decided to do a little bit of shopping before we head back.  I went and scout some prices of phones, and cameras.  I noticed that it was way over priced for electronic goods.  I think I could actually make a living in selling these stuff there.  But Deluxe did told me that, there are actually other places where you can get it even cheaper.  So I guess that pretty much broke my dream in starting a business there.  Lol.  Oh well, it wasn't long before we decided to head back home and call it a day.  So that pretty much end day 7.

  On day 8 was pretty much the last day we can explore Jakarta.  Because the following day we would be heading off back to Kuching.  Deluxe's uncle came by early in the morning just to drop off a cake he baked specially for Deluxe.  The cake taste absolutely delicious, and all of us were complementing him on a job well done.  I guess you could say that he could actually start a bakery, and his sons would help push marketing it.  Anyway, he didn't stayed too long as one of our cousin had to go to work using the bike.  So he left us with a very delicious sponge cake, which we pretty much finished it on that day.

  Before we went out for lunch, Esther had to eat first as the rest of us were not ready yet.  As we pretty much planned where we wanted to go after that, we decided to take 2 cars instead of 1 so that we won't need to travel back to get the other car once lunch was over.  After lunch, both mom and dad in law had to go to the shop while the rest of us decided to stay back and explore the shopping mall. As it was the biggest mall in Indonesia, that has 5 different sections that was connected into one place.

  After spending about 3 hours, inside exploring the shopping mall.  Esther decided to fall asleep, and it was time to look for a place to sit as I was carrying her that time.  Fortunately for us she was asleep when we went inside the toys department.  If not I suppose she would want everything she saw in sight.  With the bright colors and soft toys, you could say that she was in heaven.  Lol.  Was not long before we found a place to sit, and it was just in time as my arm felt as if they want to fall off already.  Anyway, Deluxe continued exploring while I rest on the long bench.

  Once Deluxe managed to finish her exploring in the new mall, we headed back home to restock on Venice and Esther's food supplies before heading out for dinner. We are supposed to meet another aunt of Deluxes' so by the time we've reached home, we quickly refresh ourselves before heading to Golden Truly, as there was the meeting point.  Everyone seems to laugh at Deluxe every time she mentioned Golden Truly.  Because she felt that is the only place in Jakarta you can get a decent branded clothing because they are always on sale.  But we couldn't spend more time there as some of us were already hungry.

 Inside the food court, Deluxe wanted to order gado-gado as this was the only place where she can recall it has the best gado-gado compared to the one in Chikini.  But to her dismay, apparently they ran out of it.  So Deluxe ended up calling something else before the guest of honor arrived.  After we collected our food, and began consuming it.  The guest of honor had arrived, and was asking us where else did we want to go and eat?  After a very long discussion, we ended up headed to Ancol for dinner part two.  Lol.

  Ancol is like Disneyland but Indonesian version, where this is actually an amusement park.  In there, there are like different places or choices for you to eat.  So we ended up at one of the seafood areas, where apparently if you have a certain credit card you are able to get some special discount.  It was really a nice place actually, and every 15-30 minutes there would be someone singing a birthday song at different tables.  Whereby they'll give you a free coconut cake with spar
kles on top of it, as well as a birthday gift.  You can actually tell the waitress that it's your birthday and they'll start to arrange this special treatment for you, as waiter and waitress will surround your table and start to sing you a birthday song.  Mom and Dad in law came and joined us later before we departed our ways.  So that pretty much ended our Day 8 in Jakarta.

  Day 9 was pretty much last minute shopping, as well as packing.  We've managed to fit everything into 4 bags, we pretty much went on our way to the airport which was about 4.30pm when we departed from our home.  As usual, there was a huge traffic jam on the toll.  But fortunately for us we arrived about close to 5.30pm.  Once we finally checked in, the person at the counter told us that our flight got delayed by another 1 and half hour.  So we decided to grab dinner at Hoka-Hoka Bento.  Which was very cheap for a set meal, and very filling too.  Not to mention that this is at the airport.  After dinner, Dad in law left us while the rest of us went inside to wait for our flight.  But all was not well as we got delayed another 30 mins, before we were on our way back to Kuching. 

  Upon arriving Kuching, we had to do the usual filling up the form which was taking a very long time because they ran out of forms on the table and I had to go and get it from one of their officer at the other end.  Once we were through, the health inspector stopped us because Esther was with us.  He went and checked her temperature and asked us if she had any fever, flu or cough.  We said no, then he asked us not to worry because she wasn't showing any signs on the thermal camera and just made sure that she was fine.  By the time we got our bags and out to the airport, it was already half past 12 in the morning.  All the taxis were gone so we need to pay extra for the midnight fare which was RM32 instead of RM22.  By the time we got home was almost 1am, and thank God that the shop was still intact.  We did a bit of house cleaning before we went to bed, as the haze pretty much left us a lot of house cleaning to do.  But that could dealt with the next day.

  So during this trip Esther, did grew a lot.  And also it was good for us to go back to Jakarta due to the cheap fare we had.  Return trip for all 3 of us was less than RM400 inclusive of 2 check in baggage.  It was also good for me because, during this whole week I was spending more time with Esther compared while I was here in the shop.  I also learned that family is always important above everything else.  No matter where we are, but when it is time to head back home to where you come from.  Family was the first priority in Deluxe's to do list.  Even before our trip back to Jakarta, we went shopping first just to bring something back to them.

  During my marriage counseling with James, he taught us that marriage is not only meant for both husband and wives to be one.  But actually 2 families are to be married as well, so that's why they are called in laws and not outlaws ;)  As I know that it would mean a lot to her, for me trying my best to be close with her relatives.  Despite a little bit of communication problems, I would make an effort to make sure the communication won't break down.  Lol.  So you could say I'm still in the learning process.  But this is not the end, but actually the beginning of another journey in life.  As what I post earlier on about being "Chi Ka Ngin", which really is a beautiful meaning behind those 3 words.  So it's all good.

  And finally I'm able to complete my Jakarta post after how many weeks of delay due to my crappy internet connection(took me actually 2 days to finish this post because of the frequent disconnection with my server), as well as my urgent trip back to Miri last week.  This post is finally over and I can get on and post on something else next.  Lol.  So sorry for the delay, and of course the bad layout which my site is currently showing at the moment.  Will try to fix that, when I have the time as I'm working on something at the moment.  So please bare with me on that.  My normal postings should return by next week, as I finally have gotten this out of my chest.  You guys have a good weekend now.

For more of my Jakarta Pictures Please :- Click Here