My only previous visit to Jakarta dates from 2005. The first word that comes to mind when I recall that trip is “Tutup”. It was Ramadan and most places were closed.
I found Jakarta to be a difficult place to negotiate. I remember seeing the fear in the girls’ eyes as the mamasans introduced them to this big, bad bule. But since so many venues were closed, I figured I owed Jakarta a second chance...
MongerX
Whereas Ramadan is the worst possible time to visit Jakarta, the period just after Idul Fitri is a particularly auspicious time to visit Indonesia, according to MongerX. That’s why I decided to join him in Jakarta, even though the plane ticket was expensive.
My Cebu Pacific flight was delayed and it was 2 AM by the time I arrived at the Mercure Rekso hotel, where my room had been pre-booked and pre-paid by MongerX. He was fast asleep when I called him.
The girl he planned to meet had been booked in her KTV and canceled on him. That also meant she was unable to bring a friend to keep me company.
Late Night Snack
By the time I was ready to go out, it was 4 AM already. It was late, but I was hungry... and not just for food.
On my way to Lokasari Plaza, I was approached by a few girls... ugly girls. After dinner at the 24/7 McDonald’s, I walked over to Stadium. Quite a few streetwalkers offered their services... more ugly girls. I walked around a while longer, but didn’t meet any girls to my liking. It wasn’t meant to be...
Loso