When I woke up around 2 PM, I’d received a message from MongerX. They were selling tickets for today’s Beyoncé concert outside Mangga Dua Square.
Ticket sales started at 4 PM. Festival class (750K IDR) was already sold out. So were the most expensive Diamond tickets (3M IDR). After queuing up, I was able to buy a Gold ticket (2M IDR). Expensive as hell, but this was my only chance to experience Beyoncé.
After shopping for a clean shirt, it was 5.30 PM when I got back to my room. And I hadn’t even eaten yet. Since the doors opened at 8 PM, the Pen J girls would have to wait. Today, the diva took center stage.
The Beyoncé Experience
I tried to take my camera into the concert hall, but professional equipment wasn’t allowed. Since the concert was in the same building as my hotel, it was worth a try.
The people with Festival tickets were crammed in like sardines. I had a seat. Beyonce’s show was great, but there wasn’t much ambience. For many people, capturing the show on their cell phone seemed more important than enjoying the party. And, of course, only the rich could afford the ticket prices...
Police Checkpoint
After the concert, I passed by MongerX’s room to say goodbye. He was off to Bali the next day.
After the crowds subsided, I was finally able to get a taxi. Along the way, the car was stopped at a police checkpoint. Foreigners are supposed to carry their passport at all times in Indonesia. I refuse to do so.
I showed the police my Belgian ID. They wanted to see my passport. I explained that my passport was too precious to carry around; it never leaves my safe. The taxi driver said: “Give money police”. Nope! I just sat there looking bored, until they let me go... without paying a bribe.
CJ
On ladies night at CJ, I spotted about half a dozen true beauties. They were in the company of... Chinese guys.
I started dancing with Risma, a petite girl with orangey hair and an adorable face. Sparks were flying on the dance floor, but Risma was already attached... to a regular customer who didn’t dance.
I got Risma’s phone number and made my rounds to check the leftovers. I stayed until closing time, but no delectable lasses were left unaccompanied.
Taxi Home
On the way home, the taxi... broke down. He tried to fire up the engine, but failed. In the end, he had to hail me another cab. There are days like that...
Loso