No place like home...Thank goodness !!! For those of you that know us, you'll already know the story, basically we decided that we've both worked enough (I've been working for 11 years, Danielle for 11 Months) and that we deserve some long overdue R&R and decided to take in some sights....enjoy

The Plan Now...

INDONESIA | Wednesday, 4 April 2007 | Views [805] | Comments [3]

We have just arrived in Batam, a small Indonesian island off the coast of Singapore...

First impressions of Indonesia (though I think they will change when we move on)...aren't great! Most of the people seem friendly, but have a habit of staring constantly at us (which is quite unnerving).

The plan from here is to catch a plane to Jakarta on Adam Air (go Mel!!) tomorrow afternoon and then slowly to Lombok by any means possible....train and boat mostly for some (well deserved) r+r!!!!!!!! Think we'll be in Indonesia for about four weeks, working our way up to the tip of Sumatra then across to Malaysia.

We'll keep you posted on developments, but we're only on dial up, so bear with us!

Tags: On the Road

Comments

1

Maybe the staring chould be because you're both blonde and white!?!??!!!! Hope you're having a great time and experiencing everything.

xx

Laura Apr 5, 2007 2:16 AM

2

Well it's my turn to cry ! Accompanied "the couple" on the 45 minute ferry to Bantam, Indonesia and even I was surprised by the stark difference between Singapore and Indonesia, which is populated by indigenous peoples rather than the Chinese (and a few Indians) of Singapore. Batam is not a tourist town (hence the staring at the ang moh's)but the hotel, which was part of the French Nova chain, was well within their chosen budget. I made an abrupt departure, whilst "the couple" soaked up the sun by the pool, to the calls to prayer in the air and got back to "civilization" within a couple of hours.

It was an absolute delight to have James and Danielle with me and just as I was getting used to them being around, they go ! Only one thing spoilt their stay. At enormous expense, I introduced James to the trendy, surfer boy, American leading fashion clothing "Hang Ten" (named when hanging your ten toes at the end of a surf board) and bought him a rather attractive pair of underpants, when he was last in Singapore. He was obviously not impressed, and this time on "the island" he bought the most hideous underpants, one pair in the colours of Norwich City and the others pink, with the words "Part time Lover" on the back ! I ask you !!!

Hope flight to Jakarta good and the shock of "that" city not too great - it will get better the further east you go.

Dad (Danielle) Mr. Malcolm to James.

Malcolm Apr 5, 2007 2:22 PM

3

Have you got your fat back out mate? Is that the reason for the staring? Or are you traveling in your fanny pants? Bruv and i are meant to hit the course today, but after a few lagers tainted with lime (and new chaser) the gut is a little sore, and the enthusiasm is wilting.

Looks like traveling truly kicked in, happy days, lap it up (can't think of any other clilches).

Take care you pair.

Love, hugs and kisses.

Ad

Fathead Apr 6, 2007 10:04 PM