Arriving during rush hour was unavoidable but like many developing nations the traffic is nothing if not mental. Hundreds of motorcycles weave in and out of the traffic and despite two lanes being painted on the Tarmac the locals manage to somehow form half a dozen - locally it is a joke that the lines are purely there for decoration. As we weaved our way into the centre of the city the traffic worsened but was still not enough to distract me from one obvious contrast. The city is lined with magnificent skyscrapers and with new ones still appearing but these are simply a backdrop for the obvious poverty a large number of Indonesians live in. The ago between the classes on first appearances is huge - again a common factor in most developing nations. I would experience this again the following day.
After arriving at my friend Amy's flat, south west of the centre of Jakarta, it was a simple case of dinner, a glass of wine and then a well earned night's sleep.
My first full day in Jakarta, I decided, would be a day of total relaxation. A traditional Asian massage, sauna and a swim were sorely in order and I took full advantage of all of the facilities at my disposal! A truly relaxing start to my trip and just what I needed!
After a spot of lunch the weather started to turn. Only half an hour before I had been sat on a sun-lounger in the afternoon sun. Eventually though the wind and rain passed and I seized the opportunity to head outside and take in some of Jakarta.
The apartment I was staying in is located in South Jakarta, away from the 'tourist' areas. This was evident. Once I'd stepped out of the complex I was firstly greeted with the infamous Jakarta traffic. After a while I realised why no one walks in Jakarta - the pavements are non-existent. This really is a motor city.
I strolled along the busy roads and soon turned off into quieter streets and saw first hand the stark contrast between the new, modern and luxurious apartments that are springing up across the city (and stand half empty) and the buildings that surround them. It is also quite easy to forget that Indonesia is predominantely a Muslim country. When walking through these streets you are soon reminded as the Islamic prayers are read over the loud speakers from the nearby mosque.
I eventually made my way back to the apartment in time to meet Amy for dinner that evening in central Jakarta. Tomorrow would be an early start as I was to go to the Old Town and Port to take in historical Jakarta.
