Towel sculpture was one of the many little touches at the hotel in Jakarta. Perhaps too many little touches for my taste: walking across the lobby elicited 3-6 cheerful “hello, sirs” complete with little namaste-style bows. The chef who personally supervised the preparation of my omelette came to present his regards at such length that said omelette was kinda cold by the time I was able to eat it. Such eagerness for my stay to be perfect! I did have to put my own sugar in coffee, but milk was handled by a dedicated team in the service area.

I gained some empathy for the poor beleaguered movie stars, always trying to hide from the paparazzi and to simply go about the ordinary daily activities of movie star life. But I think I have more for the staff, who must exude such fascination with the every glance of every guest.