If Norman Rockwell visited the Jakarta airport…
Salak, um, I like ‘em
There’s some designer out there who is jealous that nature came up with the idea of a snakeskin-covered miniature pear before it could be turned into a marketable statement of authenticity. Enter the salak.
It’s not actually snakeskin, but it is sometimes known as a snake fruit, for obvious reasons. I ate one at breakfast, and it was ok, although I have a feeling that finding one outside of a hotel buffet might lead to something that is a little riper and/or a little bit more fragrant.
The hotel has a beautiful garden on the 4th floor roof next to the pool. This archway bears the symbol of the good-humored and perspicacious Mustachio Deity, who is revered on some of the more remote islands. The path beyond leads to a simple shrine inscribed with invocations and verses honoring His Brushiness.
At least that’s what I thought it said based on my knowledge of the local language. Google Translate thinks the sacred inscription on the shrine says something about “service entrance” and “pool pumping equipment.” Whatever.
What makes a good hotel?
I’m sure the real answer to that question is complicated, but on the index of “number of bathroom goodies” the Jakarta JW Marriott ranks right up there… and there are even more in the shower.
In terms of saying you’ve been somewhere, there’s different categories available. I can really say I’ve been to France, for example, since I’ve stayed there for an extended period of time, interacted with French people, seen sites, watch TV, and so on. Iceland, on the other hand, gets an asterisk because I’ve never been outside the airport.
This, my first time in Indonesia, falls somewhere in between: I’m actually here in Jakarta with a visa, and will spend two nights. However, I don’t know if I will see much of anything other than hotels and office buildings. If I want to “really” say I’ve been to Indonesia, I will have to come back.
Maybe at the end of next month…
The tour continues… Hello from Jakarta. Too tired to explore, so it’s hotel buffet night.
Recently I’ve been offered appetising bullfrog parts, fermented cow innards, and of course pig ears… so I passed on this dessert just in case.
Usually a typo is just a typo, but…
Brattleboro Adventure – the Auckland Edition 