Jakarta is often called the 'Big Durian'. 'Big' because with nearly 27 million inhabitants in the Jabodetabek metropolitan area, it is big indeed. 'Durian' because just like the South-East Asian king of fruits, Jakarta is a smelly experience and just like with Durians - you either get to love it, or hate it.I must tell you - I am fascinated with this place. It is here that whenever you walk out of home, you expect to be left in confusion. It is here that you always wonder why things aren't done differently. It is here that you find everything full of contradictions. And yet, you face the challenges of everyday's life with a healthy dose of inner satisfaction - inspiration is at its maximum.
Indonesians often ask me: why did you come here, what made you chose Indonesia? I never know what to answer. I didn't know much about this country, I have never been here before. I guess this was the reason for me to come here - no predictability at all. And this defines Indonesia very well. Some things you just cannot predict, making your stay full of surprises.
Let me tell you something about the more down-to-ground things and practicalities. The University of Indonesia (Universitas Indonesia) where I study offers the exchange students some assistance with finding accommodation. Well, I have refused the help and still have no regrets at all. Let me tell you why. There are two university campuses - in Depok and in Salemba. The main campus, where I also happen to study, is in Depok - a city in West Java with 1,5 million inhabitants that is adjacent to Jakarta. It has been declared a something of a holy city (not exactly) and that means it's not a fun place for students to be. So using a network of connections that allowed for finding proper accommodation, I decided to stay in South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan), a truly fun place to be. Together with Kamran, another exchange student from Tilburg University (you can follow his blog here: http://kamraninjakarta.blogspot.com/), we rent a nice apartment in the Darmawangsa neighbourhood, very close to a number of restaurants, clubs, pubs and the famous area of Kemang (sometimes officially referred to as Bangka). The place is rather fancy; the view from our 23rd floor stunning; and the fact that I pay much less than for my crappy room in Tilburg makes me like it even more.There are some downsides, of course. Mainly, my place is located more than 15 kilometres away from the university and if Jakarta is known for something internationally, surely its massive traffic congestion would be on the top of the list. Therefore, depending on the traffic and whether there is a macet (traffic jam) or not, it takes me something between 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes to get there or back. Having said this, you simply get used to it and learn patience.
By the way, this is what I see when I wake up in the morning:
There is so much more I want to write about. This will have to wait for the next post, however, as I have my mid-terms ahead of me. Fun is fun, but I came here to study after all :) Wish me luck and please leave your comments!
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