Jakarta at last!

Laura and I arrived in Jakarta at 0800 this morning courtesy of Air Asia - Malaysia's answer to Ryanair.  We stayed in a hotel near to KL's aiurport, but didn't take into account the fact the flights seem to be 24 hours a day - so we didn't get much sleep!  I did get a head start on watching the waterpolo though, so I was able to look aghast at Laura when she asked where the players' sticks were (!!!)

No John in Jakarta unfortunately - he's got a new job which is taking him all over the country.  I think he's some kind of security consultant, but I am not entirely clear!

We've checked into a very western business hotel in the centre of town, about 15 minutes from the station.  You can see the country's past quite clearly - I've seen a military policeman in British DPM sitting in Dunkin' Donuts, and there are a lot of beret-wearing private security guards wandering around (less berets than Malaysia though, and less impressive).  I considered showing the MP some pictures of my troop and I, but then thought that the only outcome would be trouble.  The most fascinating guys though so far have been these, wearing what look like genuine steel helmets (stock photo!!):

Tickets for Yogyakarta were bought this morning.  If you think the British are bad for train administration, the Indonesians take it to a new level - you have to fill in a form, prior to approaching the ticket booth to buy a ticket.  We were, however, quick to latch on to this (everyone else holding bits of paper - we had no bit of paper).

I've finished two books so far - The Truth by Pratchett, and Use of Weapons by Iain Banks.  Now to more serious stuff: On War by von Calusewitz.  Once read, I will be able to correct all the pseudos (it's a "continuation with additional", not an "extension by other").

0800 train tomorrow, then three nights at the site - looking forward to it.  Laura's now vetting the Facebook photographs I post, so there's not one for today!