I’m a believer in doing things simply “because I can” and no other reason. But “because I can” must also be balanced - just “because I can” doesn’t always mean “I should”.
“I got money” — Zuli
DAY 1
1055pm: In the plane, landing in a few. Irma and Zuli giving me crap about my iPhone being on the whole time. I’m using the Airplane Mode for its exact purpose! Flight was uneventful. Seats couldn’t recline. Got what we paid for, I guess.
1105pm: Landed. Still in the plane though. Letting everybody else off first. What’s the point of rushing? Letting that Singaporean mentality go.
1110pm: Got off the plane to the ground. First time! Always went straight into the terminal.
1050pm (we’re supposed to be an hour behind): In Irma’s aunt’s car now, on the way to Menteng. Gearing up for the long drive there.
1140pm: Just reached the house. I’m exhausted. And hungry. I love the streets here. Reminds me of my mom’s place in the Philippines.
DAY 2
1245am: Our welcome meal! Macdonalds.. well there weren’t any food left in the house. Will be shacking up with Irma’s dad. Her mom said he’s gonna snore. Loud.
110am: Finally gonna get some shut eye. It’s been almost two years since I was here, I forgot that most homes don’t believe in sinks in the bathrooms. Need all the rest I can get, I’m expecting future dad-in-law’s gonna wake me up for early morning prayers. Or is he gonna test me by letting me wake him up instead? DUNN DUNN DUNNNNNN!
620am: Just got up. Irma’s dad isn’t in the room, and there’s a lotta people outside. How am I gonna shower?! Man this is awkward.
7am: Finally showered. Chillin’ in the room all by myself. Did feel a bit awkward walking past people and not saying anything, almost like a walk of shame. Can only imagine what they’re saying to themselves. “Eee haven’t bathe!”. Sigh. Just had to get a room on the ground floor. Did I mention that I’m sleeping in the bridal room?
730am: Went upstairs to where everybody was (Irma, Zuli, Irma’s parents, another aunt/uncle pair from Singapore) and looks like I was the first to shower! I don’t know why I’m taking great pride in that. Feels good to be in first place though. Okay this is not a race.
830am: Breakfast with everybody. Pretty big spread, trying not to overdo it. Still a little sleepy. Zuli’s still in the room. She must be feeling really awkward now in a house full of strangers, just how I was the last time I was here.
1005am: Just got back from walking around the neighborhood. Took a lotta candids with Zuli’s camera. Didn’t bother to look through the viewfinder, mostly off the hip. Cooling down before getting ready to leave for Friday prayers.
1040am: In the car, off to the bride’s house. Loving the dirty streets. So much character.
1140pm: At the mosque, gettin’ ma prayin’ on. Just a thought: if I were mentally unsound, I’d talk to the flies. There are flies everywhere!
215pm: At the wedding. I became an impromptu cameraman for the solemnization ceremony. Hope I got good enough shots. The other cameraman got in the way a lot. It’s so hot! Good thing my shirt is quick dry, still looking sharp.
445pm: In the car, squashed between people and taken to somewhere really far for dinner. Really could’ve appreciated a quick change back at the house though. My entire right leg is numb. Will I ever be able to use it again? We’ll see.
5pm: We’re having dinner at an arowana farm. In Cimanggis. The distance would be as if you’re travelling from Singapore to Vietnam. On foot. REALLY could’ve used a quick shower. I appreciate the thought though.
745pm: Back at the house. Someone’s using my flip flops; the same pair these people bought for me when I last came. I know they’re just cheap slippers but since I managed I keep them for years, I’m gonna try to keep them for as long as possible. They’re going back to Singapore with me.
750pm: Move over Telkomsel, Axis just hijacked my phone. Still not using any of you!
9pm: Just showered. A guy in the living room was speaking to me in Indon. I wish I wasn’t so dumb, cause he was merely asking me if I liked watching tv. Geez…
11pm: Gonna go to bed. Decided that I’m gonna wear flipflops after the wedding reception tomorrow. Was playing truth or dare on Zuli’s iTouch and we were too tired to do dares so we just did the truths. There was also an awful dating show on tv, but I guess I won’t knock it. All they want is a significant other anyway. Goodnight!
DAY 3
705am: The groom’s family is coming into the room and getting wedding stuff. I don’t really mind, I’m awake anyway. The living room’s crowded again. I heard a squeak under the bed last night. I don’t think it was the bed, though.
920am: Showered. Supposed to leave in half and hour, let’s see if everyone can be ready by then. I really need to look into working out when I get back, a lot of my clothes are getting tight.
1010am: In the car off to the wedding reception. Looking out at the streets we’re driving by. Reminds me of Manila so much. Some would say that we should be grateful Singapore isn’t like this. Really? I think I prefer life here.
1245pm: Still at the reception, leaving soon. Glad that I’m able to eat cause last trip I had a bad case of the runs. Had chicken “golden blue” haha! Took a video of the march in. Whole process took a little over ten minutes. Gonna trim it just so I can upload it on YouTube.
2pm: Just left the house, going to a mall. Wearing flipflops out, feels liberating. Brought socks just in case I see a pair of shoes I like.
630pm: At Senayan Plaza, been mall-hopping. Bought the kids stuff, but nothing for myself yet. Stuff has been pricey. The first few malls we went to were pretty up-market so no thanks. Food’s been pretty great though, so that was nice. Love the toilets, bidets rock. They rock more than toilet paper, and that’s the shit (pun).
7pm: We’re having mi bakso for dinner. The adults are somewhere else eating famous fried chicken. I wish I could get something for my mom. Shopping paradise is in Bandung and we’re nowhere near there.
9pm: Back home. Everybody may be used to having drivers here but we’re not. Bought Krispy Kreme at the first mall that we went to, and it has remained a dozen the whole day. Distracted by other desserts. Gluttons, all of us.
11pm: Chilling out, watching Miss World on tv. Flying off tomorrow. Wish we could stay longer.
DAY 4
8am: Just woke up. Gotta get outta bed and pack. Irma, Zuli and I will be flying off today and the adults get to go back tomorrow. We’re leaving the house early to do some last minute shopping (at somewhere more affordable I hope) and then it’s straight to the airport after.
9am: Done showering and packing. Driver is coming in half an hour and I’m ready to go. Hopefully I can find something for my mom later. I haven’t even bought anything for myself! Wearing flipflops out again. That means I have to pack my shoes.
920: Driver should be here soon. Irma’s still getting ready. I’ve got Diamond Girl on repeat in my head. Should’ve downloaded it into my iPhone.
11am: At M Square, got batik tops for my parents and myself. Starting to feel feverish. I guess if I did have to fall sick, let it be the last day.
230pm: On the way to the airport. We’ve done enough looking around in malls. Went to Mangga Dua, they had a reptile exhibition going on, so we saw a lotta snakes, lizards and unusual fish. We went to the basement, and there was a big Tamiya race track with guys who are really into modifying their cars. They’re all about modifying to have the fastest race toy, forget about the body kit, nobody had them on.
3pm: At the airport. We’re mad early, but we’ve got nowhere else to go that wouldn’t make us late. I thought I left my earphones back at the house, glad to know that it was in one of my pants in my carry-on. All Zuli and I are looking forward to now is the free fish therapy in the Changi Airport duty free area. Now we have a chance to explore the place; every time we’re with other people (parents usually), we’ll always be rushing in and out of the airport.
340pm: Waiting for the checking counters to open. Saw a little boy who goes around shining shoes. For collateral he leaves his own flipflops with the customer while he goes to a little corner and shines.
620pm: In the boarding area. Had a quick snack in the duty free eating place. Had Internet! Managed to check on the necessaries. Our Jakarta trip will soon be coming to a close. I will be bringing Irma to Manila to show that life there is almost similar.
10pm (Singapore time): Back “home”. Fish therapy was only free during 2am to 2pm, and it was just a neck and shoulder massage. Wondering where we’ll fly to next.
1130pm: Found our luggage at the lost and found. Guy said if you see your luggage you can just take it. How safe, now I know where to get free stuff when I’m travelling. Homeward bound.
“Bo toilet paper? Hengggggg ah!” — Guy in a toilet stall. I laughed.
Okay, but I wouldn’t want to hurt you.