Navigating Mass Rapid Transits in Overwhelming Cities

Navigating public transportation can be a challenge when it comes to a new city. Especially when we’re not regular public transport users. Singapore used to be the training ground, with only two SMRT lines and integrated buses. Now, the neighboring country has six lines with over 140 stations. My personal favorite stop, Dhoby Ghaut has become so overwhelmingly large and confusing. The busiest station back in the day, City Hall, now shared the crowd with many other interchanges.

Since then, me and Dudu have experienced public transport, subways in particular, around the world. From London’s Underground to New York's infamous MTA Transit. Wandering around Seoul’s Metro, going up and down Bangkok’s BTS and getting lost in Paris’ Métropolitain. Not to mention KL’s Rapid Transit, Metro de Madrid and the Prague Metro. Recently, we added Los Angeles MTA to our list. Our goal is to try the well-known Tokyo Metro.

Every Subway has its own complicated map, plus language barrier if we’re traveling in non-English Speaking countries. Some of them we travelled back to a decade ago when Google Maps wasn't as advanced, and metro cards aren't as easy to get. So we do have to rely on maps and one-time tickets.

Collecting our “Transit” stories, these are things we learnt the hard way. Some of them are so basic and we were warned that when we nostalgically recall them, it becomes an inside joke.

Check the nearest exit.

Visiting The Traditional Markets Brings A Different Experience

When you travel, try visiting the traditional markets for a different experience. I read that somewhere, or heard it from someone. 

So, when I received the prompt of writing about a traditional or modern market I’ve visited, I scrolled the photos I’ve taken throughout my journey and saw some of the most memorable market visits I’ve done. Unfortunately these market visits were done before the pandemic hit. Needless to say, I would love to visit them again should the opportunity arise.

Inside Jeju Dongmun Public Market

Jeju Dongmun Public Market, Jeju-Do, South Korea
9 Dongmun-ro 4-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

Said to be the largest and oldest permanent traditional market in Jeju, the market dates back to the Japanese colonial period. We visited this market as it was on our way to the bus stop from our lunch spot. It was in winter and early afternoon, so most of the fresh items are either gone or just not being sold. We found several street food stalls and decided to snack on our way to the bus stop. It was freezing cold. 

Interestingly, the street food vendors all shooed us away whenever we wanted to take pictures. Even when I’m taking pictures of Dudu. These elderly grandma didn’t want to be in any pictures, so we ended up posing in front of the market gate. Despite their rather rude attitude, the snacks are tasty. I figured, the street vendors might have enough with tourists and content creators. Or it might be my race. I started noticing that they changed their attitude upon seeing Dudu, which is half-white, and upon knowing where I’m from, their attitude changed. 

It was quite an interesting experience. I’m glad I spoke enough Korean then to do basic communications with the grandmas and grandpas in the market. Otherwise, the tasty snacks won’t be on our hands because most vendors don’t speak English.

Back to the snack. Dudu bought Hotteok, a pancake often filled with brown sugar. His friends bought Bungeo-ppang (Fish Bread filled with red bean paste),  which is similar to Japanese Taiyaki. Bungeo-ppang is a popular winter street food.

Hotel Review: Quest Hotel Simpang Lima Semarang

Despite the name, this Hotel is closer to Semarang Chinatown than the actual Simpang Lima. The First thing I noticed about this Hotel is how close it is to good restaurants and street food stalls. Across the street, there are Wedang Ronde and Tahu Gimbal stalls. Soto Bokoran, the legendary soto shop is right next door. Within a 5-minute walk, there are Kelengan Pork Satay restaurant and Dharma Boutique Coffee Roastery. 

Famous roads like Gajah Mada, where you can find Krabe Seafood, Rumah Makan Kelapa Gading, and Tahu Pong Gajah Mada is only 10 minutes away by foot through a small road by the river. 

In short, this hotel is a great basecamp for those who are too lazy to drive around, but are craving for delicious food. 

The 3-star hotel itself is still in the affordable range with a price range from Rp. 400,000 per night for a deluxe twin/double room at online travel agents. We stayed in a family room for 3 people, which costs Rp. 750,000 per night. The room has 1 double/queen bed and one single bed, but has no view. Our room is located on the second floor. The family room is slightly larger with 32m2 compared to the regular 26m2, and also includes breakfast. Although breakfast is unnecessary when you're in Semarang and in the Plampitan area. As I mentioned before, delicious food is everywhere at super affordable prices. I'd say choose wisely. 

At first glance, the hotel room is clean and neat. I do appreciate the space and the balcony, despite not being able to open the sliding door as it was locked. Air conditioner worked well and the room was well-lit. The Internet works great and hot water runs smoothly. I had no complaints during my 3-night stays at the hotel. 

Breakfast isn't awesome, but may be useful when you're too lazy to go out in the early hours. They have western fusion selections, bread, omelette, soto and porridge. Some Indonesian / Javanese food is also present. Coffees are poured over, but tea selections are surprisingly plentiful. They even have Butterfly Pea. Restaurant isn't luxurious but the waitresses are helpful and friendly. 

The hotel has a swimming pool which I didn't check out. Waters are on the dispenser, which we filled in the jar placed on the table in the room. This is actually a great idea, because we don't have to ask for bottled water every time. Even though the hotel may be crowded, there is always a parking spot. I didn't have to read about parking, even when I went back to the hotel at night. 

What matters is that Dudu thinks the hotel is okay, and he's able to sleep through the night. The check in and check out process are pretty fast. The only tricky thing about the hotel is how the surrounding roads are mostly one-way streets. When you come by car, there is only one direction to go. 

After trying out different hotels in Semarang, I think this is the one that we will return to. It's not new and definitely far from the ideal cozy luxury accommodation, but it's worth the prize. Its convenient location is definitely the main reason why. 

Check in at:
Quest Hotel Simpang Lima Semarang
Jl. Plampitan No.37-39, Bangunharjo, Kec. Semarang Tengah, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50138
(024) 3520808

The Sanderson Coffee Rawamangun

It’s a piece of London, hidden on Balai Pustaka Street, Rawamangun, East Jakarta. Decorated with bright red telephone booth, shadow of Sherlock Holmes and the Palace Guards paintings, The Sanderson Coffee is as interesting as our journey there.

East Jakarta is way beyond our regular date destinations, and we don’t expect a coffee shop with a concept to be present in that part of Jakarta. It’s a one-day public holiday in the middle of the week, and we want to step out of Kelapa Gading, which is currently a huge mess due to construction. We don’t want to drive too far though. We turned to Google and The Sanderson Coffee showed up first for “coffee shop in Rawamangun” keyword. Google’s recommendation of Sanderson Coffee comes with a silhouette of Sherlock Holmes on the picture. We’re sold right away. Why not? London sounds good for a change of atmosphere. Still, it’s a stranger land and we let GPS leads our drive through Pemuda street, turning right to Sunan Giri street through schools, mosques and a market before finally finding the coffee shop on the intersection between Balai Pustaka and Sunan Giri Streets.

Coffee Shops in Kelapa Gading: An Investigation

“You live in Kelapa Gading? Wow, you’ll never go hungry.”

We looked at each other real quick and realized that even though Kelapa Gading has been the place we go home to for the past 6 years, we had never really give the place much of a thought. It’s convenient of course, but we’re Southerners by heart, which means we would know more about Pondok Indah Mall than Mall of Indonesia. 

The mall has been our comfort zone for food, coffee and grocery shopping. But the franchise cafés are getting too crowded with families, moms gathering and nannies with the strollers. So we dared ourselves to check what’s outside the doors. Turned out we’ve been missing out some good stuffs. A pity that is, because we spent most of our time on the North side of the city, where tasty food is plenty and homey café are flourishing. So one public holiday weekend, we decided to go down to the Mall of Indonesia’s vicinity and check out what’s available for our date: blogging and homework that is.

Here are three of our findings: TOF Sicacilla, Coffeegasm and Kahvenin, located just right outside the Lobby 8 door.

Let’s go to Korea: Answering the Basic Questions

I blurted the idea out there and never thought it would come true. So far, I’ve only arranged trips to Singapore and Malaysia. Penang and Bangkok are the furthest away we went on our own itinerary. Well, there was this Western Europe trip half a decade ago, but my brothers took the lead on scheduling. All I had to do was showing up at Heathrow.

So this is a big jump from our regular Southeast Asian traveldates. 

Question #1: WHEN?

The best time to visit Korea is Autumn (or I call it “Fall” cos I studied in the U.S.). The falling leaves, the changing colors and the not-so-cold weather made Korea an ideal destination in September and October. Sometimes early November too. So, if you’re not familiar with these scenes, have yet to experience autumn, don’t think twice about when. Yes, it’s pricey but it’s worth the view.

But between us, we have enough Autumns and Thanksgivings that we’re not into falling leaves anymore. “I want to see snow,” Andrew had said. Several times, too. I’ve showed him pictures from when we’re stuck snowed in for days. He argued back that he was too young to remember anything about winter time. Well, the truth is I miss Winter air too. Snow is another thing but breathing the cold air is happiness for me.

And it’s been 10+ years since I last see them (cos watching Frozen on movie theatre doesn’t count).

It’s Winter for us, then. Cheaper too. When it comes to price of our return ticket, there was 50% gap between the two seasons. Winter being cheaper. With the two of us, a 50% gap combined equals to another return ticket. So Winter it is.

Counting in school holidays and Christmas – New Year day offs I can take from work, we finally settled for December 31st departure. New Year’s on the plane didn’t sound as bad. And in reality, it wasn’t that bad. We flew Garuda Indonesia (our national airline). Hats and party equipments are available to cheer for New Year, 30 minutes after our boarding time. Once in a lifetime indeed. 

Question #2: WHERE?

If I can redo my itinerary, I wouldn’t pack so many tourists spot on one week. It’s either Seoul, with a side trip to Sorak Mountain and Sokcho or Busan with a few days in Jeju. The thing is we never know if we’ll go again.

On second thought, we’ll go again. This trip, we had to scrap off “Train to Busan” from our itinerary in exchange with a day in Everland.

So, I would recommend you to start your K-itinerary with Seoul. Because there are so many things you can see in Seoul and you can filled a week worth of activities by being in and around Seoul. Stroll through the different neighborhoods and theme parks, the palaces and the shopping areas. Give Nami island a day or book an early morning bus trip to Sokcho, visit Mount Sorak and return to Seoul the next day.

With Winter, and thanks to the recent Olympics, trains are available from that part of South Korea. The ski resorts are within reach too. Wish I had known these things before scrambling to visit everything. But again, we didn’t know if we ever will come back to South Korea. So at least we’ve been to Jeju, to Sorak and everywhere in Seoul.

Question #3: HOW MUCH?

This is a little hard to justify because I can only speak for departures from Jakarta. But I bought my tickets at a travel fair, which cost me half the regular return ticket price. There are budget airlines with similar price of the Garuda Indonesia ticket I purchased. I wouldn’t recommend them because Garuda Indonesia flies non-stop to South Korea, a 6-7 hours trip.  Some of the budget airlines schedule includes an overnight stop at either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Although it won’t be a problem with me and Andrew, I wouldn’t recommend them for family travel in general.

Yes, ticket-hunting is a must for us.

Tickets on hand, now it’s time to talk about accommodation. It’s best to book them 1-2 months in advance to ensure you get the best prices possible. Check on local festivals and avoid them if you’re not planning to participate. Check everything. A hotel in Dongdaemun isn’t always more expensive than Myeongdong. Look at different hotels, check the facilities and see how much a room without breakfast is. Also check if they have deals on extra nights. I figured that 4 nights in a Dongdaemun hotel are cheaper than others I browsed through because they had this 3+1 discount night. 

Food in South Korea depends on where you dine. My favorite mini market Gimbab cost about 2000KRW. I’m addicted to them and always have them in my backpack. The Onigiri is around 900 – 1000KRW. But I traveled with a bunch of Asian families (including Andrew) and we had to search for rice along with Lotteria fried chicken we ordered. The microwaved rice bowls are 1000 to 1500KRW each at mini market. Eating in restaurants can be costly. Pork noddle (guksu) in Jeju cost 9000 – 10,000KRW while Rose Latte in Insadong cost 6500KRW. A portion of fried chicken (shared among us) cost 24,000 – 26,000KRW. I personally love going to Lottemart and shop for bread, pork cutlets, milk and the so-called food supplies. Pack sandwiches for lunch or dinner on the go. It cuts your food cost and save you time cos you don’t have to stop and eat while you, for example, browse through Myeongdong.

So it depends. 

Well, we managed to round up a 10-day trip to South Korea (including 3-day in Jeju). It costs us roughly 15 million Rupiahs (a little over 1000USD) for two persons sharing hotel rooms, excluding meals, attraction tickets and personal shopping.

Unfortunately, 10 days aren’t enough. We want to go another round to Busan. Hopefully sometime soon, and in a different season.

The Fun Rides of Legoland Malaysia

We arrived with the assumption that Legoland is for small children and Dudu is too old for the rides. So, we didn’t expect much even after we were there by the gate that morning, especially when we just stopped by Universal Studios the previous day.

But you don’t have to be as cool to be lovable. Universal Studios may be awesome, but Legoland has a different kind of charm. Even for non-Lego enthusiasts like us. We spent half day at the water park and another half at theme park with lunch break in between. It was fun and if Universal Studios is done in a day, this one needs extension. At least one for each.

But before we go into our favorite rides in Legoland, let me share that the theme park online ticketing service is real friendly and helpful. I ordered my tickets through their official website but the e-ticket didn’t arrive in my mailbox. I emailed them and they helped track down my tickets, re-sending them in no time. So we’re able to depart in peace. The price is also competitive. I bought it on the official website because believe it or not, it’s the cheapest I can found after comparing with several travel agents and websites.

According to its official website, 1-day theme park pass is RM156 (or around Rp.480k) if you book 7 days in advance.

The website has also been helpful in providing information regarding how to reach the place from Singapore by bus so I didn’t have to look anywhere else.

Legoland Malaysia is thrilling as well as educational. It’s less crowded than Universal Studios, so we spend more time playing and enjoying the park rather than standing on the line haha. We can play as many times as we want without worrying about the line or the other people. 

The 2 A.M. Big Bad Wolf Book Run

I have a love-hate relationship with my hometown. One of the reasons is that living in Jakarta is never boring. You always have something to do, even in the middle of the night. We have two long weekends in a row where public holidays fall on Monday. And we have that 24-hour Big Bad Wolf Book sale. Perfect.

Despite being not as enthusiastic as when the Big Bad Wolf first came last year with their books, I pushed myself to go. Mainly because last year we found Garfield comics and hoping this year the book collection would be as interesting. But the reviews had come back with long queue reports, especially on the cashier area. The only time to go is hours before dawn. So I threw the offer of “stay up all night” to Dudu and to my surprise, he agreed.

The Batik Village of Laweyan, Hidden Treasure Behind Surakarta's Street

In many of our frequent visit to Solo, we found a Kampung Batik (Batik Village) hidden behind the city’s main roads. Solo is dubbed the City of Batik, as written upon arrival at Adi Soemarmo Airport. So one morning, when Dudu is busy swimming at the hotel with the cousins, I went with the moms to Kampung Batik Laweyan.

“Where do you want to go, Ma’am?” The taxi driver asked. Apparently Kampung Batik Laweyan consists of different shops and stores stretched along the long yet narrow street. Because we arrived by car, the driver took us to a shop called Batik Putra Begawan, accessible by car and have several parking spaces. From the store, we can either walk or take a tricycle to different shops in the area. The Batik shops are practically next to one another, selling different Batik items in different shape and sizes. From the air-conditioned modern store like Batik Putra Begawan that we went into, to the one inside a traditional Javanese Joglo houses. Some of the shops are located inside small alleys, fit only for pedestrians and bicycle, right next to Batik workshops. Unfortunately, the workshops are having their day off on Sundays and I was there on Sunday morning. Otherwise, visitors can learn more about Batik’s creation process and watch how the painted ones are made.

Hong Kong Beyond the City Lights: Geoparks Dream

Hong Kong is on our bucket list. No, it's not because Dudu saw it on Transformers. It's because my only visit to Hong Kong was almost two decades ago. Needless to say I only can vaguely remember the city. I remember there's a region called Tsim Sha Tsui, there's this train going uphill with a Madame Tussaud on top. I'm pretty sure the happiest place in earth hadn't opened its doors in Hong Kong then.

But that's about it.

So, despite having been to Hong Kong i couldn't write about the places I go. This post is written as a participant to #WegoDiscoverHK blog contest and I'll be taking the outsider point of view, talking as if I've never been to the city.

Back then, it was a standard tourist visit, as I went with an arranged tour group from Indonesia with my aunt and cousin. We probably went where everyone went. Now that I've visited few other countries out there, I realize there's always something more to a destination that what's offered on your local travel agents offered. 

The other day, I was surprised to see this picture on my instagram feeds. I captured the scene before it went away. For me, who always thought that Hong Kong is identical with scrumptious dishes and city lights, something as naturally scenic as this is a pleasant surprise. Especially when my current travelmate, Dudu, is an adventurous outdoor boy. I figured if there's something this pretty, there should be more to Hong Kong than the skyscrapers have to offer. Of course something like Disneyland or Ocean Park is tempting and we do want to spend a day or two there, but we decided to look around. We found this interesting site.

Jakarta Toys and Comics Fair 2017

In the midst of Lego Batman craze, let’s just say the Power Rangers stole the Jakarta Toys and Comics Fair weekend. Or at least that’s what we thought. The event at Balai Kartini Jakarta has been a regular date destination. We’d make time for a few hours, checking out toys, and if we’re lucky we’d go home with a few new friends for Dudu’s action figure collection.

The 13th Annual Jakarta Toys and Comics Fair (2017)
When: 11-12 February 2017
Where: Kartika Expo, Balai Kartini, Jakarta
Admission: Rp.50,000 (Presale Rp.45,000)

This year, the event arrived a little early, just few days shy of The Lego Batman Movie premiere on local movie theatre in mid-February. But when I propose the schedule to Dudu, he read on and decided for day two. “I want to see Power Rangers,” he reasoned. A valid one because, well, he’s been into Power Rangers for a while. Plus, the movie is coming out and he’s been watching the trailer dilligently on Youtube. So, when a Power Ranger cosplay/live action is scheduled for day two at 1 PM, there we are.

Best Date of 2016

Where have we gone on a date last year? As I tried to write this post, I was struggling through the post I’ve written on the other blog as well as pictures for posts we’ve yet to write about. It’s hard to pick the best of because each adventure is unique. There’s always a new story, a new thing to learn even if we’re visiting the same place. So in the middle of my writer’s block, I asked Dudu about last year.

Mama: Best Travel of 2016?
Dudu: Hm…
Mama: Train to Malang?
Dudu: It was last year?
Mama: Yeah.
Dudu: That was memorable.
Mama: Singapore and Legoland Playdate?
Dudu: That was so much fun too.
Mama: Universal Studios Halloween?
Dudu: That’s scary, but I love it!
Mama: So which one?
Dudu: Do I have to pick? Can we just write about all three?
Mama: Okay, now can you write about why each one is the best of 2016?
Dudu: WHAT?

Here are the winners!

Visiting the Future World at ArtScience Museum Singapore

It’s another day at Singapore immigration. A Sunday afternoon, when we line up with a bunch of other people, catching a flight out. My cousins, one of them is Andrew’s favorite uncle, dropped us off a few minutes earlier. We haven’t passed the border when Andrew asked: “when are we going back to Singapore?”

“Soon,” I replied. “When ArtScience Museum changes it exhibition.” Which by the time I wrote this entry, Big Bang Data had wrapped up and supposedly continues its journey somewhere else. So, it’s time for us to plan another Singapore trip.

The hand-shaped museum at one corner of Marina Bay Sands is the newest addition to our favorite dating place in Singapore. Its changing exhibitions, touch-and-feel as well as interactive sections always keep the children busy. It’s a museum alright, but a family friendly one. Something we’re always longing for on our weekend dates. Anyway, we arrived at theArtScience Museum on Friday noon, me and two tweens (Andrew and my cousin Audrey).

First we have to line up and it took us about 15 minutes to reach purchase the tickets. Ticket counter is now located at the basement (which is where Big Bang Data and The Future World also located) and the lobby has transformed into an exciting-looking café we would try next time. I paid my tickets and the kids got in for free. It’s Family Friday at the museum, where up to 4 children younger than 12 can enter for free with a paying adult. So it’s a real bargain when you pay SGD 30 for 3 people (kids ticket alone costs about SGD 19 each) to explore all three exhibitions in the museum.

How to reach ArtScience Museum? Took the MRT to Bayfront Station, exit Marina Bay Sands and follow signs to the museum. There are buses too, just find one that stops at Marina Bay Sands.

The Future World is recommended by many, but the lady at the ticket counter said that the exhibition is timed and the next admission would be at 1PM. We’re roughly 50 minutes away, so we decided to turn left from the elevator and entered Big Bang Data.

The Best (Gyu)don Search: A Tale of Two Cities

“Gyudon is rice, with meat and half-cooked egg on top. It’s salty, well, it’s delicious.” ~Andrew

This past year, the” Gyudon” has become an important part of our life. The obsession with meat and raw/half-boiled egg yolk on top of a bowl of rice started with a family brunch at Sumire Yakitori House in Singapore. Located in Bugis, the Japanese restaurant was first discovered by Andrew’s uncle and aunt who reside in our favorite city-country. They stopped by there after church on Sundays and found the small restaurant delicious as well as homey. So there we were, trying out their menu.

Their most delicious dish is called Stamina Don, stir fry pork belly rice with homemade ginger sauce and raw egg yolk. On our second visit to the restaurant, Andrew ordered two bowls and finished them out in no time. Andrew, needless to say, fell in love with their don and upon returning to Indonesia looked for a similar flavor with no match so far. Maybe because it’s pork? But I’m the kind of person who doesn’t believe that a single ingredient can make that big of a difference. It has to be the whole combination.

Stamina Don of Sumire

Pushing Start Button

I remember playing video games with my siblings when I was young. It always started with pushing the start button. You pushed it when you're ready to start playing.

My game doesn't have a start button. It just played and I had to "survive" the levels. Ready or not, the game is on. Although for those who knew me and Dudu, the word "survive" is an extreme exaggeration. And as you read this blog, you probably realize that too. The only thing we have to survive is a school subject called mathematics haha. 

Our adventure game has only two players: Mama and Dudu. Just like Mario and Luigi, Sonic and Tails, Donkey Kong and Diddy, Zombie and ... Kpop? Oh well. We went through hills and mountain, through jungle and collecting coins as we stroll along. That's why it was a date, and has always been a date until today. I blogged for the sake of keeping track and updating people about our life, especially those who happen to be far away. Entering the 10th year, I realize that our dates need a blog of its own. 

I love going places and my parents are probably aware that their only daughter prefers to be on the road than home. I would jump on the first plane that took me anywhere. Planes, unfortunately it's not trains or buses or cars. My son, on the other hand, is a real homeboy. Despite being so kind-hearted to follow his Mama around, he would prefer staying home, watching DVD or playing video games. We found peace somewhere in the middle and this blog is the witness.

Dudu was born in the United States of America, in a small town called Columbia. He moved to Indonesia when he was a toddler and settled down in suburban South Jakarta. When he started school, we moved north of the city center and started a new life in a high-rise building. Since then Dudu had his own 5-star-rating for hotels we stayed in, which include the panoramic view from the window. 

The requirements are:

1. Wi-fi, preferable in the room as well.
2. Swimming pool. 
3. Staying above the first floor.
4. Great view from the window (to town, city, beach, mountain, etc). 
5. Bath tub in the bathroom.

Bonus star if the room has connecting door, if we're travelling with other family members or friends.

Oh, we have a 'third wheel' tagging along sometimes. The 30-year old teddy bear, mistakenly being called "Panda" who loves to play tennis and staying away from sunshine so he's not tan. See, we don't mind company. Panda just started his own instagram account. so please check it out.

Unlike my own adventure, this blog has a start button. I bought the domain when I'm ready and pretty much determined to consistently post on my blog. We already passed 10 levels without losing much of life, I hope we can pass the rest. So you'll find the old post written (or translated from my other blog) before this so-called "first post of the dotcom." I like to think of it as reminiscing journey back in time, a record of how we passed the previous levels. 

So, welcome on board. Don't forget to fasten your seat belt. The flotation devices are under your seat. Hope you enjoy the flight.

Battle of The Toys 2016

There’s a motorcycle parked up front the Battle of Toys gate, right before the ticket checking line. A motorcycle that looks familiar. Dudu took a pose with it, he asked. Then I told him it’s Belalang Tempur (literally means Combat Grasshopper), Kamen Rider Black’s motorcycle. He had no idea who they were, as clueless as I am about the event.

Dudu and Belalang Tempur

We’ve been to toys fair regularly, be it a paid event or the smaller free-of-charge ones at shopping malls. But we never know what to expect from these events. Over the years, we’ve been regular visitors of Jakarta Toys and Comic Fair, which was held in March, but recently there are plenty of similar events held around town. One of them is this Battle of Toys, which was held at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta in August 2016.

Overnight StayThe Sunan Hotel Solo

There’s always first time for everything. Been going back and forth to Java several times, this was the first time we flew in to Adi Sumarmo Airport in Solo. My first time to book the hotel through a mobile application as well. It’s Sunan Hotel, Solo. Our first time staying there and it seems like we’re going to return one day. Why? Check out our reasons below. 

Service and Check-in
We’re in town for a cousin’s wedding. So we flew in on the first flight and arrived at the hotel around 9AM, way before the designated check in time. However, the friendly receptionist at The Sunan Hotel registered us in, so that after we returned from the wedding ceremony at the church we can just ask for the key and entered our room without going through the administration process. I was once told that check-in duration is an important review factor. Well, if that’s true, then this hotel is included on the fast, hassle-free category. I ordered the room through Traveloka, and I don’t print out the confirmation page. The Sunan Hotel Solo is already familiar with the digital world and I only have to mention the name used for booking plus a valid government ID and we’re set for check in in no time.

Jakarta Toys and Comics Fair 2016

Arriving at noon, we're welcomed by traffic jam entering the area. So we turned left and parked at the building next door. The walk wasn't too bad although it was quite hot. At Balai Kartini, there was no line to buy tickets and go inside. The on-the-spot tickets were Rp. 40,000 each. We got stamped at the door and the adventure begins.

"Let's find map, Mom." What for, I asked. "I want to know which booths sell action figures."

The 16-Hour Train Ride with Gajayana

What would you do if someone offered you a ticket to hop on a 16-hour train ride across the Java island? Well, we took it right away. It was like an impulse buying, but it wasn’t the expensive dress you regret once you’re at home. It was one unforgettable journey.

Despite many road trips I have had taken throughout the years, I've only been once on train rides and it was back in middle school. Only a two-hour sleuth to Bandung. So 16 hours sounded like a crazy idea at first. Our fellow travel mate asked “what would the children do during that 16 hours?” Gadgets, believe it or not, have their limits. Books may not hold and train car isn’t a place for hide and seek and other outdoor games. Then comes the other question of dinner and breakfast.

But we departed anyway. So here’s the beginning of our extended weekend journey to Batu, East Java. We took a 5.45 PM Gajayana train ride from Gambir Station, Jakarta. Passing through 16 stations including Cirebon, then moving south through Purwokerto, Jogjakarta, Solo, Madiun and Kediri.

Cocorico: Romantic Dinner with A View

When I asked Andrew what he remembered from Cocorico Cafe Bandung, he immediately answered “The view is awesome and it’s cool even without air conditioner.” I have to agree.

​Located in Dago, this place is known for the view. It took us around an hour drive from where we stay at Geger Kalong because of the traffic. Well, Bandung isn’t as big as Jakarta, but sometimes traffic is as annoying.The return trip is much faster. Andrew was sleeping in the car when we hike in and it was a little too late for dinner anyway. He grumbled when I woke him up but found himself excited with the cool breeze and eventually the view from the top. Jack Frost can’t resist the cold.