People
Jakarta, part II: getting a cab in Jakarta
In my last post, I talked about how happening Jakarta is. And after mingling with 1,500 bloggers in only one day, I was spoilt for choice for my late night entertainment, Jakarta-style. But how do you get to places? One way is getting taxi, but it has its challenges. If you’re lucky, you will... »
Jakarta, part I: Journalism, Writing, and Jakarta
Everyone who has been to Jakarta knows this feeling; that heavy, hot, humid air that hits you as soon as you step out of the airplane. Then, as soon as you step out of the airport, a taxi awaits to pummel your bodily breathing apparatuses with extra-cold air conditioner. A contrast of the senses... »
Indonesian Bloggers Festival 2009
The Indonesian Bloggers Festival is coming up! Tomorrow, an aeroplane will fly away from all this cold crazy Melbourne weather to land on the airstrip of the humid hot crazy Jakarta weather, with me in it. Just a background on the festival: this is the third Indonesian bloggers festival. The first one, which was... »
High Vibes 2009
September. Sunlight. Oh how I love thee. After a painful trip to the snow, I took a chance with what is looking like a good Melbourne day to visit High Vibes 2009 in Northcote. One of my favorite local bands, Flap!, is also playing. Northcote At the tail end of the 19th century, the... »
Reporting Home
That day, the torrentous rain in Melbourne gently reminds me of home. I was inside my workplace in Southbank, looking out to Melbourne’s darkened sky. My mother had just sent me an sms: “Everyone is ok, but the walls of the house are cracked. Books all over the floor.” The rain was the type... »