Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta, Java, Indonesia
February
25, 2025
A melting
pot of Indonesian cultures, Jakarta has been important to trade since the 4th
century. The Dutch arrived in 1619 to
establish the Dutch East Indies. During
the Japanese occupation of WW II, the Dutch were expelled and the city took its
current name which it retained after independence.
We took a
drive through Jakarta’s old quarter, Old Batavia, and stopped in the town
square. Note the pink bicycle – you can
rent them from these nice ladies right in the square!
We walked from
there to the Museum Wayang to view its fascinating collection of puppets and to
take in the shadow puppet performance (Wayang Kulit – shadow puppetry). This
art form has been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The next day, we went to a nearby shopping center where Jim was able to find the first Starbucks he could visit since boarding back in December!! He was in 7th Heaven! We particularly enjoyed the little sayings/advice on each cup. Jim’s is pictured below.
Jim was
fascinated by the “taxis” that were available for the more adventurous souls –
the green-jacketed scooter drivers who would gladly take you to your
destination on their bikes!
Finally, it
was back to the ship for a farewell to our Cruise Director, Matt Morgan, who
has been on board since our arrival. The cruise director is responsible for the
day-to-day activities, the shows, and pretty much all the onboard activities.
Matt has been fantastic and we will all miss him. So, the new Cruise Director
has some big shoes to fill!!!
Next, on to
Singapore!!
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