Jakarta, Indonesia - Nov 01, 2011

Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Located on the northwest coast of Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River on the Jakarta Bay, an inlet of the Java Sea. Jakarta has an area of 661 square kilometers and a population of approximately ten million. Jakarta lies in a low, flat basin averaging 7 meters above sea level, 40% of Jakarta, particularly the northern areas, is below sea level, while the southern parts are comparatively hilly. It is the most populous city in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia, and the tenth-largest city in the World. Total population of Indonesia is somewhere between 250 million and 280 million, depending on who your asking (I know this simple difference of about 30 million is about our entire population).

Our day began sitting in the bay holding area with thousands of other ships, freighters etc. (yes, thousands), our necessary pilot was a no show - Our Captain was not impressed. An hour and a half delay later and we on our tour, now for us it was not a big deal as our tour was 5 hours so we were going to do the tour and just stay the afternoon on board. We felt for the Indonesian crew on board that had family driving up to 6 hours to visit with their loved ones on board. Some only see there families once a year for a few months including some not even being home for the birth of their children, some had a bundle of joy that they saw live for the first time - so this delay was very unfortunate for them.

The Flag of Indonesia and on of the many ships in the harbour, this on simple fishing vessel.

 A local group cam in to welcome us - very nice.

 The scooters and motorcycles are here in a big way...

 The National Monument with its 50 kilogram gold top, the President’s house and then off to the National Museum. Many of the artifacts here came from Borobudor in Samarang, a UNESCO site we are visiting tomorrow.

 Then off to visit the Wayang Puppet Theater to get some of the history on the Wayang puppets along with a brief demonstration show - fun.

 Some sights of the city.

 With traffic being so congested to get us back to the ship on time we had our our police escort system, pretty cool we felt like VIPs moving through town - Holland America really does take care of us.

 Back at the ship for some tearful goodbyes...

Tip or comment of the day. Ten million people here in this hot, hot, hot and humid city, maybe because we are obvious visitors but we were met with huge smiles and waves from everyone from truckers on the road to the crazy people on the scooters. From what I have seen is that they are very family and friend oriented and despite the crowds everyone is so friendly to each other - so keep smiling and share yourself to your neighbours wherever they are.

Tomorrow, Samarang and the 8th century historical site of Borobudor. Hope you had a Happy Halloween.