Jakarta, Indonesia - Nov 01, 2014

Jakarta has a vibrant and rich cultural history with a deep and fruitful relationship with the sea. This was once a trade gateway linking east to west, today's Jakarta megalopolis-city shows visitors glimpses of its long maritime history. Jakarta, was initially set up as a port of Sunda Kelapa by the Hindu Kingdom of Sunda in the 5th century, designed to develop a vibrant sea trade for the realm. The port flourished and attracted maritime investors from many nations, including, the Portuguese, Dutch and British where it became a major sea port in the moving of spices.

Fast forward to today where Holland America Line has an incredible relationship with people of Indonesia as many of the crew working on board work their way through the Holland America school to work on these beautiful ships. HAL also recognizes the ten month contract commitments that is has with their crew by giving the families a chance to see what their, son, daughter, uncle, aunt, cousin etc. does on board by allowing them to board during the ports of call at these Indonesian ports - in our case this cruise, Jakarta and Bali. So today was no exception as we had over 900 family and friends of the crew visiting the ship - amazing. Tears of hello and tears of goodbye when we departed filled many an eye.

For us, our third of fourth time visiting here, our stop in Jakarta is more about the families of the crew and a rest stop rather than a running around to many of the sights we have already seen. Jakarta is busy and the traffic is crazy, add to that heat and humidity and there is only one thing that I like to do in Jakarta and that is go to the Mall of Indonesia and play like a local. The Mall of Indonesia is the mall next to Mall the shuttle bus drops you off at - so facing the shuttle bus mall, walk five minutes to your right, it sits amongst many apartment complexes. For a great massage go to Lobby 7 and up to the second floor, to a wonderful place named Tsinghua Nano Indonesia. This Spa Utopia type massage spa is beautiful, with waterfalls, flowers and fountains. Hidden behind the reception desk there is probably about 40 foot reflexology chairs, a great change room (with lockers) a lounge and then about 50 separate private massage rooms - this place is hugh yet intimate. Costs, well here lies in the hook, for a good Thai type massage with oil will run you a buck every 10 minutes. Jan had a ninety minute massage for $9.00 US, while I went for the full two hour massage for $12.00 US. so with tip, all in $30 bucks, not bad. Oh and my massage person cleared up my lower back issue along with the beginnings of a sciatic nerve problem, yup, I am a happy guy.

We then had some post massage Starbucks cappuccinos and a tour of the mall where we were looked at like aliens or rock stars, you pick, we did some minor shopping before heading back for the 3:30 shuttle back to the ship. One couple that are getting married, came up to us and ask to have their pictures taken with them as one of the wedding game tasks was to have a picture taken with a stranger - well they hit the jackpot with us.

Finally, sail away was an emotional time for both the crew on board and the friends and families waving goodbye on shore. Some of which had seen their offspring for the very first time. We had a very nice and relaxing day here as our rest port day. This last picture on this upload is interesting as at dinner tonight I learned about this type of fishing. During the day they work to get the nets all ready around the fishing vessel, then before dark they drop them in the water. At night they out on the lights which attracts the fish so at dawn they bring up he nets and have a great catch - hmm, is that cheating???

Hope you enjoy our pictures of out day out as a local...