I was on a business trip to Jakarta. I also managed to meet up a former classmate, Arif, and stayed with him and his family after that. Next year, it will be 10 years since we first met, then I can describe him as an old classmate.
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| Interior view of a new mall called Kota Kasablanka |
My friend, Arif, asked me what I wanted for lunch. I told him that I needed a light meal as I was coughing. We had Japanese noodle at Kota Kasablanka.
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| Keropok found in the best seafood restaurant in North Jakarta. |
Arif's dad invited me to dinner with his brother's family. When I heard that we were going back to the seafood place at North Jakarta, I abandoned my requests for a light meal. Arif could not stop laughing.
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| Kiddy Rides met Motorbike |
Arif brought me to his father's tailor (and now it is his tailor) to make a suit for his wife's convocation. As I awaited for him to get his measurements done up, I noticed the man with the kiddy rides. An interesting sight to behold.
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| Kampong Lunch |
Arif's office was located in another kampong within Jakarta. He was busy and always on the phone. This lunch reminded me of my days in Karawang when I was working for JVC. It was simple dish of rice, with tofu and deep fried beans. There was also a small piece of chicken meat. The chilli was hot beyond description but I still had to have a bit despite nursing the cough.
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| At the Departure Gate |
I text Arif to thank him and his family for their warm hospitality. It gave me another view of Jakarta from Arif. He kept mentioning that he was staying in a kampong; we were eating kampong lunch. This last part of the trip gave me a very different perspective of Jakarta. This was very far from the type that I am used to whenever I am on a business trip in Jakarta - the hotel, the mall, the food court. Life is about people, friendship and eating together.
