What the f*** just happened?

Woke up to my day 1 of Indonesia. My first impression of the country was 'Wauw, what a STUNNING place!' Next impression 'WTF! 14 US$ for a room?!!' Got it anyway, having no where else to go and the sun almost setting.
Apperently I'd come to a town where accomodation was expensive, no one was speaking english and I had no idea where to get travellers information. No other backpackers in sight. I was in the middle of nowhere. So, I was pretty much ready to move on right away and go to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia.

Originally I wanted to take the 17 hour boat. I wanted to try a new travel style. Unfortunately the boat didn't set off any day soon, getting me stucked with the 30 hours busride. My hotel kindly arranged for at taxi to drive me to the busstation for 5.000 rupiah (3 DKK.). When we arrived the driver wanted 50.000. Typical. Not the first time I've seen this trick. Fortunately I grew up travelling and watching my parents get out of the situation. My dad always told me to give the driver what you think is fair, smile and leave. No arguing. I did. And he followed. Yelled at me the whole way into the bus station. Still wasn't surprised. Ignored him.

At the bus station, the man at the counter told me an insane price for the ticket to Jakarta. I immediately went into his office, looked the price up myself in his papers and of course he had tried to extremely overcharge me. Even caught in action, he would not sell the ticket to me at the right price. No one spoke english, only the great art of signlanguage and yelling. Lovely. Was stucked in the middle of nowhere, couldn’t neither stay og leave without paying a fortune. The taxi driver still yelling directly into my head at a very high volume, wasn't helpful to the situation at all.

How it all ended? Took a deep breath, looked him into the eyes, firmly expressed myself ('FUCK YOU!') and then walked the hell out of there! He followed me for a while, but then gave up. He never accepted my 5.000 rupiah.

I was so furious and pissed off at the whole country. In my anger I asked some policemen how I could get to the airport, so I could leave this shitty place as fast as possible (the last thought I kept inside my head). They were extremely kind to me, telling me to wait here for the public (very cheap) bus to pick me up. While waiting, a man offered me a ride on the back of his motorcycle. I accepted right away! An hour later I was back in the airport.

So now what? Indonesia or somewhere new? I compared prices and talked to travellers who had been in the country for a while. Looking at how much money I had spend getting to Indoneasia I should tell myself to stay. But hearing about the prices of accomodation in this country and about how Bali was packed with families and honeymoon couples, I booked the first plane to Thailand; the easiest country to travel in, in all Asia.

I love how I have all my stuff on my back, always ready to move and that I don't have to confirm with anyone about my changeble mind. I thank myself for never listening to what i should do, but instead do what I want to do!

Try it! You'll feel alive!

Maj

- PHOTO # 1: Me on the back of Bins motorcycle.
- PHOTO # 2: My first meeting with Indonesia was incredible!
- PHOTO # 3: In Indonesia everyone is a millionaire.
- PHOTO # 4: This policeman saved my day!
- PHOTO # 5: Starbucks. Free internet. This is where I spended my night, waiting for the next day plane to Bangkok.