This morning we were up bright and early as usual, but had no chance to go for a morning walk as I had to make an early trip to Immigration in Mampang for my visa yet again. When I first arrived in Jakarta in 2009 I used to have to fly to Singapore every month to renew my tourist visa as I had no idea how to stay otherwise. Then the rules changed for Tourist Visas from 30 to 60 days, but you needed to visit Immigration after 30 days to renew it instead of flying out of the country. I remember going into the Immigration offices and it was completely intimidating going alone, not being able to speak the language or read any signs, and there was no order in the chaos, the place was crowded and you just had to push and wave your arms and money around to get any attention and I used to leave dripping in sweat, confused, and hoping I had successfully extended my visa again. I cannot even tell you how many trips to Singapore I have made in all these years, but in the end I was flying to Singapore airport and getting straight back on a plane to Jakarta without stepping outside as I couldn’t bare to go near Orchard Road yet again. How times have changed, the Immigration offices have been rebuilt, it is not anywhere near as crowded, there are systems in place for queuing, security, and loads of agents who are willing to do the work for you. Today was just a quick visit to get my photo taken and finger prints taken yet again and it was all done within 30 minutes and I was home, pain free!
When I returned home I opened my email to find a message from the lovely Kaho from Chuzai Living blog who is now living in Mumbai. About a year ago, Kaho had a bloggers gathering before she left Jakarta but I missed out on attending and meeting her in person as I was too sick with my pregnancy, and today she sent me through a list of all those that attended. Wow! Somehow I lost hours today checking out all the amazing blogs and photos online and reading so many stories from other bloggers in Jakarta and I now feel like this blog needs to find some direction and have a facelift! I have barely changed it since we started it in 2010 and I know it’s time for a change and renewal on life! I am a little sad that the 100 days is almost at an end though as it’s been fun to record my days for the last few months. So a huge shout out and THANK YOU to lovely Kaho for all the new connections and be sure to check out her blog if you have time at www.chuzailiving.com.
It poured with rain all afternoon but Samudra and I joined kakek for a visit to the apartment to install the new surround sound system and then listened to some great music from Istanbul which Samudra loved dancing to.
It was a day of happiness and inspiration reading all the stories from different women blogging around Jakarta and I am so grateful as this is just what I needed to get my head and heart back on track again!
I hope you had a beautiful day wherever in the world you are too.
Day 94: My beautiful peaceful sleeping boy. Happiness.
Day 94: I love these chubby legs! Happiness.
Day 94: Watching the rain with kakek. Happiness.
Day 94: Enjoying the apartment view with kakek. Happiness.
