I am struck speechless, trying to find words to describe my stay in Jakarta which began five days ago, on May 21, 2025. It seems a lifetime ago. My experiences and existence diametrically opposed to my solitary Penang existence by the sea.
One word suddenly came to mind that might describe my psychological state: discombobulate.
I discovered that it is a perfect word: is a fun, fancy word for “confuse.” “If something has put you in a state where you don’t know up from down and you can’t spell your own name, you may be discombobulated. Discombobulate kind of sounds like you feel when you’re disoriented: bouncing around in several directions at once:” Do love some of the synonyms: befuddle bewilder disconcert fluster.
Looking back at the events that have crowded my action packed life since my arrival – it is no wonder I am feeling befuddled and bewildered.
I am never met at airports – arrive, take a taxi most frequently, recently my Penang driver Din, then to my reserved hotel room or, breathing a sigh of relief, return to my solitary not quite splendor. Not this time, not at all.
I was greeted enthusiastically by Mohan’s baby sister, Baby and her friend of twenty years, Baby. We then climbed into an awaiting chariot, driven by Baby’s full-time, live in Chauffer affectionately called Baby Man. The chariot was a Lexus limo. Yes, a Lexus limo. Did not even know such a chariot existed. Listening to tunes we drove off, as much as one ever can drive off in Jakarta. The traffic is horrendous, no other word can describe it: extremely unpleasant, horrifying, or terrible. However, I had nothing to complain about. There I was, sipping my favorite beverage, listening to tunes and having a massage. The car seat gently soothing my back and seat. Needless to say it was unreal. What is the likelihood of that? Me an almost 82 year old woman, born in Saskatchewan??? I laugh as I write.
The JW Marriott was our destination. Courteously and efficiently was upgraded to the twentieth floor. Then to the Chinese Restaurant where we had a light repast of soup and dim sum. Avatar, (strange name that) the manager was SO gracious and charming, spending time chatting with us.
Then to bed – the next day was memorable and momentous. I had an appointment at the Canadian Embassy to renew my passport, this the first step to making Malaysia my second home. I was nervous, it seemed momentous as I was saying goodbye to my American affiliations. I shall gracefully receive my retirement income every month – but do not harbor any nostalgia for the years there and have absolutely no desire to return.
I do lead a blessed life. Proof? The Embassy staff that helped me was exceptional – so helpful, a total problem solver working within the strictest of parameters. I left, all paper work completed, money for the ten year renewal obtained with Shamir’s able assistance. Only remaining task was to obtain passport photos. That done and delivered. Passport will be processed in about three weeks. Baby will pick it up and possibly bring it to me in Penang.
See what I mean by blessed???
But then a downward spiral, definite hardship struck during the journey from Canadian embassy to Baby’s home. I became nauseous, looked about the back seat, fortuitously removed my computer from its bag and threw up my declines breakfast. It was horrible – of course a traffic jam. We arrived, found the nearest bathroom again throwing up – both ends in motion at the same time. Oh my goodness.
But then the benefits rained down. One of Baby’s maids massaged my feet, Baby gave me clothes to replace my smelly ones, gave me a computer bag, my clothes being washed. Later at toast and cheese specially prepared for me. Met Baby’s husband, had a long conversation with him about family dynamics and his life. He came from an affluent family but chose to do it on his own. He is enormously successful in his own right. Interesting phrase that: on your own right. On your own right is an idiom (also in its own right) because of your own ability, effort, or situation and not because of anyone or anything else: Used in a sentence: husband has money, but she’s wealthy in her own right.
Their home is enormous and well staffed. Their maids, Baby Man and others are considered part of their family. One young woman has a passport and travels with Baby on her foreign excursions. Then the long trip back to my hotel.
Still a little weak from the day before the next day had a light breakfast, then lunch at the sushi bar. I shall writing a foodie blog describing the food eaten at the restaurants found in this hotel. But for now will talk about the days that followed,
Jenny is the manager of a tailor shop in Jakarta – she lives above the shop so all is convenient for her. We visited the shop – I bought a beautiful black and white outfit, meters of batik fabric and ordered a shirt for Mohan, to make him look presentable. Hahaha Suddenly a man and his wife appeared at the door – greeted most enthusiastically as they have known one another for decades. The wife busily ordered shirts for her sons. The couple live on Bali – the husband retired. For some reason he is known as Judge. So he is Judge Bali in my Contacts. Haha They are here to celebrate the May 27 birthday of their son, these May birthdays are raining down upon us.
Saturday, May 24, 2025, began in usual fashion – an absolutely delicious breakfast at the breakfast buffet. Then it veered into the unusual upon my meeting Delaware Dennis. He, an older man (not as old as me but getting there) lives in Delaware, traveling extensively all over the world – visiting more than 100 countries. Somehow I was persuaded to do something and utterly uncharacteristic. I was convinced, with the help of a wonderful Marriott concierge to go on a Half Day Excursion of the Old City. It was not a tour bus crowded with tourists, climbing off and on. There were four of us – Delaware Dennis, me, the SUV driver and a knowledgeable gifted Muslim Indonesian tour guide woman. We drove around in style. Will include as a photo the itinerary so you can see for yourself. We did not go to lunch, instead went on an unforgettable tour of the Old Harbor. A vast collection of old wooden boats, many derelict. We splashed about, there was no road and much water. I became most nervous as I cannot swim. However, we survived and made it to stable land conditions. Cannot imagine two people more different than Delaware Dennis and Alexis McBride. We fought like cats and dogs not only during the tour but later at the Marriott where we returned for snacks. DD left the next morning for Singapore, probably never to be seen again. He was eager to return as he was home sick – I have no home – only one example of our dichotomy. (A dichotomy is a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.) We ended up laughing and joking with one another – he giving me advice about my ‘love life’. At one point, laughing in frustration, described me as an enigma surrounded by a riddle driven by a paradox. One HAS to look up the meaning of those words to appreciate its complexity.
An enigma is a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Synonyms are:riddle, conundrum, question mark, quandary, a closed book, brain-teaser, stumper.
A riddle is a question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning, typically presented as a game. Some synonyms are: brain-teaser, Chinese puzzle, unsolved problem, mystery, quandary, stumper.
A paradox is – a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities. Some synonyms: self-contradiction, anomaly, absurdity, oddity, oxymoron.
Substitute some of the synonyms and you shall be utterly and entirely confused. It was too mind boggling even for me. Hahaha
So I shall sign off, sending many photos of the the events of which I spoke.
