Go Where Fashion Sits

I'm travelling back to Jakarta tomorrow.

Since the bombings, Indonesia has become a restricted country meaning that I need a lot more approvals to travel there. I need to be met at the airport by a company official, use pre-arranged transport, inform the local country if I go anywhere outside the hotel and only use nominated transport. We are not allowed to stay at US-owned hotels, either.

All it does is adds time and bureaucracy to my plans. It doesn't add safety. And I certainly ain't getting met at the airport or calling security to tell them I've gone shopping for valium. Of course I'd tell them it was a pair of jeans but even still.

Here is my interaction with the travel agent today:

To my secretary:

good morning.

i need to travel to jakarta tomorrow.

could you please book for me?

returning saturday 08/08

i am getting the approvals through now.

thanks

Back from the travel agent:

Dear Anthony,

Please check air booking below then advise which hotel you prefer to make reservation ?

From me:

Yes please confirm these flights.

I understand that the 4 Seasons is an approved hotel?

If yes, could you please book me to stay at the 4 Seasons? If no, please book the Shangri La Hotel.

[I've never stayed in a 4 Seasons. I don't care if it's American owned. I want to know what their shampoos are like and am prepared to be bombed in the process ... well ... I lived a little.]

From travel agent:

Hi Anthony, Shangri La & Four Season are fully book with the corporate rate offer.

Could you stay in with Swissotel?

From me:

The Swissotel is scabby.

I believe that the Ritz Carlton has recently reopened after it was bombed.

Please book me in there. I'm sure they will have plenty of space. And al fresco dining.

[I knew she wouldn't get the scabby or al fresco comments but they had to be said.]

So I'm off to the Ritz tomorrow! I'm so excited.

I hope the new head chef at the breakfast room is competent. I wonder if they promoted from within?

That last comment was in incredibly bad taste. I think my blog is being hacked.