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.
