1. Semen all over Jalan Sutan Syahrir
"Semen" is the Indonesian word for "cement" and t
axis in Jakarta advertise it on signs above their number plates.
I chuckle every time I see it ... because whatever way you look at it ... it's a funny thing to advertise on the back of a taxi.
Who is buying all this semen? That's what I wanna know.
2. Out of the Woodwork: Sogo Department Store, Plaza Senayan
How many shop assistants and security personnel does it take to sell a single dvd player?
The answer to that question is ... drum roll ...
"Itwilleventuallytake9".
The above sales process was kicked off by a single, rogue Sales Assistant. He was Squite capable of handling all aspects of the DVD Player purchase, even when it became complicated by a sub woofer and a set of speakersit.
Nevertheless, back-up soon arrived.
Various other Shop Assistants started appearing from nowhere. Most of them would pace around a bit before settling on a spot to stand. They remained in place staring at the goings-on, making eye contact and smiling.
I got the urge to start feeding them.
When you buy something large in Jakarta you don't have pack it up. You don't have carry it. You don't have to anything it. People do all that for you.
You are even free to in a bit of window shopping around the mall and they will trail behind you, lugging the purchases. I don't quite have the heart to do this, but I know 2 girls at my gym who wouldn't have an issue. They take their maids with them to the gym. The maids stay a few steps behind, carry their gym bags to the lockers, while the girls trot ahead gossiping and supping on Gatorade.
2 friendly peasants in khaki uniforms appeared from nowhere to pack, carry and stalk what had turned into an expensive home theatre.
So really it was 11.
3. Plaza Indonesia - Obligatory Nanny Shot.
The nanny stays back (10 steps) to babysit the balloon while the child enjoys quality escalator time with its parents.
4. Hacky Sacks: Mall eX
When current affairs, terrorism and retail advertising come together the results are breathtaking.
I wonder if it draws a crowd when they cut them down?
5. The new keyboard
If you look closely at my recent key restructure, it is a little nauseating.
6. Smoking Lives
Marlboro is the proud sponsor of many an event in Indonesia.
It's quite strange how quickly this type of thing has come to look ... umm ... quite strange.
7. Sunset cocktails at Ku De Ta, Bali
8. A wall of baby
I don't know what creeps me out more ... Justin Bieber himself or people I know who have never heard of him.
They pretend not to care about such fads, but these same people end up tapping their feet and humming along to "Baby" at the gym. How can you protect yourself if you're not informed?
This bookshelf had 5 books dedicated to Bieber - 3 biographies, 1 photo montage and an autobiography.
Juzzie must have many a tale to tell. He's coming to Jakarta this Saturday night to share some of them with the world's 4th most populous country.
