After exploring Petak 9 Market and chowing down on some street noodles, we headed to Kota Tua, also known as Old Jakarta. You can surely see the Dutch influence in the architecture in the area. The artist that she is, Fransisca brought me to the local post office where there is an art gallery upstairs. She tells me that art galleries are not so prominent in the area and Kota Tua is rapidly changing and pioneering the resurgence of the art community.
After seeing the "new" Kota Tua, it was time to stroll around and see remnants of history. The area is full of old buildings. Some in disrepair, some in the middle of reconstruction, and all really photographically interesting. Upon seeing a building that is literally falling apart and noticing that four families share the space, Fransisca asks if we can enter to take pictures. The families welcome us in and I am again reminded of the openness and kindness of Indonesian people.
After snapping a few photos of these beautiful people, we headed to another abandoned building that had tones of Angkor Wat. Since I am obsessed with beauty and decay, this was right up my alley.
Across the way was another building that was just as impressive. Abandoned and beautiful.
After Kota Tua, we headed to another shopping strip called Pasar Baru where we hit up a thrift store where I scored a dress, a skirt, and a top! Yes!
When I ask Fransisca where people go to hang out, she tells me everyone goes to the mall. Apparently malls are THE place to go. I couldn't help myself. We ended the day at Grand Indonesia Mall where we ate ice cream at the Magnum Cafe that boasted a view of the city.
Upon reflecting on the day, I am so grateful for the randomness of the internet. It's only through the web that Fransisca found me and I am reminded how being open to people will grant you amazing experiences. Fransisca is a twenty-one year old wise beyond her years. I especially loved asking her cultural questions and exchanging world views. I'm leaving you with a recording where I ask her about the challenges of being a woman in Indonesia as well as what it means to be Indonesian. Take a listen. Thanks Fransisca, you are amazing!
[audio mp3="http://www.nomadic-habit.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Sisca.mp3"][/audio]