When AJ picked me up this morning, we went to meet my hosts, the owners of the boarding house, T and A. They are newlywed, expecting their first child and completely adorable. Then we were off into the daily traffic. We went to get breakfast at a cafe - also some distant family connection - and had brunch. AJ bought me two yummy things to try from a vendor outside. While we were eating, a bunch of loud drumming started up. Outside, there were street performers - two men in a dragon costume, others playing music. It’s a Chinese based performance where you put money in the envelope they provide and place it in the dragon's mouth. Quite acrobatically skilled as they stood on top of each other.

Post-brunch, we went to the Asia Africa museum. It took us a bit to find a parking spot even with her motorbike because it was so crowded. I didn’t realize that this huge conference had taken place in Bandung. The museum describes a bit of the history and has the actual conference hall. Almost everything was also written in English and it was free to enter. I learned a lot more about colonialism and the rule of the Dutch and Japanese in Indonesia. The museum closed for prayer time so we continued walking around the main city area.

We headed towards the Grand Mosque, the biggest one in Bandung. I got stopped quite a few times and asked to be in photos. It was all younger girls! Like a celebrity. Once I put my hair up (too hot), it slowed down. It surprised me, I didn’t expect that to happen at all! Then we walked through Braga Street which was famous in 1920s for all its European style cafes and restaurants. The street still was made of stone blocks. We walked through a park and saw where the mayor works, and the cathedral that AJ goes to. They had a giant Christmas tree made of umbrellas. Finally saw the train as well, there’s not strong railway system.

The drive back to my place was harrowing. Super narrow road that was not a one way. Cars were backed up driving in the opposite direction of us, but we could scoot by on the side unless we came across a parked car. Way too many people parked along this narrow road, and few cars would wait to let us get by. Plus you have open drains on the side and motorbikes going both directions. Wahhh. When I got home I noticed I got sunburnt, too much time in the sun! My sunscreen will no longer stand untouched.


That evening I got a ride with A and T (B’s cousins) to a family Christmas party. It was held behind a restaurant. There was a Christmas tree with a bazillion presents underneath! I was introduced to B’s family, from young to old. One of the little boys worked up the courage to start a conversation with me. He goes to an international school and spoke beautiful English. Adorable. The evening consisted of a bunch of food, singing Christmas carols - all but one in Indonesian, listening to the whole family history, watching a picture slideshow with the family tree, and then receiving presents. AJ kindly translated for me like a pro. I even had presents waiting for me! It’s supposed to be a mystery who the presents are from. Everyone packed up their presents in bags and took them home. B’s brother’s family had so many bags full! The two little girls were so excited.

A and T drove me through Asia Africa area of town during night as it was all lit up. The traffic was much worse, almost standstill. We then went to Paskal Food Market, the largest food court in Bandung. It has all these food stands encircling many tables. They serve anything you could possibly want. They treated me to some strawberry juice and T got more food to eat - feeding two. By the time we got back, it was almost midnight and we made plans to leave early at 6:30 am to do a little hiking. Trying to beat the traffic.