I’m writing this from Padang. A warm blanket of 30 degree humidity envelops everything. A local man lounges on a bean bag near me listening to Fred Again.. and sounds of the city drift into the rooftop. I’m drinking the local coffee - Kapal Api - the nostalgia is overwhelming.
The total journey took us about 30 hours. Sleep was had on the airplanes, although probably not enough. Upon arriving in Qatar, we were greeted by a full on rave under the teddy bear with the lampshade. Niklas was on the plane with us from South Africa. We meet Jess next to the party teddy and the excitement - or was it sleep deprivation - reaches an all time high.
Niklas has travelled a lot over the past few years and he gifts Cait and I a complimentary visit to the Qatar lounge. A hot shower half way through the trip is everything.
Then we’re in Jakarta. Overworked air-conditioning units have almost given up and the terminal is probably the most humid place on earth. Sweat patches and all, we march up and down: collecting bags, checking them in, going through security and try to find a long overdue coffee. We settle for an overpriced Matcha at Starbucks.
On the flight to Padang I have my first proper chat in Indonesian. The woman sitting next to me is a Paediatrician - she’s curious in me and eager to show me pictures of her family and a trip they took to the Mentawai islands a few years ago.
We’re collected by the lovely people from Kokos hostel. The drive from the airport, through the chaotic, organic city of Padang is full of cues for my memory to bring back situations from six years ago. The taxi driver and I have a sweet observational conversation on all the new buildings and shops that have sprung up around the city.
Jay greets us at Kokos with full exuberance and the hospitality of someone who genuinely cares. Air conditioning is welcome! We drink our first Bintang of the trip on the roof and head in for bed.
“Mimpi indah…. jangaan mimpi basah”
