custom truck

It is rare to see any nice cars on the streets of Jakarta---especially during the week.  This morning we passed this nice, custom F-150.  Nice stance and a nice sounding exhaust system.  The pictures don't do the paint job justice.  Well done and a nice color.  Even Gail noticed and commented on the color!

Note the nice roll pan in place of the bumper.  Notice the driver is sitting on the right side.  They drive on the left side of the road.

Buildings in Jakarta

There are many interesting buildings in Jakarta.  Following are some that we can see from our balcony.  There are hundreds of interesting buildings throughout the city!  I enjoy riding downtown at night--the buidlings have some every interesting and colorful lighting.



This is built like an A Frame--the windows all look slanted from the outside.  Would be interesting to see the inside!




 

This is one of my favorite buildings--notice the top.  See the next picture.



This would be interesting to see from the inside!





Many refer to the contruction crane as the "Bird of Jakarta"--you see them everywhere!

 

Christmas 2011

The celebration of Christmas in Indonesia is much different.  There are few decorations in the stores and malls.  In one of the malls we heard some carolers.  No nativity scenes.  You will see a few banners along the streets that say “happy holidays.”  No outside lighting.  But we enjoyed the season by attending some parties/dinners with other members and on Christmas Day a big dinner with about 25 missionaries at the home of a member.  We are thankful to remember the real meaning of Christmas--the birth of the Savior.  We do miss our family and friends.  We trust each of you had a Merry Christmas!

Our "outside" decorations.  This is on our front door.  The only decorations on our floor of the building.

Our Christmas Tree!  Much easier to put up then what I am use to--in fact I let Gail put the tree up this year and do all of the decorating!

This is the entrance to our hotel.  You will see these at hotels and apartments that serve a high percentage of foreigners.

In the lobby of our appartment.

Yesterday I rode a Baji for the first time!  Most are in poor shape.  The one I rode is started by hand with a rope pull for a starter--much like old lawnmowers!  He charged me the equivalent of $1. 

 The driver--he was very happy because I gave him a $4 tip!

 The partition between me and the driver

 The seat I was sitting in

 Steer, accelerate, stops  like a motorcycle

 The floor

The ceiling inside

Some pictures I took while riding in the Baji

 If you look closely you see the lady is wearing high heel shoes!  Great foot protection.

 When riding in a Baji you are right out in the traffic---not behind a door/window!

 Father on the side of the rode using his cell phone---looks like the young lady is ready to take charge!

It is amazing what they carry on motorcycles!