Back to Bogor

Rode the train today from Indramayu to Jakarta, then switched there to go to Bogor. Nothing is in english so it was slightly difficult, but whenever I looked lost, people always rushed to help, eager to use their english. A helpful young lady showed me where to buy tickets to Bogor but not before parading me by her friends who were working at a different gate. Small pleasures and just one of the things you can pick up if you relax and just go with the flow and not worry about your ticket or anything.

Later a woman and her son sat down next to me to wait for the Bogor train. I she was a doctor and didn't speak english but her 15 year old son had pretty good english. I think they sat there because mom wanted junior to practice his english. We chatted for awhile and I felt comfortable enough to leave my stuff with them while I went to get some food. I'm not sure I would have known which train to get on without them. It was pleasant and made the time go faster. The kid was pretty mature, or then again maybe mom was feeding him questions. In any case, I had fun and I gave the kid my email if he wants to continue conversing with me. As with most indonesians, english is his third language.

Traffic was packed in Bogor but I found the minibus that took me back to my room. I think I'm starting to figure out the routes so I can finally go places beyond walking distance. I'm finally starting to feel comfortable. I know what to say most of the time and mostly what people are asking as I go on normal business during the day. It was nice to travel around alone a bit, it really raises your confidence.