Traveling to Indonesia

Fortunately, the 13 hour flight from Chicago to Tokyo was uneventful. It was hot (like hot yoga hot) on the plane…but other than that it was smooth sailing.

Arriving in Japan

Arriving in Japan was magical…and a little surreal. The airport was so clean and white and efficient. During our 10 hour layover, I waited in the cold for our hotel shuttle, ate midnight snack Caesar salads, slept in awesome beds, showered, Skyped with my family, and had a spectacular Japanese breakfast at the ANA Crown Plaza. It was truly a champion for champions.

Then we went back to the airport, I bought everything Pokemon that I could find for my boys, and boarded a plain for Jakarta, Indonesia by 10am.

Arriving in Indonesia

After spending hours in the Jakarta airport sweating, people watching, and standing in visa lines, immigration lines, and custom lines, we finally found our way to the Silver Bird taxi stand.

By far, the drive from the airport to my hotel in Jakarta was one of the most fascinating (and over stimulating) experiences of my life. First, all I saw was lush green beauty. And then, as my eyes adjusted, I saw what appeared to be garbage dumps hidden behind the breathtaking tropical views.

And then little by little, I saw children playing in these garbage packed areas. The taxi was moving at high speed, so everything I saw was in a flash. Almost like a slow motion flash…but still a flash. I saw kids playing basketball with the court surrounded by huge piles of garbage on all four sides. I saw magnificent modern building next to colorful poverty stricken developments…an endless sea of mini motorcycles..and so much more. More than I can possibly explain. More that pulled at my heart and blew my mind.

More tomorrow,

Stacey

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