Quarantine in Jakarta - Day 2

​After a fairly decent night, I was awoken by the knock on the door for my breakfast. I had ordered western style breakfast, because – as much as I love it - rice and fish twice a day is enough for me. By lunch time, my complaint about the plastic took effect and I actually got my food on a real plate with real cutlery! What a treat, even if I got meat (which I don’t eat) instead of fish. Food is important if you’re in one room all day, so please excuse me for writing so much about it. But enough of that, for now.

The rest of the day I more or less spent waiting… for the internet to process what I needed it to do. It felt like a déjà-vu of working on the island. Only, this was worse because I expected fast internet. It’s one of the reasons I chose this more expensive hotel. When I inquired with reception, the lady told me that the provider was having problems (don’t they always!) and that it would take «probably another 2 – 3 hours» - which meant that she didn’t have a clue how long it would take. So, I did what I usually do on the island: get up and walk around for a bit every time a throbber (I had to look that up!) popped up, telling me that the command I just entered was still processing. Which means, I got a fair amount of walking. There’s a positive side to everything, isn’t there?

Later in the morning, I was allowed to leave my room! For 10 minutes and only up to 2 doors next to mine on the same floor – for the PCR test. It was quick and only a little painful. And like I told you yesterday, I am getting used to these tests. I’m still waiting for the result which is supposed to come some time today. The special Covid-19 regulations stipulate that they would take me to a hospital if the result were positive. I don’t know why really. As long as I don’t have any symptoms, it doesn’t make sense. But I’ve learned that the information you read on official sites is not always accurate. So, let’s just wait and hope it’s negative!

There was a moment in the afternoon when I felt I really needed some fresh air! I regularly switch on the A/C to at least think fresh air is coming in, but since I already have the impression of catching a cold, I don’t want to do this too often. Am I starting to sound paranoid already? I hope not, because I really am doing fine!

There is one thing I love about this hotel – the TV programme! They have 100 channels, half of which are either Indonesian, Chinese, or other Asian programmes. But the rest are English speaking channels, from CNN International and BBC World News to various National Geographic channels and on to many different HBO, Fox, and Disney stations! A movie lover’s heaven, even if many of the films they show are crime or action thrillers. Which is normal because I’m in Asia and they love action movies. But there are others and I allowed myself to indulge in a romantic comedy in the middle of the afternoon, which is something I never do at home because I always think I have more important things to do first.

My workout after the movie first felt like a guilt compensation for having «wasted» the afternoon with a shallow movie. But once I got into it, it felt really good to move. Until I was interrupted by the familiar knock on the door from room service. Dinner at 5.30 pm? Are you serious?? I felt like in a home for senior citizens! I usually never have dinner before 7 pm and actually requested my dinner for this time too. Well, it didn’t seem to work… So, I let my hot dinner sit there and get cold until I finished working out and taking a shower. Cold rice, fish, and vegetables – yum!

The highlight of the day came later: my skype call with Maya, Caroline, and Doris! We talked for 2.5 hours, some of it business, but most of it not. If felt great to see and talk to them, until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore at 1 am! Thank you, best boss, and best colleagues, for making me laugh and giving me a glimpse of the outside world!

​Good night and talk to you tomorrow!