The rain is coming down in sheets as I sit in this quaint, yet tasteful Hyatt in Yogyakarta. My mind has been overwhelmed by the simplicity and beauty of this place. Jogja, as the locals refer to it, is a throwback town from the days gone by, still maintaining its old town charm steeped in culture and tradition.
The airport was nothing like I have ever experienced. The airplane parked a few hundred yards from the one door entrance to the airport building that was in desperate need of repair. We walked down a rickety stairwell that pulled up to within a foot of the plane, and that clearly had seen better days. The equipment would have failed every safety protocol in the US.
The lady took only cash for my entry visa and our bags were rolled into a small corner of the airport (if one can call it that) and we were on our way. I kept smiling the entire time — as if I was stuck in a 1930’s movie.
First impressions of the Indonesian people? AMAZING.
They are kind, gentle, soft spoken, and the service was exemplary.
The service was not exemplary because they performed the tasks with uncanny efficiency. It was because the warmth, kindness and hospitality of the people made us feel welcome and appreciated. Amazing what one can accomplish when we are just kind to each other…
About Hemant Rustogi