Two weeks ago, Michael and I travelled by train to get back to Jakarta from our regular visit in Bandung. Well, ever since there has been highway that connects the two cities, travelling by train rarely comes as the first option anymore. First, it takes longer time. Second, why go to the station if we can go to the nearest shuttle that takes us to Jakarta/Bandung? Third, the journey won’t likely put most people at ease: inconvenient station, train, etc. So, it has been a long time since my last travel by train between Bandung and Jakarta. I’m a strong believer that a leading country leads in public transport system. Convenience in public transport system make people happy. That says, our country needs a hell of improvements not only to become a leading country but also (most importantly) to ease the people and make them happy. Seriously.
Really sorry about the continuous rants on country, the people, and public transport. hahaha.
So why we took a train then, you may ask? As a start, these two people, Michael and I, were sooooo sick of routines. Even though going to Bandung every 2 weeks was in account of breaking routines, we still needed refreshments – just something different, and sensed this as a challenge to improvise our routines since we could not escape from them just yet. The idea initially came from him, my knight in shining armour.
I had been commuting by train a few years back before the Cipularang highway (the highway that connects Jakarta and Bandung) was established. This experience reminded me a lot of my first year of college. In fact, it felt and looked exactly the same as those days when I travelled Bandung-Jakarta by train frequently. Well, it’s either I’m too sentimental or no major improvements in the train system. It also quite amazed me that they still applied traditional way of purchasing tickets (filling in a form, standing in line then handing in the form to the official). But never mind. I really loved seeing the old coach, crowds of people in the station and simply the ambience. I also loved the familiar noisy-sounded announcement. Is it weird? Haha. Well, we didn’t really luck out that day. We could only get on the second class coach (with no air condition) because first class tickets were all sold out. Despite having to cope with bad-smelled coach, I think it wasn’t that bad and we still enjoyed every inch of our journey. Train station just had the right amount of vintage vibe, I found myself fall in love over and over again. Truth be told, train is my most favourite means of transport. Well, let’s hope train system develops and gets better here in this country so people can travel by train happily.
P.S. Really thank my boyfriend for such cool idea. This one we just did succeeded making me feel like I’ve just been in or accomplished a super adventure. I’m always happy after completing a journey and adventure. Also thank him for his patience coping with my constant grumble and complaints about how I need a holiday and short getaway, haha (sometimes I’m just that annoying to him) This simplest form of adventure was a proof that we can always have getaway from routines. Love you, boy.
P.S.S The next closest adventure is tomorrow! yay! A very exciting photo shoot will be held and I’m waiting in full anticipation. Hope it’s going to be massive fun! Anyway, HAPPY WEEKEND!!! x












