Puncak

Now,now. 2 posts a week as promised.

I've just returned from the puncak - the second big event of the week. Puncak is hill in english. Yes, the family went up to some hilltop and stayed over in some villa with dad's friend. Anyway it was a public holiday yesterday. One of those rare times when dad will actually take a break. What a miser (oops).

So the journey began on thursday, the eve of the holiday. Right after closing the shop, we rushed home, bathed, ate, did everything-else-that-needs-to-be-done before jumping into the car. The gruesome journey took 4 bloody hours. At this point of time, I have to announce to those who are unfamiliar with Indonesia that it has long been plagued by the perennial problem of traffic jams among other things. There are just too many cars walking the streets, literally and one has to wonder why people buy cars when walking actually does the job much faster. Even on the jalan tol or the expressway, all three lanes are occupied by vehicles of all shapes and sizes ranging from puny sedans to humungous trucks. I guess everyone is all too eager to enjoy the holiday and willing to brave the traffic jams to go out of the capital for a brief respite.

Anyway, after fighting off the lull of the ZzZ monster with the aid of food and also enduring the torturous climb up the hill, we managed to arrive at the villa. The difference is just so apparent. From the moment the door is open, the cool fresh air of the hill fills our lungs as opposed to the dust, grime, dirt and other toxins that we usually breathe in in badly polluted Jakarta. The visit makes it my second time there. The previous time I went up, I was with the same company as well (I mean my dad's friend). The only difference is that yesterday, we reached the villa almost close to midnight. This trip is quite retarded actually, considering that we have to check out the next day. It can be said that we spent 4 hours on the road just to sleep in some villa up some hill. Everyone exhausted from the journey, all there is for us to do is to sleep.

Next morning we woke up early, not by our choice, but its really cold up there. After breakfast, dad's friend and I went for a swim. It was bloody ice cold, but for the same reason, it is refreshing. Its one of those things you'll never get elsewhere. I mean, when and where do you get the chance to swim in water that makes you shiver but keep you awake and afresh? After the swim, we had just enough time to rest before checking out and leaving. So that marks the end of the one day holiday. It was late afternoon when we finally reached Jakarta again. All too seen it felt, that the holiday is over.

The puncak is one of those places that still remain undisturbed by the destructive nature of men. It is semi-rural and that is precisely the reason why its so appealing as a holiday retreat. Up over there, its as though you are in a haven. No worries, no duties. Just rest, relax and rejuvenate. The perfect place to de-stress and revitalize the worn and stressed soul.

My audience, you should try it out for yourself. Its worth the money. =)