Life Out Here: Jakarta, Indonesia

Welcome to the most populous city in Indonesia and in Southeast Asia, Jakarta! The city is the current seat of the ASEAN Secretariat and the country's cultural, financial and political centre..

.. and also the home of J. CO Donuts. There were no long queues just to get your hands on those rich, vibrant donuts, J. CO branches are everywhere in Jakarta. You can actually enjoy the nectarous donuts inside the cafe, seated!

Come on, be honest, when the first branch opened in Manila, we all suffered the long hours lining up and hoarding at least a dozen!

By the way 1 Indonesian Rupiah is equal to .0034 Philippine Peso. Bills are in 100,000 or 50,000. I was like 'I'm a millionaire here!'

Now, let's get down to business, Food!!

This is called tahu (bean curd) telur (eggs) - an Indonesian bean curd omelets served with a savory tomato soy sauce, garnished with sliced onions, roasted peanuts, carrots and mongo sprouts.

Another dish called gurame saus asam manis.

The food were not only superb but also exquisite and have their own Indonesian touch that I cannot explain.

I am never good with names of the food, and I honestly forgot now how they were called, I vividly remember though that it tasted Asian and tropical.

The flavors are both explosive and delicate.

Indonesia's very own version of tusok-tusok.

I actually have not tried these but it looks tupig to me,

As enthusiastic as I am when it comes to photos and photography, dining at this place called Cafe Batavia was very agreeable. The place was a haven for me!

Located at Fatahilla Square, it oozes the charm of a colonial era. The place was packed with tourists and locals taking in the ambiance.

I wanted to inspect all the photos on the walls, the stairwell, the grand salon and guess where, at the rest rooms! (well, the ladies room anyway).

Welcome to the ladies room.

This is where, us ladies, powder our noses and relieve ourselves, nice huh?

As to the inside of the gents room, I leave that to my imagination, :)

It was just a bit unlucky that Gouverneurskantoor was closed that day.

Indonesia's Ground Zero.

The National Monument or Monas (Monumen Nasional) is located at the city centre of Merdeka Square.

Of course an attempted jump shot. Lol.

A free tram ride around the park, sweet!

Now, let's visit Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat Ke Surga or the The Church of Our Lady of Assumption.

Consecrated in 1901 and built in the neo-gothic style.

At the main portal is written 'Beatam Me Dicentes Omnes Generationes' which means 'All generations shall call me blessed'.

Inside there is a statue of Pieta, Mother Mary, in her sorrow, cradles the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion.

The Cathedral's nave and vault.

Of course, I said my prayers. We have a Filipino belief that 3 prayers will be granted if you said it at the church you are visiting for the first time, :)

Right in front of the Cathedral is the Istiqlal Mosque..

..which is also near the Merdeka Palace.

Wow, the government doing its thing while Christianity and Islam, peacefully sitting side by side. Harmony, conformity and equanimity. Peace is possible.

We had fun at Ancol Dreamland. Located at Jakarta's waterfront, this place is a resort destination. It is currently the largest integrated tourism area in Southeast Asia. It boasts of theme parks, other recreational facilities and hotels.