The great Jakarta adventure (Part 2)

We headed to Hotel Gran Mahakam, which is situated near the city centre. It's a rather nice hotel with good service, and isn't pricey. Definitely recommended for anyone heading to Jakarta. Liv bugged me to call Jakarta airport regarding the whereabouts of my luggage, and they had no clue at all. The staff confirmed my hotel details with me. We took a while to prepare (not so much for me as I had no change of clothes at all), before heading to Liv's aunt's place.

There was where I met Liv's extended family for the first time, her aunts and uncles, grandaunts and grandma. They were friendly and welcoming and were shocked to hear that I lost my luggage, especially Liv's grandma who kept saying that she's worried. Liv told her that it would be on the next flight. Not knowing Liv's grandma at all, I went on to say that I am waiting for them to call, and Liv shot me a dirty look. Anyway we managed to assure her that everything is fine, and now we need to figure out what I am going to wear to her grandma's birthday dinner that evening itself.

I brought along a nice top and skirt, completed with heels, but they were in my check-in luggage, obviously. Liv went to look over her entire luggage before picking out a purple top for me, and I kept on the jeans which I wore to Jakarta. After a bit of bantering around and waiting, her other relatives (uncle and family, grandaunt and family) arrived, we headed to the restaurant where the dinner was held.

I was astounded to see how many relatives Liv has. Liv's grandma told me that they wanted to keep it simple so they only invited relatives but not friends, but that already translated to 4 tables. People hugged, kissed and shook hands while addressing one another, and I kinda sat at one corner. Heh.

The food was yummy, and definitely a refreshing change from India. I have not had Chinese food for two weeks!

We gathered in the karaoke room for cake cutting and photo taking session, after the dessert has been served. Liv's grandma looked very pleased, though she worried over some people who didn't manage to attend. I guess old folks like lively and joyous celebrations with a lot of people and laughter.

After most of the guests have left, we stayed behind in the karaoke room while her uncle belted out some Chinese oldies.

We adjourned for the evening and her relatives dropped us at the hotel, together with Liv's luggage. Liv was coughing badly so I was glad that we didn't get back too late.

When I opened the hotel room door, my luggage was right there, waiting for me. Turned out that it had taken the next flight to Jakarta after all. Good service by the hotel, anyway.

We showered and turned in. That marked the first day of my stay in Jakarta, which isn't bad at all.

(to be continued)