Been in Jakarta for five days. I have to concede defeat that I finally am in love with this over-populated city. I used to hate this city for the horrendous traffic jam, for-god-sake inefficient public transportation system, pollution, downtown flood, slump areas, beggars, child beggars, child street musicians, pick pockets, premans (thugs), and exhibitionists. This must be just a remote case: two days ago  I was confronted by a male exhibitionist. He was lucky I was too tired to start a brawl so I just ignored him otherwise surely he will have to say good bye to his balls and lick his wounded penis if it is still intact after I aim a high kick at his crotch. I used to swear to God I will never visit this city unlike my contemporaries whose dreams of their lives is to work in Jakarta. Hope God will pretend to forget my swear.

So, why do I fall in love with this city? God Almighty, the food is irresistible. I used to resist to eat in any kind of street stalls since I have a penchan (is it right to use this word?) for ending up in a hospital ward for food poisoning. But the pecel bebek (fried duck served with a superduperdeliciousfirehotspicy sambal or pasta) worth an adventure. The taste of the pecel bebek is so damn good. I told my sister that I will feel reluctant  to go back to Malaysia because this city has seduced my tongue which is my pride. Well folks, that’s for dinner. For breakfast, the ketupat served with  the amrosial gulai nangka or gulai pakis bewitched me. Talking about snacks, here we have millions words just for names of snacks. I am in love that’s for sure.

Actually I am no strangers those dishes. It’s just because I’ve been away for such a long time. And in Jakarta in its capacity as the capital city, you have the luxury of tasting various dishes from across the archipelago. It is so exciting. It makes you madly in love. Yeah you are right I sound like a diaspora right now. I tend to exoticize my country. But to tell you the truth, during my stay abroad the only thing I miss is the food.

Finally, It feels so good to be home.