Time moves fast. I’ve been living in Jakarta for a year. Good things and bad things are all mixed-up and translated into teary eyes. I experienced culture shock for the first 6 months. Hmm 6 months for culture shock I think these were too long in terms of moving out from hometown to the capital city in the same country. I went to hospital back and forth, took some medicines and locked my self in my room. I even painfully went to church or work. People around me seemed sarcastic and I didn’t know how to handle it. I read books about culture shock and clinical depression, and what surprised me was that there were no cure for such things. The cure lies inside my brain, I should change the point of view of how I looked and deal with people and surrounding situations. I admit, it was not easy to get rid of culture shock. Somehow, I even still experience it with lower level.
I meet different types of people, different habits, different characters. All things are combined become the face of Jakarta itself. Things I learn from this city: never trust anyone! They may harm you. Stay alert and be bold! So, for a year this city has altered me become a more responsible person who can take care of myself better. This city teach me to be tough and not surrender easily, I even don’t rely on others as well. I’ve been too hard to myself i think but that’s better. You should rely on yourself, don’t you.
Jakarta sells dreams! O yeah, every time I go to Thamrin and Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) , I see skyscraper, wonderful apartments and malls, they stop me. I see, how wonderful is this city. The lights, the ambiance are different from other cities I’ve visited. I’m amazed. You can find ‘any things’, the good and even the bad ones. You have the options, you choose what’s best!
Oh one thing, I don’t care really don’t care how people look at me because of what I wear and what make up I put on. I’m not the kind of girl who always brushes her hair and puts on some make up, dresses up well or has a nice hair cut. I won’t spend some rupiah for fancy and branded goods. Ahh for me I prefer good food anywhere. I spend much on food. I love food. Jakarta has many places to visit for food. Yay! This is one that I love from this city.
After all, I think I can handle the situation of living in Jakarta better. With no skills, never think that you’ll be able to survive. Hold on your faith, it leads you to the truth. Hear what’s inside your heart and stay alert. I hope everything will be fine to the upcoming years. Life is good! And Jakarta, yeahh as a mother she’s the cruelest one, but don’t worry, she will show you what’s best. Jakarta is a damn good friend!
