Stuff
Decy has decided to get two drivers licenses -one for Indonesia and one for Interational use. When she gets the International license she will be able to drive in the US. Yesterday she obtained the Indonesia license and, yes, KKN the Indonesia acronym for Corruption, Collusion, and Nepotism …. still thrives. It all started when she pulled up to the parking lot and the attendant asked if she “needed help getting the license” … and then again when she walked in the door. Read on …. but I won’t bore you with all the details.
When she went to the counter(s), she found a “slow lane” for ~$45 and a “fast lane” for ~$65. Supposedly the fast lane would save her 2-3 hours. She took the fast lane after confirming there were no other “hidden fees”. Ah but as reality would have it … there were fees at the written tests, fees at the driving test, fees at the waiting room … all told, guess it cost about $90 for a 5 year license …. and the fast lane still took about 4-5 hours.
In Decy’s case, I know she can drive and has done so for many years. As for other Indonesians – I DON’T feel any safer knowing that folks have a license (vs. driving without one). For example, the driving test is about 30 seconds long … down a short road, do a curve, then stop at a light. Apparently there is a “testing car” and it is a standard transmission. A bunch of applicants piled into the car to for the test. The first one (a guy) was so nervous he was literally shaking. Decy said that he was herky / jerky, kept grinding the gears, and couldn’t control the car. The guy giving the test kept saying “well, guess you better go home and practice more” …. after a “tip” the applicant passed his driving test. Now I better understand why a couple of weeks ago a car drove off the 6th floor of a parking lot killing 3 passengers – much of the newspaper article focused on whether or not the driver (a young girl) had a valid license – of course, it never focused on whether or not she knew how to drive.
Wonder what the International license process will be like? Decy will check it out and will let me know. Plus, she will find out if a person has to have an Indonesian license before they can get an International one. I want to get an International license – but need to understand the process BEFORE I get there.
On a different note, Chely is going to get some work experience before vacation – its an internship at Club Tiga Puluh as a hostess/waitress. They will pay her ~$5/day (about half the normal rate) and she will be able to keep her tips. We have talked about the pros and cons. The experience will be good, she will learn many things, and it will help keep her occupied (ergo not bored) until vacation time. No doubt Chely will be approached by men – she already has good experience in “turning them down” but now she will have to learn how to do it “with a smile”. Transportation to/from work will be a bit of a challenge. Not yet sure how she will get there – but there will be a bus to bring her home at night. Good luck Chely, Be safe !!
Thasya is slowly getting over her cold although she still has a few sniffles and mild cough. Nevertheless, she says she is confident that she can enjoy a brunch at the 4 Seasons hotel on Sunday …. soooo ….
TGIF !
Well, time to go … ciao ciao
