Busy Week Part 2

After returning from Singapore and cracking open the gin, it was time to pack for the next trip. We were going to Bandung by train in the morning and with Jeremy in tow it could only be tiring fun.

The tickets were booked a couple of weeks ago and we paid for the Executive class seat for less than 10 pounds (around 120,000 rupiah) one way and so all we had to do was collect them at the railway station. The name of the train is the 'argo parahyangan'
You really need to book ahead now in Jakarta for trains to other cities as there is a big demand for them as they are comfortable and reliable and if you are going to Bandung there is no traffic to get in the way and it is also a lovely trip there. When I say collect, I mean you tap in your reservation number and a machine prints them out, you then have to show them to a security guard as well as your ID and then you can enter the platform. We were travelling from Gambir Railway station which is the main station for going out of the city. Most commuter trains do not stop there now as it is too busy.
Gambir is a fairly big station, and is busy. The good thing about trains in Asia is that you are always facing the direction of the journey you take because the seats in the carriages turn can be turned around and I like that.

On the platform at Gambir

Typical Engine for intercity trains. Mesh over the windows
to prevent stones, bottles etc from getting in 

The trip to Bandung takes around 3.5 hours and you roll through Jakarta and then into the flat rice fields for a while before the route starts to go a little south and you climb into the hills. The trip is really very scenic and on a clear day like it was on Saturday, the views are amazing.

Jeremy for his part was far too excited and wouldn't sit still and wanted to see everything and talk or rather shout out everything he saw. For 3.5 hours it was hard work. 

Rice

Climbing over mum

 

Part of the Journey as we go past one of the big valley bridges

On arriving into Bandung it was very hot and once we had a taxi we went straight to the hotel we were staying at, the Ibis Styles in Braga, which is a part of Bandung and it has bars and lots of older buildings. The hotel itself was nice and the room was fairly big, well enough for everyone staying. 

Looking out 

Huge bathroom area

Panoramic view from the window

Everyone was hungry so we walked to restaurant, ate and then went back for while with the intention to go back out in the evening because the roads are closed to traffic then so can wander around without fear of being hit by a car. But it rained. It rained from 4.30pm until at least Midnight, so I just chilled out with Jeremy and read while he played and tried to break the room. Yovita braved the elements and came back with food which was nice and so we settled down for a quiet night and it was. Well no, it wasn't that quiet. Jeremy woke at 3am and wouldn't go back to sleep so we played and I kept him company as he would sleep so nor could I. 

In the morning after breakfast we joined in the car free day and had a look about for a while. This let Jeremy run around and get rid of some of his energy he has before the train ride home. There was not really much happening unless you wanted to do keep fit but it was better without cars in the way. 

Views around the hotel

Our train was leaving before midday so we had enough time to pack and change before going home.

The view of the mountains int he back from the room, just before we left.

Jeremy causing trouble in the hotel

This thing has upset Jeremy.

The picture of the scooter in lava is a piece of art in the lobby of the hotel. Jeremy was so intrigued by this that he has yet to stop talking about it and if he sees a photo he will just look at it and keep saying the scooter is on fire. He was so concerned in the hotel he wanted to use a phone to get a crane to save the bike and it was sad the bike was on fire. Seriously! he was upset by this.

But we left for the station to get on the train and it was forgotten until we got home.

Walking to the train

They come so close the driver waves you across the tracks

It was a beautiful day

Happily Jeremy fell asleep 20 minutes into the trip as so it seems everyone else on the train and so I enjoyed the trip back to the city in relative silence. We arrived back in Jakarta on time and without delay. It was a nice family weekend away that for once never broke the bank and gave everyone a little time to relax. 

Jeremy is already asking for the next time we are going on a train so I better sort that out soon.