Christopher Bell

I’ve always loved to travel and have visited many countries in different continents but as a tourist or a backpacker with eventual plans to return home. I’ve never experienced day-to-day life in a city that differs so much from my original home.

I was met at the airport on the first day by my new boss and Director of Studies from my new teaching job. He was once in a similar situation to me so we immediately hit it off and became friends. He dropped me off in my new apartment in the old market area of the city about ten minutes’ walk from the school. He wished me the best of luck and told me my first day on the job was the following Monday morning.

The first few days were turbulent. Jakarta is a massive, over-populated, hot, dirty and bustling city but it really has it charms. There is so much to see and do, from hanging out in the many rooftop bars to visiting the historical museums, trying the local street food and relaxing at a local park. There’s enough to do to make anyone happy. However, what makes this city the most wonderful place that it is, is the locals. The friendly and always-smiling inquisitive citizens of Jakarta make this huge city feel like a small town. When walking in the street I’m constantly greeted by friendly faces and quick chats about where I’m from and what I’m doing.