Gone on holiday. One word:
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| Camera: Canon EOS 600D Shutter speed: 1/80 s Aperture: f/5.6 ISO: 100 Taken 26/12/15 Edited in Adobe Photoshop |
Trains.
That is, the method which I would be travelling with today. And yes, I know about the notoriety of train travel in Indonesia. But that was back then.
Well, the price isn't too far below a plane's. No plus points there. Then why am I riding one? My brother likes trains.
Some 'mid-to-upper class' Indonesians at my age (which is actually not that old, to be honest) never once rode a train with preference to airplanes--faster, more comfortable, they say. This I know from my schoolmates.
Airplanes are faster. Sure. Cannot argue with that. A regular Airbus or Boeing should only take a fifth of a train's time. The time is not a problem, as I spend it typing away here, reading, and watching Noragami. Time does fly when you are having fun. Or should I say, run on the rails?
Airplanes are more comfortable. No.
That might indeed be the case with old trains: filthy, no air conditioning, the jiggle from the rails, the presence of only one rail requiring frequent stops to wait another train to pass. But that just doesn't apply to current trains in Indonesia.
Applause to the last director of Kereta Api Indonesia and current Minister of Transportation, Mr. Ignatius Jonan, for revamping the train system.
The trip is smooth. The rattle from the railway, unnoticeable except for some shaking. It is comparable to some turbulence in a plane, but without that feel of g-forces that could be unnerving to some. Oh, and the cabin doesn't need to be extra pressurized. You'll hear every word clearly.
Comfortable? Indeed, for the inside is not as filthy as rumored to be in the old days--except perhaps for the toilet, which doesn't stink but incomparable to plane's. These are new trains, new coaches. Of course, this also meant that there will be no free meals so they are not wasted (and to save up money), but you could bring your own food. Just eat tidily.
Well, the station, in this case, Gambir, is an old building, perhaps 'a lower class' even to the notorious Soekarno-Hatta Airport. But as the airport had been renovated, the uninvited guests have been kicked out from the station, including most of the trash. And there are no uninvited street vendors (pedagang kaki lima) going in the train through the stations.
Overall, riding a train in Indonesia now, at least the executive class of trains, is very enjoyable. At least, for friends who haven't, do try to ride one once.
Oh wow:
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| Camera: Canon EOS 600D Shutter speed: 1/400 s Aperture: f/5 ISO: 100 Taken 26/12/15 Edited in Adobe Photoshop |
Cracked glass on one of the doors. Not dangerous. Just a good photo op. Till next time. I want to play Space Engineers (Now with planets!).
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