Well. I fly today from Manado to Makkasar. Then Makkasar to Kupang. Kupang is where we got stuck for a couple of nights last month and I had to stay in the "murder hotel". This time, I am in the nicest hotel, The Aston.
I arrived at the airport around 4am. My bags were slightly over the excess baggage amount but the agent didn’t charge me more. Whew.
Since I overnight in Kupang I didn’t know if I claim my bags there. So I asked about it. I just go to lost and found in Kupang and they will pull the luggage. I just can’t rip off the tags as those will be needed for the last leg. Fair enough.
As I went through security, I noticed that Manado is a very nice airport. There were many places to choose to buy a coffee from... although many of them were not open just yet. I got a Roti coffee and croissant and settled in at the gate.
Then some important airline people came around with an old school SCALE to weigh my carry on. Oh shit. I handed over my rollerbag and I'm sure it was ridiculously over their limit. But when they saw my crazy routing and I told them it was expensive camera gear and batteries in it, they left me alone. OMG.
I looked around and noticed that I was the only caucasian in the place. Literally, the only one. I also noticed that everyone wears dark colors. Gray or black. And I wear a hot pink zipper fleece. Stand out much, Pam? I swear this woman was filming me on her iPhone. WTF?
Once I got on the flight, there was so much room in the overhead bin, I also put my backpack up there. No problem. Made me wonder why the scale at the gate... I read for a bit and then nodded off.
Once I got through transit and security in Makassar, I realized that it is an even NICER airport. They have tons of shops and restaurants and like 20 gates. Which is good because I have several hours to spend before boarding my flight to Kupang.
I hit Starbucks for a while, then I found my gate. I decided to get a chicken sandwich and fries somewhere. They served it with a pair of plastic disposable gloves. What? Since it is so messy I guess. Customers can eat it and not get their hands messy. No thanks.
After that, I bought donuts. C'mon, donuts in Makassar?
My last flight was easy, and I was able to ask the transit agent to help me pick up my bags. I found my ride to the hotel. It was very nice, but loud.
I relaxed then had Pad Thai on the second floor balcony where the noise was coming from. A couple was playing guitar and singing. I mean, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
After my meal, I booked my flight and hotel for Anilao Blackwater in Jan/Feb 2027. Hank and Bryan bullied me into going. Doh. I feel like I just got recruited to the big leagues.
I celebrated by eating one of my donuts. Then I couldn't keep my eyes open and fell asleep despite the noisy singing below.
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