Jakarta is not a city for everyone. Most problems are not unique to big cities in emerging economies: poor sanitation, pollution and endemic poverty. And other issues such as its notorious traffic jams are among the worst in the world -. No Top 10 list you want to be part of
However, those who suffer often found compelling reasons to stay, including business opportunities, nightlife sub-acclaimed, or romantic involvement . But no matter how you want to stay, an expatriate will have to find a way to escape to be able to do so.
Heavy rain at rush hour can turn a grinding path in agony all night of incarceration automobile. A reliable supply chain will sometimes let the whole city devoid of luxury items such as ice, soda water or decent broccoli.
Moments like these can sometimes lead even the most patient, tolerant souls screaming in exasperation. To relax the accumulated frustration of those moments, you have to find your own ways to escape and reset your power meter as a magic mushroom in Mario Bros.
For some comfort from the green fairways of many top golf courses range from Jakarta. Other brave the horrors of the Soekarno-Hatta airport to dart for weekend getaways and enjoy the least tarnished islands of the archipelago.
For the better part of a decade, my relief came in the form of a droopy-eyed, cuddly Basset Hound named Jewel.
We welcomed Jewel in our home as an adult, unfortunately missed the moments of which are probably the cutest puppies on the planet, but even as an adult adoptee, she quickly became flesh and blood .
My daughters were young toddlers when Jewel came into our lives, and they immediately tested the tolerance of Jewel. No matter how many girls were reprimanded, they could not help but squeeze, pinch, and pulling the cowardly, flappy bits of fur and skin and pulling on his long floppy ears. And no matter how distributed girls, Jewel lick of attention -. Never once chew them or running out of refuge
And as a precious playmate as it has become for my daughters, I think I'm most dependent on his company. She was a steadfast friend and pick-me-up.
It does not matter how cranky a bad day at the office left me exhausted or how the 20 hours walking sometimes high Papua trays at home made me, Jewel put a smile on my face every time she greeted me with a classic heart soothing howl, stirring forward to her tail and gather what always seemed to be the best approximation of a smile that these sagging jowls could manage.
I could not count the nights we spent together on the porch with honky tonk tunes accompanied by the joyful sound of crunching away on his bones remains of the barbecue of the day.
She was the best drinking buddy ever. She never complained, no matter how many times I played Dwight Yoakam or on nights when my stories faltered in places where I had topped my glass of whiskey a little too generously.
Unfortunately these do not add countless nights. Age began to take its toll on her. His health began to deteriorate. And on a Wednesday evening in May Jewel dreary farewell to this world, leaving our family in tears that night, but with a heart full of memories to keep with us forever.
There was not only memories she left us. His gentleness, patient soul gave lessons too.
One of my favorite lessons came our first week with Jewel. When I took it for a walk, she drags trying to capture an extra sniff every tree and pole. A National Geographic commentator once compared a Basset Hound walking in an urban environment to a sensory overload of acid trip - with their keen sense of smell sharpened by generations of breeding. But when the tug became very heavy, I turned to find she had flopped quietly to his stomach with his legs spread out. Apparently my walks were longer than she was used to, and she was tired.
No need to cry foul, but quietly playing your position and hold your ground (pun intended). After much begging and insistence, I finally gave in and lifted her to carry her home. It is tempting to react to situations that do not like us, but the calm firmness prevails more often.
naps also. And sausages. Jewel taught me that you can never have enough of any of these. These are critical life lessons.
And while I swallow tears typing now, still mourning the loss of our dear friend, I have to say I would not change my memories of Jewel for anything. So my advice to anyone with a space in their home and heart, please take a look at Jakarta Animal Aid Network and consider giving a home to a protected animal. It is the best cure I've ever found to deal with difficult days in the Big Durian.
For more information on how to adopt a pet in Jakarta, visit www.jakartaanimalaid.com