Where is Rune?

CME is escaping the worst of the cold Norwegian winter months and is staying here in a perfect climate instead. The visit lasts from 18 December to 27 February.

I met him at the airport in Singapore on 18 December, and after two nights in that city, we took the ferry to Batam, and flew to Jakarta on 22 December.

In Singapore we stayed at a cheap place called The Sleepy Kiwi (SGD 19 per dorm bed per night), and in Batam we stayed at another cheap place called Hotel Istana Batam (IDR 170k per night). I have stayed at both places during previous occasions.

Christmas in Singapore.

Christmas in Singapore.

Bussorah Street, where we spent the nights in Singapore.

The renovation is almost finished in the first and second floors, and on 22 December we moved in to the new residence.

Here are some “before” and “after” pictures.

Happy new year!

BEFORE: Living room and terrace.

AFTER: Living room and terrace.

BEFORE: Toilet.

AFTER: Toilet.

BEFORE: Kitchen.

AFTER: Kitchen.

BEFORE: Shower.

AFTER: Shower.

After 888 consecutive days in Indonesia, or 2 years, 5 months, and 4 days, I am leaving the country for a short while. I have a ticket with Lionair to Singapore at 15:20. Rp 850k. ETA Singapore 18:05. CME is arriving from Oslo via Moscow and Hong Kong at 18:15, and I will meet him at the airport.

Butterfly is the name of an old sewing machine that was used to reupholster an old sofa we had lying around. I bought the textile at a shop in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, and hired a craftsman to do the reupholstering. The sofa will of course be a part of the furniture at the renovated residence.

Butterfly sewing machine.

Reupholstered sofa.

The renovation goes on and on and on…
Below a couple of pictures.

One of the bathrooms.

One of the bathrooms.

The kitchen sink.