Jakarta's Humidity and My Quest for the Perfect Kopi: A Botanist's Ramblings
okay, so jakarta. wow. just…wow. i’m still peeling the city off my skin, honestly. i’m elara, by the way, and i’m a botanist, which is probably a weird thing to be doing in a sprawling metropolis, but hey, even concrete jungles have their secrets, right? i’m here ostensibly to study the urban flora - the tenacious weeds pushing through cracks in the pavement, the surprisingly resilient trees clinging to life along *Jalan Sudirman - but mostly i’m just wandering and getting delightfully lost.
i just checked and it’s…a damp hug out there right now. the data says 23.13 degrees, feels like 23.56, and the humidity is a solid 79%. you know, the kind of humidity that makes your hair instantly frizz and your glasses permanently fogged up. i’m pretty sure i’m 50% perspiration at this point. it’s…an experience. i’m trying to embrace it, though. it’s part of the charm, i guess.
my main mission, aside from cataloging the surprisingly diverse orchid species growing in abandoned buildings (seriously, who knew?), has been finding the perfect kopi. i’ve been on a relentless quest, hitting up countless warungs and cafes. i’ve got a whole notebook filled with tasting notes. it’s a serious business, this kopi thing. i’m starting to think i need a degree in it.
“Don’t go to that place on Menteng,” a guy slurring his words at a roadside stall told me last night. “Too fancy. The beans are imported. You want real Jakarta kopi, you gotta find Ibu Ani’s. She’s got the secret.”
i’m taking that as gospel. ibu ani’s, here i come. i’ve been checking TripAdvisor - it’s a mixed bag, as always. Some people rave about her, others say it’s overpriced. typical. i’m leaning towards believing the rave reviews, though. my gut (and my caffeine cravings) are telling me to trust the drunk advice.
and the neighbors! if you need a break from the city’s intensity, Bandung is just a short hop away. i’m thinking of taking a day trip next week to check out their botanical gardens. apparently, they have a stunning collection of rhododendrons. i’m drooling just thinking about it.
I overheard someone complaining about the traffic on Thamrin - apparently, it’s even worse than usual. I can believe it. Getting anywhere here is an adventure in itself. I’m trying to rely on Gojek as much as possible. It’s a lifesaver.
Speaking of lifesavers, I’ve been relying heavily on bottled water. The tap water isn’t exactly…trustworthy. I’m also trying to be mindful of the plastic waste. It’s a huge problem here, and it’s heartbreaking to see. I’m carrying a reusable water bottle and trying to say no to plastic bags whenever possible. Small steps, right?
“The street food around Glodok is amazing, but watch out for the spicy sambal,” a local warned me. “It’ll burn your tongue off!”
Noted. I’m a sucker for spicy food, but maybe I’ll start with a small portion. I don’t want to spend the rest of my trip crying into my kopi.
I’ve been documenting everything, of course. My Instagram is slowly turning into a Jakarta plant diary. You can check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/elara.botanica/. I’m also trying to learn a bit of Bahasa Indonesia. It’s proving to be…challenging. But the locals are incredibly patient and helpful.
I found a really cool little vintage shop near Kota Tua*. It’s called “Tempo Doeloe” and it’s full of old maps and antique cameras. I almost bought a vintage batik sarong, but I resisted. My suitcase is already bursting at the seams. You can find it here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tempo-doeloe-jakarta.
I’m also planning on checking out the National Museum of Indonesia. I’m fascinated by the country’s history and culture. I found a good review on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294226-d163878-Reviews-National_Museum_of_Indonesia-Jakarta_Java.html.
Okay, i think i need another kopi. And maybe a shower. A long, hot, dehumidifying shower. Wish me luck in my quest for ibu ani’s and the perfect cup.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/dusty-alleys-stolen-sarees-chennais-underground-vintage-scene-even-your-grandma-missed
- https://votoris.com/post/is-harare-overrated-a-messy-reality-check-for-wideeyed-newcomers
- https://votoris.com/post/the-best-public-and-private-schools-in-borvyehye-al-b-azz-according-to-a-wandering-coffee-snob
- https://votoris.com/post/bangkok-the-hot-mess-of-a-buskers-dream
- https://votoris.com/post/kyoto-a-whirlwind-of-cherry-blossoms-and-lost-socks