Homeless in Yogyakarta on New Years
I have not slept in 36 hour and now I find myself homeless in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia on New Years Eve. I have spent the last 28 hours traveling by motorcycle, bus, ferry, taxis and trains.
I just got off a 7 hour train ride for Sarabaya. Before boarding a security guard I had been chatting with says to “Be Careful” then says “You are a walking ATM to crooks and in case you didn’t notice, the only one here.” Get on the train, it’s 7 hours and I finally arrive at Yogyakarta at ~10:30PM local time. Much to my chagrin, every hotel in the city is booked, seriously. Everyone I have spoken with who speaks English has said the same thing “Be Careful”. There are lots of nice people but also lots of super shady people and I’m the only/ easiest mark here.
Here I am, at a hotel that has free wifi. I asked them if I could use it if I buy a meal. I’m exhausted and would pay $5000US for a hotel right now but there are none. Considering I am leaving the 5th, I could be in Kuta right now, at my favorite bar with some friends or on the original plan on my last update. This whole “Can’t go to Vietnam” thing has sent this trip hay-wire and now I find myself in the strangest city I’ve ever been in totally homeless on the busiest night of the year, New Years Eve.
What a way to spend New Years!? HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!
What am I going to do? After I eat this meal, I am going to get in a cab and try and go somewhere… If that does not work out, pay an egregious cab fee and then I am going to the most expensive hotel I can find to ask if I can store my luggage. Then I’m going to the train station and sleeping on a bench.I have also been asking random hotels if I can sleep in a closet, lobby, anything and will pay. Talking with Gary on facebook now, he has some good insights and confirmed some of these ideas.
As I said, I’ve been up for 36 hours and traveling 28. I’m exhausted and if I wasn’t hardwired with absurd amounts of energy, I would of crashed a long time ago. Ok, honestly I don’t know but if I get in a cab, I add more variables and potential factors that could screw me. As of now I am very close to train station and if you don’t have a ticket, you have to pay to get in. It sounds nuts but it may be my best bet. It’s already close to midnight…
This place is going to get nuts in about 1 hour at New Years, I take that back it already is. The streets are totally packed and it’s just madness. To make matters worse, I stick out like a sore thumb, have all my belongings and don’t speak the language. I do NOT want to be on the street, let alone with all my belongings when the bars start emptying. I’m smart enough to realize I stick out and since I’m so tired… Not a good mix.
Happy New Years!!!
P.S: Should everything work out, I will fill you in on the trip another day. Had I walked into a hotel room here, I’d still have plenty of crazy stories to share from this most “out there” trip I have ever taken in my life. The fact there is no hotel room well this is just next level and I’m REALLY not thrilled about it.
P.P.S: Lesson learned? Never assume you can find a room on New Years Eve at 11PM, never.
I clicked to read as I thought maybe you needed some help with $$ but I see that’s not the problem. It’s worse!
The cab idea is a great start. I’d even hired them to drive to where they store their taxi and let me sleep. That way they get the night off and paid at the same time.
Good luck and take care!
One thing you can take away from this is — you weren’t bored on New Year’s Eve. Stay safe and let us know things are ok.
Well it’s my birthday today. The big 22. Sorry to hear it isn’t such a good day for yourself… already 2010 for you over there my friend. Stay safe, hope you found a place to sleep in peace. Keep us posted on the adventure.
Holy crap dude. This doesn’t sound good. Hang in there … maybe something amazing will come out of it.
BTW, I’m starting to plan a round the world trip with the family … hopefully for 2011 or 2012 (me, my wife and three girls who are now 9, 11 & 13). As you travel, would be awesome to think of that and let me know “safe” places for us to check out.
hey man,
saw your post on Twitter, have you tried the CS site:
https://www.couchsurfing.org/mapsurf.html
i sent a message to two people in Yogyakarta who are members in the site, Retno Devanti and Yunyun Elita, let’s hope one of them is online and is able to help out.
Good luck man!
Why do I help? Well, let’s say “been there, done that, know the feeling” hehe
BEST,
Elio
Shit Mang! Hope you find some accommodations! I think the key here is you’re gonna have to meet some lovely ladies who will put you up for the night!!
Anyways… Munroe and I are headed up to Tofino for New Years… so…. Happy New Years!
I am so sorry to know your predicament, i am thankful to my friend Elio for letting me know your story..I am in Singapore, i wish i can take you in..I have been in your situation in Thailand many years ago..i know how you feel.
Anyway i just get some of my Indonesian friends to try to help you out.Already send them the plea and this blog page on FB. I hope they do reply sincerely to you and extend their charity.
God be with you my friend.And a Happy New Year.
Sounds like your having a wicked once in a lifetime adventure mate. Enjoyed reading ya blog! Wish I wasn’t stuck in career sometimes but its all about the money all the time. argh!
Stay safe dude!
P.S I’m in the England!
Thanks, all is good. I slept in the train station and it wasn’t that bad.
Never show up to a city on new years expecting to find a room. Not sure what I was thinking, oh I wasn’t.
Happy New Years!
P.S Happy Birthday Drew: Have a drink for me.
Good to hear you sorted it out in the end.
Thanks Vies for trying to help!
Happy New Years!
Indeed, Vies – I appreciate your outreach to a complete stranger. It’s most appreciated. It’s not a nice situation to be in, yes?
That said, the train station wasn’t that bad, I figured it’s safest place… What do you think?
Tania – Someone else suggested that, just need the “right cabby”. A little too crazy for me. But if I was not near train station, maybe.
Fran – Thanks
Allan – Email me sometime. I have a few places that are good, some aren’t. It also depends on what type of accommodation you go for. If you go more “family oriented” most places are OK.
Wilz – Awesome, have a good time and don’t freeze. Should of done more surfing in Bali. Will have to go back during high season. The water was getting filthy.
awww… you could just tell me that you on your way to jogja back then, so i could at least show you around or something, i got nothing to do that night. (doh)