Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
Aaron is two now and its about time we explored a little more of Palembang. I have been thinking of heading to the train station and just going as far as the first stop before turning back. I don't think I'm ready to be totally adventurous with overnight trips to unknown destinations with a toddler.
Today, we took the long 45 min drive to Stesen Kertapati (Palembang's one and only train station) to try to get some sort of timetable. The main building where I'm guessing ticket sales happen was closed but the gates to the platform were wide open. This is what we saw:
I couldn't see the station master or anybody that looked like they worked there. That train didn't look like it was leaving anytime soon and there was no way I could contain Aaron anymore so we went exploring. He thought he would find Thomas, or Percy, or some other train he knew there.
The place smelled similar to a zoo, or a farm maybe. Apart from the three goats that greeted us, there were also plenty of chickens around. The train there had some of the carriage doors open and I didn't see anybody around (initially) so I took Aaron for a tour inside.
This train only had Executive and Business Class seats. The Executive seats were in the tinted window and air conditioned section of the train which was locked. We walked through the Business Class section.
They don't have timetables as such but we met a friendly man who gave us the run down on the schedule.
The trains don't run very frequently and the closest stop is somewhere 90mins away. That train leaves in the morning and there will be no returning train until some time in the evening. The destination is a small farming town. It will be hot and there will probably be NOWHERE to go. My sense of adventure is somewhat dimmer after finding that out. Its hard when you have to keep a toddler entertained, cool, napped and fed.
The alternative is a 'private' train that is used only by students to go to a college about 30 mins away. Supposedly, I can negotiate a prize and hop on for a ride. My objective is just to see the outskirts of Palembang and also to let Aaron have the whole train experience.
I'm determined to make some sort of a trip next week so, stay tuned for Palembang Train Station (Part 2).
8 comments:
just curious... where exactly is Palembang? I guess I should know but... yeah.
Looks interesting going to the train station being greeted by goats and chickens ;-)
Any sight of Thomas, Percy or any other of the gang?
I was surprised at how well maintained the inside of the cars are considering how little they are used.
No Thomas? How disappointing! LOVE the shots though. Even though the adventure didn't exactly how you planned, you gotta love photo ops!!
I had the same question as Peter...where exactly ARE you?
The train looks very quiet. It's usually full here in Britain.
Hi, Thanks for dropping by.
I didn't know where Palembang was either until AFTER I moved here.
Its on the southern tip of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. I think its the 2nd largest city after Jakarta.
Staying tuned for part 2:)
I have always wanted to take a train adventure too. Maybe some day
NO THOMAS? DANG! :)
But how cool is THAT! LOVED those shots!
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