My traveling *silly* moments

Posted by Fico , Sunday, February 27, 2011 10:33 PM

Been there done that...

I want to be that person who say those most of times.... and traveling gave me chance to kept saying that to my friends--maybe in the "quite annoying" level. Hehehe... i am glad i did traveling that i had chance to do things i haven't done, or things that i thought i wont be done.. errhhh not necessarily against law of course!!

I had those lovely memories, lots of new friends.. and its all precious!

But sure i had bad experiences also.... things i don't want to remember.. and just want to forget soon as i was on holiday and don't want to think (or using my brain accordingly!) just trying to relax and away from trouble!

What happens to me most of time.. and prob happens to other traveler to is getting late to get to the air plane!!


RRRRUUUNNNN to the gaaattteee!!!!


It happens to me twice.. and uncountable "almost" left by the plane. Some happens when i went to airport at very last minute, another time happens when i got lost in airport--yepp pretty silly indeed!!

But hey.. thats what experience is!

I try my best to made that not happen, wake up early, get to airport early... try to wonder around too far.. but..TT.TT it happens!! the plane gone...


...its like watching horror movie when this is happens to you!!


But once i got left by Sriwijaya flight from Jakarta to Jambi, they change my flight ticket for free for noon flight. I think its because i already check in.. and late for 5 min from the departure.. erhh long story that related to J.CO at terminal 3 and the free shuttle bus of course!!

Another time, i was late at Jambi airport when the plane is actually ready for take off.. it back again... wow... amazing.. i beg them because its the last flight from Jambi and i actually did use the excuse they change the flight time! and no sms or any phone call saying it was changed! so... they back again for me.. i had to run to run way with a guy carry my bulky backpack! it feels like joining the amazing race!

I never plan that and i don't want that to ever happens...

If i look back again.. this hobby also started wrong... wrong in terms i did start it that way... first time traveling in January 2007... i was 15 minutes late that i also had to run to run way.. where the flight is waiting, i rush i run, and on board... there he goes.. MY BOSS at one of the passenger seat.. i said "..uuuhh hi boss!!" he hide his face under newspaper that he read!! hahahahahaha....

When i  arrive in Jakarta.. and get my luggage he was there standing next to me and whisper... i don't want to know you because you are very late arriving! i didnt know that we were waiting for you!! hahaha i don't know if we were on the same flight because i don't even notice the flight that he request few weeks ago before i went on my days off!

So.. i think i need to say sorry to all those passengers that wait for me.. and most of indonesia/domestic flight attendant that already very patience waiting for this girl with her huge backpack... i am so sorry guys...

I will keep trying not to be late when ever i travel.. i just hope that i wont be on the same flight with one of my readers here (hehe di lempar sama sandal jepit gue huahauhaua! maaf kan sayaaaaaa!)

Eventually there are few reasons why passenger could possibly late for their flight and missed the flight!

There are 8 top reasons why people actually late for their flights! and i found few tips and solutions for those.. i hope this could help you all out! because missing a flight could possibly very expensive mistake for a budget traveler!

These tips should help you get where you’re going on time.

Problem: Misread and misspelled documents
Solution: On receipt of your documents check the name, spelling and flight details are correct.

Problem: Flight schedule changes
Solution: Check your latest paperwork for any changes. Remember the times on the ticket will be written using the 24 hr clock.

Problem: Traffic delays caused by road accidents and road works or engineering works on railways
Solution: Check with local authority or just radio broadcast, accidents or engineering works that may affect your route and if need be find an alternative route.

Problem: Denied permission to travel due to incorrect passport or expired passports
Solution: Review your passport in advance to ensure it still has six months to run after your return to the UK. Also remember to pack your passport in your hand luggage.

Problem: Essential medication needed urgently is packed in the hold luggage which has been checked–in
Solution: If your bags do not join you on the aircraft you run the risk of missing your flight. Make sure any prescribed medication is packed in your hand luggage just in case you need it before the flight departs.  Most airports have a chemist but they may not stock your particular prescription.

Problem: Too late to check-in
Solution: Add more time – Airports are big and somewhere you might not be familiar with. Never under estimate your timings, make sure you have left plenty of time to get from the airport car park, (which may require a transfer service) to the terminal and into the correct check-in zone. Remember there may be a queue at check-in. Make sure you know which terminal as some airport have more than one and airlines can also fly out of more than one terminal.

Problem: Not allowing enough time to get to the departure gate once checked-in
Solution:  Airlines are requiring their passengers to arrive at the gate for their flights earlier than in the past. Plan on getting to the gate at least 30 minutes before your flight departs and remember some gates can be as much as 25 minutes away from the main retail area. If you’re late they won’t wait.

Problem: Flights not connecting
Solution: Connecting flights are the most difficult to negotiate. If there isn't a nonstop flight, then build extra time into your itinerary for the connection. Don’t take the connecting flight that gives you just 45 minutes to change planes at a busy airport; instead, ask for a 2 to 4 hour layover to make the connection. You may not be able to do this online, instead call your travel agent or the airline directly. Please remember if you have bought two separate flights your connection is never guaranteed.

My Dearest Passport....

Posted by Fico , Thursday, February 24, 2011 11:47 PM

Would you believe if i said, i am nearly 30, and my local Immigration office ask me for "parent approval" form to be signed for my passport renewal?

It does happens here in Indonesia.

Few weeks ago i was on this long winding road of renewing my passport. It should be no hassle but dang! its not Indonesia if its not difficult!

I went there first time in 2006 for my own passport by my self.. and i finish the passport less than a week. That day i can not finish it in a day because that "parent approval" letter.

As i plan to do some traveling in 2011, so i need to renew the passport which about to expire in Nov 2011. Its still far, but i short of had this "secret" plan that need my passport to be renew, kind of close to the traveling date.

So, after i got all supported papers such as:
1. Employment paper from office (surat pernyataan dari kantor), addressed to the head office of Jambi Immigration on the top of the letter.
2. Original and copy of birth certificate.
3. Original and copy of Indonesian Id that copied front side and back side on 1 piece of paper.
4. My old passport and copy of first page and last page, both side copied also in same side of paper.
5. The Parent approval forms, signed and stamped with "materai" which is worth Rp 6000
6. Passport application forms that already filled, and signed
7. Form to request for old passport, signed and stamped with Rp 6000 "materai"

When submitting my files, i also had to pay like Rp 12.000,- for what they call "folders and passport cover" which suppose to be free (dang!). When submit it to the officer they check it and i got this note said i had to go back there again in next 2 days for picture and INTERVIEW. Wow.. they're really made this all difficult!

Tow days after that, i went to the officer hand over the small sheet of paper, and give the Rp 255.000,- passport fee. Thats for biometric, 48 pages passport.

They call my name and stuffed me with like 15 other people in a room size 3x4meters oh gosh.. horrible! just kind of remind me interrogation room in some police office (haha yes i've been into several-but no.. i didnt commit any crime!).

And they took picture of me... i know it will look awful, it does. And not like last time where i had chance to see the result and ask to get another picture hehe.. this time just too many people to lined up that i am pretty sure if i ask that guy to get me posed once again he will yell at me!

After that i had to wait again for another queue for interview. Still in the same stuffy room full with other people. The worse is.. they call for more people to get in---duhhh!!! When i am about to turn my face to green due to some odors.. (yepp gross) they call my name for interview!

This guy, ask my name, address, DOB and also my work... ask about where to travel, when, and why... wow.. such details! he check my old passport and said.. ok you're good to go.. and said i could take the passport for next two days. He ask me to sign a blank passport and then i go home.

Two days after that is Friday... of course when i came in the morning they said its not ready. I should go there again after lunch! oh my.... what a pain! anyway i am just too close to the finish line... so i went there again after lunch.

After waiting for several minutes... wondering when reading the sign that there's free wifi at the waiting room--but i know it better--they wont gave me the password anyway.. they call my name and hand over the passport. They return all of the original papers, also have to double check if there's papers that i forgot! and then i gave them the old passport request form. And they also gave my my dearest old passport with all stamps and memories with it.....

I am good to go! (start booking airasia big deals promo)