Surabaya Business trip Day 1

My third business trip of the year saw me jetting off to the 2nd largest city in Indonesia.  I've never been to Surabaya and have no clue what to expect there.  Then again, this was a super short one night trip where I would be in the factory most of the time.

I boarded the taxi at the wee hours of 5 plus in the morning and semi-dozed on my ride to Terminal 2.  At the checking in counter, I requested for my return boarding pass as well since my stay would be less than 48hours.  After spending a minute checking his system, the counter person just told me no way.  I wasn't in the mood for NO, especially since I can already check in online.  So I demanded, and I eventually got it from a now slightly grumpy faced SATs staff.  This should be a relatively easy affair, but instead of trying to help the customer, this guy was just trying to find the easy way out!!

I made my way to the waiting lounge after lumping slowly.. Yes, lumping.  My toe had chosen this day to be swollen. Lucky I've chosen a middle aisle seat that is the bassinet row to stretch out my legs.  The surprisingly empty row helped make my journey more comfy as well.

First impression of the airport was that it looked like those smaller airports in Malaysia.  However, the real headache came when I realized there is only 1 counter for foreign passport!!!  Understandably there are 9 counters for Indonesians, but only 1 for foreigners?  Not to sound too alarming (I've had similar situations in Siam Reap), but give there are so many international carriers parked at the airport and the queue was mile long.  Anyways, it could just be my swollen toe talking here. 

A 30 min ride later and I reached Philips Lighting Factory Surabaya.  A scorching hot day for a site inspection later, plus internal discussions and 2 consultants interview, my stakeholders drove me for Japanese dinner.  It was okay standards but relatively cheap by Singapore's standards.

entrance

VIP signboard

Thereafter, it was a drive to my hotel at JW Marriott.  The room was big with the inviting King bed, though the design was a bit dated.  However the services impressed me!  They knew who I was when I arrived, even attempted to escort me to my room!! They even threw in a free durian bread!! I wonder if I could fly it home the next day..  After a hot soak for my sore toe, it was a dreamy laze on the bed.....

my king size bed

 

my sore toe



night view of the city from my room