One thing we're finding out is that traveling in Indonesia appears to require one of (at least) these things:
- Lots of experience
- Lots of time
- No luggage
- We've never been to Timor, Indonesia (though we know several who have). You need to know the secrets of overcoming obstacles.
- With our normal heavy workload at home, we could only "afford" up to a month of time in Timor and needed to get in and out quickly.
So, no luggage?? You must be kidding. Travel around the world with no luggage?
So, here's the situation. We're flying to New Zealand with an allowance of a carry-on bag plus one hand carry plus two checked bags up to 50 lbs each free. Great! Then we fly from there, through Brisbane, Australia, to Bali, Indonesia with one carry-on bag plus 1 checked bag each free. Um, okay, still great!!
Once we leave Singapore, we're back to carry-on plus hand carry and two checked bags each free, all the way back home. Great!
BUT, when leaving Indonesia on our way to Singapore, we are allowed only 15 lbs luggage each, no checked bag, and that includes all that we have (laptop/backpack and overhead suitcase).
What?
We weighed our empty overhead suitcases and they are both too big (length-width-height) and weigh 4 lbs empty. Can we live and work for a month on ~11 lbs each?? Julie's computer alone weighs 6 lbs.
I've been trying to contact the two (regional) airlines that we will be using leaving Indonesia. The airline on the second leg says we can pay an added fee to check bags. That's a relief. The first one's website, however, indicates they will be at the gate with a tape measure and scale, ready to impose stiff fines. This airline has no US number and they've not replied yet to my email asking for mercy. Oh the joys of traveling.
If you are reading this before April 26th (the date we depart Indonesia for Singapore), please pray. We'll let you know how it goes.
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