Another German leaving my world, just after Jürgen Klopp did so in less than 2 weeks ago!
I’ve lived in this city for the majority of my life, but I’ve never seen it the way I did with you. From 5 stars to “kaki 5”, from the expat bubble to dodgy markets, from bar hopping to museum exploring, music festival, football matches, a failed stand-up comedy night, to a Halloween running event chased by monsters, and of course from the many independent book stores to our favourite spot the vintage book area in Blok M.
Ah yes, the books, the things that brought us together in the first place. I think it’s a borderline miracle that I can meet probably the only person who is as crazed with books as I do, with range of topics that we are either familiar with (and can talk about it endlessly) or we complement each other with our own special interests that are new for each other. Like fiction and literature, my God how on Earth did you manage to get me to read fictions?
Which brings us to Buru Quartet. Funny how it takes a foreigner to introduce me to the best Indonesian literature ever written, Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s Buru Quartet, and encouraged me to read it in its original language. My language. And then introduced me to the weird and wonderful and interesting writings like from Stuart Jeffries, Albert Camus, Chuck Palahneuk, Benedict Anderson, and several others including the funniest book that I’ve ever read: Why We Took the Car.
This alone has made you one of the most influential persons that I’ve ever crossed paths with. But between Kemal becoming a Borrusia Mönchengladbach fan and Kirana learning how to swear in German, we also found a family friend in you guys. Om Fred and tante Pia. A relationship that has the feel that it is only the beginning.
Jakarta won’t be the same without you roaming around with your scooter or chilling at Coffeebeerian. Going to the bookstores won’t last for hours now that I’m unable to discuss ideas with you. But c’est la vie, the universe has other [better] plans that look very exciting indeed. I couldn’t be more happier for you.
Have a great new chapter in life my friend, let’s continue our conversations online, and see you next year!
THE CHAOS THEORY 