In The Twinkling Of An Eye

Many parts of South East Asia remains a travel challenge even for the most hardy experienced globe trotter. The rich and multi-faceted combination of the history of these lands, religious beliefs and rituals, potpourri of cuisine, inter-race marriages and cultures beckons – especially those from the Western Hemisphere.

The foreign exchange advantage makes these places a great steal to travel and sight-see albeit not without a certain amount of risk to the gullible traveler.

With the exception of Singapore, the rest of South East Asian countries have much left to be desired with their public transport and safety. Dishonest cab drivers, Automobile accidents, capsized Ferries and Plane disasters are not a rarity.

This is a real life incident that I witnessed while on travel in Indonesia. After more than an 8 hour sea journey from the west coast town of Malacca to eastern Sumatra, I disembarked at Pekan Baru.

While waiting in line at the Immigration, an Indonesian man entered the room and began hollering at the arrivals, “Anyone from Hotel ABC, Hotel XYZ?” I was puzzled how he freely gained access into the room.

An Algerian stepped out of his queue, raised his hand and confirmed that he was a guest at Hotel ABC. The Indonesian man came forward with a warm and friendly countenance, shook hands with the Algerian and then asked where the Algerian had left his luggage.

The Algerian pointed to where his bags were. The Indonesian went over, carried them and said that he would have them stored in the Hotel van. He told the Algerian that he would wait for him at the exit lobby.

It took me about 30 minutes by the time I made it through the Immigration. As I entered the exit lobby, a uniformed officer approached me to assist the Algerian as most Indonesians do not converse in English.

I learned from the shocked and inconsolable Algerian that he had lost everything except what he had on his body. The Indonesian who had taken his bags had vanished by the time he reached the exit lobby.

On reflection, there is a practical psychology that was effectively executed by this Indonesian man. He knows that travelers:

1. Had completed a sea journey of over 8 hours.
2. Weary, the traveler is seeking for all the convenience he can be given.
3. 99 percent of the arrivals being locals would be Hotel guests.
4. Most foreigners would succumb to the idea that the Hotel provides such service.