First day in Jakarta: took a taxi for $2 to the Monas, the National Monument. They drop you outside the gates and it is a pretty long walk to the entrance. As soon as I got out of the car, I was smacked with the most intense heat I have experienced. By the the time I made it to the ticket counter, I was drenched. And because Java is a Muslim country, you have to dress conservatively and cover shoulders and knees. I walked around inside and out taking pictures and learning about the history, which is dedicated to the spirit of the Indonesian people. I was the only Westerner in the entire area and was approached 5 times by different groups who wanted a picture with me. It was pretty entertaining. Met my group and guide later that night for our orientation.