Jakarta

Referred to by expats as "The Big Durian" (and if you've never had the privilege of smelling that sweet sweet fragrance of the durian fruit, then the beauty of this name will probably be lost on you), Jakarta isn't exactly a top tourist location, nor will it ever be most likely. As the largest and most overpopulated city on a very overpopulated Java Island, from a photographer's perspective there will of course be plenty to shoot in a place like this. And while my time was limited here, as I was just making a quick visit to see my good Indonesian friend Irwansyah and his wife after attending the EWC conference in Bali, I did thoroughly enjoy the few chances I had to get out and walk around the steaming streets of Jakarta and catch a glimpse of how life propels itself forward in a place nicknamed after the stinkiest of stinky fruits. Irwansyah (and his wife and his student Rudi who drove us around in his car) was also a fantastic host, taking me to see as many interesting points in the city as we could squeeze in between his busy teaching schedule and my short stay. Despite the advice of the travel books to steer clear of Indonesia's capital and head straight for the beaches paved with gold, if you are interested in people and life and big cities then Jakarta is actually well worth spending a week or so exploring. I'll certainly go back if I get the chance.