From one of  the poorest islands in Indonesia to its glittering capital. Two flights yesterday brought me here, to Jakarta, a city of high rises, including this hotel.

Have I ever slept 55 floors up before? I don’t think so.

The noise that reaches this high is indistinct, muffled traffic, a low roar, snippets of faraway music. I look out the window but forgo the balcony. It’s nice to have a thick pane of glass between me and the view.