Slamet, Bondowoso, Indonesia
Incessantly adventuring. Night trains encourage nonstop travel. Constant movement and change. Can’t imagine settling. Returned to Borobudur – difficult to photograph with dozens of tourists in the background.
Strategy for Indonesia bus travel
Ignore touts, sit on bus and observe what locals pay before paying. Refuse to pay anything more. Repeat in head, “It’s all about control.”
Motorbike to Mount Bromo
Took a motorbike taxi to Mt. Bromo. On the way, we slowed to a stop on a steep hill. Driver gunned it and the bike did a wheelie and we both fell off the back. I landed on my feet and held the driver up. Another close call. 150,000 rupiah for a round trip from Pongliborro bus station – had to bargain hard. No real sleep on the train last night but felt a burst of energy upon arriving at Mt. Bromo – my first volcano. Again my ability to cover great distances on foot saved me some rupiah.
Running up Mount Bromo
Ran half way up Mt. Bromo. Feeling of elation peering into the volcano – steam rising out of the earth. Put what’s going on underneath my feet into a different perspective. So many risks and so much trust being given to numerous drivers each day. Can’t help but think my luck is beyond coincidental.
Shower with water buckets. Stroll through local market – purchased some Tape since the Bondowoso is known for this dessert, but it tasted like it had gone bad. Continually experiencing the kindness of Java people. Making plans for Ijen today – planning to spend all day and night there to see the blue lava flames.
Need to determine the best time of year to visit Nepal. Thoughts of a future adventure to South America on my mind: Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador – so many places, so little time. Planning to get a sketch book and add drawing to my routine. Travel affords the opportunity to reinvent oneself, constantly piecing this ever changing world together. Each day presents new ups and downs – rolling with the punches – avoiding thoughts of loneliness as Christmas approaches. No interest in cutting this journey short. New sunrises and sunsets to see.
