Back to Java

Trip Start Nov 07, 2010
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Trip End Jan 22, 2011


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Where I stayed

Flag of Indonesia  , Java,
Saturday, November 27, 2010

Onward from Bali & a 2 hour drive over the mountains via Lake Bratan to the north coast & the ferry port at Gillmanuk. Straight on to the ferry although Jacqueline & Liz had to rush as they wanted a loo stop first. The ferry was full (surprise) but with many Bali Hindu pilgrims very smartly dressed. We were the only Europeans. We were pleased to see a pilgrim make an offering, incense stick & 1000Rupiah note (all of 7p) & drop it into the sea as we left - very reassuring. The crossing is only half an hour & you can see Java but the currents are quite strong. Just to reassure you on safety, Jacqueline got on the bridge & drove the ferry for a few minutes it seems because we had novelty value. We contuinued to get photographed all the time too. Crossing may be half an hour but so was queue to dock but no crises.
It was really hot around early afternoon & we sweltered around & in the hotel pool - it had a (sort of) pool bar too but one that was cash only (who has cash in their swimming gear?)
Catching the ferry
Catching the ferry
. Did it snow at home?
In the evening we went to a local fish restaurant where little English was spoken - not sure what the fish was, but it was nice.
We are here to go Ijen. This is an active volcano which ejects molten sulphur - this then solidifies & the locals carry 80kg a time in bamboo baskets across their neck up from the crater & then down to the collection point 4km away - just think about it - my bag is 20kg. This is quite a feat & they get 600Rupiah a kilo which is about 4p & do 2 or 3 trips a day. The going rate for a photo is a cigarette although we traded in biscuits and water in the main.
We (without Liz) got to trek up 3km to 1km above the active crater which was a great sight as the clouds were clear up there. I'll upload some photos later.
This is a must do in this part of the world.
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