Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
It's been three nights in Indonesia with a lot of similarities and differences from Thailand. First of all Indonesia, being closer to the equator is noticeably hotter! You can always tell a local in their pants and shirts, some sweaters and I even saw a coat
There are also more cockroaches in Indonesia. I am convinced this is in large part due to the religious offerings left out. Walking down the street I am careful not to step on them as they are often left at the end and in the middle of driveways and walkways. They have flowers in them, I've seen money, incense, a couple cigarettes, crackers and chocolate. Scott kick over a brick, we saw a cockroach crawl into on the sidewalk and the earth seemed to be alive in the hole it left; I can't tell you how many were in there.
The culture is rich with symbolism and tradition; I find it very intriguing. There are bamboo arcs over walkways with fresh flowers and statues everywhere with more offerings in and in front of them.
The people here are very friendly and very inquisitive :) Everyone asks a lot of questions. Even the security guards who check the cars coming in for bombs like to ask where I am off to.
Dustin tells me shopping the street vendors in Indonesia is what Thailand used to be. In Thailand they were indifferent and didn't ways barter, but here they will chase you down the street. Some beg you to come in their shop and some will just grab you as you try and walk by. I was looking at a "100% fake authentic" Jimmy Choo purse and while only saying no the guy went from 500,000 Rupahs to 200,000 lol I watched one lady try to convince a vendor that she didn't need to buy another watch and while she showed him some of what she bought he went through the rest of her bag! Lol They are friendly though, even when being invasive. I smile, dodge their handshake and just keep walking! I plan on buying a bunch when I am back here with Jay at the end of the month :) I meet Jay in Jakarta in 5 days and CANNOT wait!!!
Along with the cockroaches there are many geckos. I named two little ones in the room, which was a mistake because one didn't make it. He hid under a towel on the floor and....well... Minnie is now missing Mickey Thailand had bats, but Indonesia really has bats. Walking last night one came so close I could see the veins in it's wings with the streetlight on the other side of it. I didn't even try to dodge it as locals were watching and I wanted to look brave, until it swooped back behind me, then I was not so brave. There are loads of frogs on the grass at night, but none have hopped on me so we are doing well there. All in all it's been one big living fear factor!!
There are less food vendors working off the streets here and because we are in a tourist area a lot of western food. So far my stomach had been better which may be another reason I am enjoying Indonesia a little more than Thailand. After tonight I will be spending two nights in a little more upscale area as I've read online there is a restaurant that has a GF menu, a cafe with GF bread and a place that even does GF toast in the morning. Now I know I shouldn't get my hopes up, but I totally have!!!
This is where my journey with Dustin, Scott and Jason ends. They start their rickshaw race tomorrow which will take them 2-3 weeks depending on how many more mechanical issues they have with the rickshaw; it was at the mechanics all day yesterday I hope this link works https://m.facebook.com/home.php?refid=9#!/TeamSeaToSkyDangerMooseRickshawRun?__user=700091392. The race is done by all participants who are their on their own dollar and have raised money for charity. They will be taking their rickshaws from Bali to Medan; hopefully coming in first.
After two nights alone in Bali I fly to Jakarta where I will spend another two nights and then meet Jay From there the plan is to make our way back to Bali stopping in different places along the way. While alone I will be seeking our GF meals, reading, swimming and getting massages My manicure, pedicure and foot massage with extra for flowers on my toes cost me 120,000 Rupahs (~$12) and took almost two hours. The next will be a one hour full body massage which is usually around $10 or $12. It's a rough way to spend tourist dollar and support the local economy, but I feel like I owe it to Indonesia
Talk to you soon!!!
- comments