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Well here we are in Berestagi, Indonesia. A hill station south of the lovely Medan. The Dutch, when colonising this area decided that they needed a more temperate climate to escape to and where better than the beautiful landscape up here. We took a taxi and driver via the hotel in Medan. Internet problems meant We had not managed to book any room in Berestagi but - hey ho! It was an exciting 2hr 20 drive through incessant traffic. We spent as much time on the left side of the road as the right! There seems to be no lane system on the roads, the trick is to fit as many vehicles across as possible. There is also no rule about overtaking, just get round the other vehicles whatever way you can. The views were amazing, roadside villages, bustling markets selling everything including live poultry. When we got to the hills we saw the skyline dotted with volcanoes one of which was smouldering. Very exciting! We got to the hotel we wanted (Horison) by 1pm and after reviewing the room/bungalow we checked in. All was fine - semi-detached bungalow built about 8 months ago - nice spacious room beds/TV/Western bathroom/Large power shower - wifi in foyer- breakfast to your room, view of Gunung Sibayak (smouldering volcano) from the door. Booked for 2 nights and will book online using Agoda (cheaper) if there are no problems. We relaxed, booked our pre-flight hotels in the foyer and then went for a walk into Town. Weather here is so much cooler as we are way up in the mountains. Locals wear jackets and hoodies as it is only around 72-75 degrees! We walked along the main road, trucks honked and waved or shouted hello and kids shouted to us, many locals seemed amused by us. Everyone is very friendly and the culture is to ask you all about yourself "Where are you from? Where are you going? are you married? How old are you?" even if you are just passing them in the street. So tomorrow off to the smouldering Volcano - so exciting - wish us luck. On the wall of the tourist office, where we booked our guide there is a list of people who died or went missing up there (without a guide!). Gunung Lokon is erupting in Indonesia at present, but it is miles away in Sulawesi, so don't worry if you see it on the news... speak soon
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