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Thread: Indonesia part 2

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    Default Indonesia part 2

    Probolingo was the next port, as alwaysa madly bustling town where transport is not the normal taxi or busas is the way in most others parts of the nation. Here the maintransport is by 'Bikeshaw', a rickshaw with part bicycle added togive propulsion. There are a few where the owners have ventured intothe 21st century by adding a motor bike engine to kit,saves the legs.


    Most of the carriages are only for onewhen it comes to the westeners, but the locals often ride with two inthem. There are hundreds to accost us as we step ashore from theships tender. In your face like nothing you have ever seen, not toomany ships come in so when they do they have to make the most of it.Having found one that may look half honest there is then the task of'establising a price' It is around 3 kilometers to the nearest townand the main place of interest. Some ten minutes of argument saw uscome to an agreement on the price, or so we thought. There is, as isthe case in all ports, a number of persons who either own or controlthe transport, be it taxis, busues or in this case the 'Bikeshaw'. Itis with them tou negotiate paying the driver at the end of the trip.


    So of we go to see the town. The road,or should I say the pot holes connected by small pices of bitumenmakes for a rough ride. Not reccomended for expectant mothers,persons with skelital problems or indeed a hang over.


    So off we went, one in each, trundlingalong and enjoying the scenery. It was if we were Royalty, the kidson the side of the street cheering and waving as we gently returnedthe wave. It took a good half hour of pedal power to reach the township where we alighted from our transport. As is the custom theriders agree to wait while we go for a look about. Two hours is aboutnormal for them to wait.


    We spent two very good hours visiingthe Red Church and nearby museum, tow places of great interest. Oldbuildings with a great deal of history and items of interest. Themuseum told part of the story of the town and surrounding region.
    Having had our fill we ventured back tothe 'transport' to find the drivers waiting for us. The returnjourney was no different to the outbound, the kids were still tere aswere the potholes and bumps in the road. We arrived back at the dock,crawled out of the transport, stiff and sore from the journey andwent to pay. We had established with the owner of the transport a feeof IRP 200,000 or about $20 for two. A reasonalbe fee fitting in withthe general price for most in that region. But no, these two were nothappy, they want another IPR 100,000. I explained the agreement wehad but of course the ownerw as no where to be seen. Normal practicewith this tyope of arrangement in Indonesia. So many unsuspectingtourists get caught out this way and end up paying the additionalfee.
    My Indonesian is very basic but I knowenough to tell such men, and sometimes women, what will occur to themif they defy the will of their God.


    They were a bit taken aback by the factI could tell them in their own tounge to go take a jump. We began towalk away and they started to follow but at the gate had to stop,they could not go onto the dock. No matter what they had said or donethere was no way they would get any more fromme. Been there, donethat and got the Tee shirt.


    So on to Benoa the port for the islandof Bali.


    Considered by some as the holiday homeof most Australians, and for ten years we used it as such for end ofyear celebrations.
    Unlike the rest of Indonesia Bali isHindu, not quite the same as India but very similar. It had developedover time as it's own version of Hindu. In 2002 it was the scene ofthe infamous Bali bombing which saw many dead including some from UK.We have visited the site, now a shrine, and still it brings a lump tothe throat.
    It is situated in Kuta, maybe the mostfamous of all Bali areas. Noted for bars, bars and of course somebars. There was a time when at 1000 hours most of the revelers werejust getting out of their beds. Not the type you would know as theseconsist of concrete gutters for pillows and the open sky for ablanket.
    Drunkeness with the average Australianwas legendary in this part of the island. We have improved a lotsince then and now sleep in doorways instead.


    But in the midst of all this frivolitystands the shrine, a place of reverence, where edspite the cacphonyof sound all around there is a peaceful silence here. All who come toKuta will tell you the same thing, there is an air of somethingspecial around this site.


    The Balinese people are a gently kindlyrace who have no love for the Javanese who tend to be a little coarsein comparison. They are honest to the extent that crime in Bali isthe lowest in Indonesia. As one man told me, if we commit a crimwwhere can we hide in this island?
    The law is tough, the two found guiltyof the Bali bombing exectued by firing squad in 2014, it took time,but it took time to catch them. Drug dealers suffer the same fate,off to one of the small islands and a midnight it is good nightnurse.


    But the island is one of beauty notseen by many. Most tourist will take the regular tours to se thetemples and other places of interset, ride an Elephant or go to themonkey forrest. But there is another side to the island away rom thetourist madness. On our first rip we did all the ususl tourist bitsbut then I took to hiring a car. We have travelled the island fromside to side, top to bottom. We have seen the sights very few get tosee, the Sultans Water palace on the east coast, the Bhudistmonestary in the north and so much more.


    The island is alive with dogs, allhomes will have at least one and they are treated with reverenceconsidered to be gods come back in another form. Every day morning,midday and evening offerings are put out for the Gods. Small platesmade from Banana leaves are filled with small amount of rice andfruit. This is placed on the ground and blessed by the lady placingit. No me do this task as it would be seen as an insult to the Godsif they did. All around the streets thousands of these will appear,some eaten by the dogs, the rest just left to rot away or be blownaway in the wind.


    The hustle and bustle of every day lifeis rampant in Bali, again for the first tim etourist a culture shock,but one that brings forth great rewards for those willing to sharewith the locals. Eat where the locals eat has always been my idealand in Bali it works so well.
    Sit and eat, enjoy a drink and beentertained by the dancers. Balinese dancing is a joy to watch,similar to that of Thailand but with more facial expression whichportrays part of the story. The Gamalang music, made mainy by thestriking of hammers to metal plates, is captivating.


    This was by no means the high light ofthe cruise, but it was a place of great enjoyment and one of which Inever tire.


    Leaving Bali/Benoa was on New YearsEve, a fun time on any ship. Early evening drinks followed by aspecial dinner enjoyed by all. Prawns, Lobster, Caviar washed downwith suitable beverages.
    Then to find a spot to enjoy theincoming new year celebrations.
    In the Atrium at midnight the balloondrop, over 1,000 of them one with a prize inside. It is great fun towatch 500 people almost kiling each other to get to the winner, theyhope.


    On the pool deck a pool party with agreat West Indian band at full swing. There was even a man in a skirtwho played heathen music at Middnight to see the new year in. Some ofthe passengers asked if he would play over the hills and far away, hedid not compliment the band, but he siad as he could not swim hewouls stay on board.
    The party went until the early hoursand New Years morning saw a plethora of well managed hang overs.Having done 6 of these Christmas/ New Year cruises this had to be thebest, such was the manner of the crowd.
    Last edited by happy daze john in oz; 12th January 2017 at 05:11 AM.
    Happy daze John in Oz.

    Life is too short to blend in.

    John Strange R737787
    World Traveller

  2. Thanks Doc Vernon, N/A, Captain Kong thanked for this post
  3. #2
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    Default Re: Indonesia part 2

    Pretty please!
    Pack me in your Bags next trip!
    Ta!! LOL

    Thanks again for sharing John!
    Cheers
    Senior Site Moderator-Member and Friend of this Website

    R697530

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    Default Re: Indonesia part 2

    I enjoyed Bali when we were there last February, in the Hindu Temples we were given Sarongs to wear, not allowed in in western clothes.
    I bought two very good shirts off the ladies in the street with arms full of shirts, $10 US, very good and very cheap.
    Good Stories John , brings back many memories.
    Cheers
    Brian

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