Plabuhan Ratu

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Trip Start Jul 05, 2006 Previous
Entry Trip End Aug 10, 2006

  Plabuhan Ratu, Indonesia
Tuesday, July 25, 2006

well well, i have been out of contact with the modern world for a little while. the last 4 days were spent on the southern coast of Java on the beach. but in a bay, mind you as the threat of Tsunamis here are ever present. but no worries, as it was amazing as ever. i will let the pictures speak for themselves but, before i do, a summary of major events:
the drive alone was an adventure. up and around the winding mountain roads, with rice patties and rubber trees along the roadside the whole way. i spent most of the time with my window down waving at people as they yelled "hey mister" an english phrase almost everyone knows. the smiles were countless. i am enjoying my role of goodwill ambassador to indonesia. the place we stayed was even more memorable, right on the beach, a little bamboo bungalow. the waves were so big, you could actually feel them as you lay in bed at night. it kind of gives your days a rhythm, the ever present crash of waves on the beach

10roadtrip

. on the second day, we invited to this family's home in the mountains, about a 45 minute drive straight up. switchbacks were the rule of the day, with unbelievable vistas around every turn. the family's house was incredible, and they were so welcoming. they greeted us with sticky rice prepared with little bits of coconut. it was from the rice they grow right there, you can't get any fresher than that. at this point i didn't think it could get any better, anymore like something you only see on the travel channel, but oooo was i mistaken. after a little tour of their place, complete with a water buffalo ride, we headed to a festival in the village center. we were lucky enough to be there during a yearly harvest celebration. being the only white people in sight, at times it seemed like we were the main attraction. again, the people were so welcoming and we were able to visit with the village king, and sample all these local delicacies on his tab, such an experience!! these words fall very short of doing justice, maybe the pictures will help, and trust me i have more to show when i get back, to anyone that wants to see. then we attempted to walk the dogs, which was indeed a sight to see. we quickly collected an entourage of 40 kids that followed our every move. a little hectic, a little scary, but so so fun as is any intense cultural experience. and it was definitely mutual as everyone there learned just as many new things as we did. i just wish i had studied the language more before coming here, but i am picking up some indonesian little by little.
the next day was delegated to relaxing, as we were all exhausted from the day before. this didn't stop us from learning more, however, as a walk on the beach, turned into a lesson in panning for gold, and the process of purifying it by fire (see pictures) ahhh what a trip. an adventure within and adventure.


from jakarta indonesian this is mike signing off