Beach bum
Well, I’d originally thought my trip to Pangandaran -impossible to say in true Indonesian accent, by the way- was going to be a quiet day or so after the long day traveling across the Puncak Pass, but somehow it has turned into a six day vacation….Between hiking in the National Park, jungle tours, visiting local wayang golek makers, fish frys and bonfires on the beach, riding on the back of motorcycles for hours through local villages in the area (sorry Mom and Dad), swimming in canyons and volcanic streams and jumping off of waterfalls (I’m kidding. Or am I?!?!…..) it’s been wonderful. And pretty exhausting too, I feel like I’ve been going nonstop.
I’m learning to surf! As Indonesia is famous for its surfing and beaches, I thought I’d try my hand at it. Turns out I’m terrible. Anyways there are worse things to do than spend all morning and afternoon on a black sand beach in the tropics.
Can I say one more time how wonderful the people here are - incredibly friendly with beautiful smiles! Whoever said solo traveling would be lonely was definitely not thinking of Indonesia. Besides the influx of German, French, Dutch and Australian tourists wandering the streets, the Indonesian locals are incredibly warm and hospitable. I. AM. NEVER. ALONE. Sometimes a tiring thing!! From bus rides, becok rides, warungs, restaurants, you name it - inevitably someone approaches to strike up conversation (Where are you from? Where are you going? Where have you been? etc). Yesterday morning I brought a book to a local restauraunt, thinking I’d enjoy some reading over a nice breakfast - within minutes, the waitress and two other locals were seated at the table and I spent the next two hours discussing the Hindu religion, history of the U.S., societal role of women around the world, etc. I haven’t even made it through one of the several books I brought to read. Related note: I was so touched having dinner in the nearby village in Bogor? Well I’ve already had five similar invites in just the past week. It’s really a wonderful culture.
Looking forward to a quiet night here in Pangandaran, and leaving (via minibus, then ferry, then bus) to Yogyakarta -the cultural center of Java- tomorrow morning. I’m really looking forward to visiting the Hindu temples, batik and woodwork galleries and historical and cultural musems.
Tags: Java, Tag Index
August 14th, 2005 at 8:15 am
Gabrielle,
the trip and your experiences continue to sound absolutely terrific. We appreciate all of the very desciptive tidbits. The other thing that’s coming thru, in addition to their friendliness, is how much you’re enjoying! Carry on, love, WW
August 14th, 2005 at 2:42 pm
Gabrielle-
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. What a journey! I’m glad you’re traveling “alone”… it definitely seems to be helping you experience the culture and people more intimately.
Jen
August 14th, 2005 at 7:05 pm
It’s only Sunday here but i believe it’s already your day, now, where you are…so, Happy you-know-what day, love, WW
August 15th, 2005 at 7:55 am
Slamet Ulang Taunmoe!
(that would be Happy Birthday in Indonesian)
Seth
August 15th, 2005 at 12:03 pm
Best Wishes!!!
*hug*
August 15th, 2005 at 12:07 pm
Hi Gabrielle-
As I was writing the date on an eppendorf tube today I suddenly remembered that it’s your birthday… I was about to send an email and then realized that I still hadn’t checked out your blog…wow!! Sounds like you’re having an incredible time, and reading your descriptions of all your exciting adventures made me smile throughout!
Happy birthday!
-Sima
August 15th, 2005 at 4:07 pm
Happy Birthday Gabrielle! It sounds wonderful over there! Thinking of you!
Love, Rae
August 17th, 2005 at 10:17 am
Looking forward to hearing about buses, ferries, and the next leg of the journey, love, WW
August 17th, 2005 at 3:48 pm
hey gabs-
glad to see you are tearing up indonesia on the backs of motorcycles. can i call you easy rider now? since its too hot for a leather jacket, do you at least wear a bandana to hold your hair back? i’d love a see a picture! anyway, please continue the narratives, its fun to live vicariously through you via a computer screen. happy trails.
August 18th, 2005 at 4:02 pm
Happy Birthday Gabrielle!!
August 19th, 2005 at 1:25 am
i like reading the comments. you haven’t written in a few days. what are you doing exploring the world or something? let us in on it. by the way, nice work seth with the bday wish. miss you mama!!
August 23rd, 2005 at 2:18 pm
Happy BELATED Birthday,Gabrielle!! Cameron loves the book that you sent via Vanessa for her birthday. We’ve been reading it every night.
Your pictures are beautiful and it’s great that you’re having such a wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing it with us!
Love, Cameron, Cindy and Mike