jaurinata journal

One day, just you and me...

September 23, 2004 we decided as the day that we should explore a bit part of Indonesia. Funny how we have been away from the country but never really understand all the rich inside it. The four Flamboyan dwellers did the cross country road Sumatra-Java-Bali. It was just Abach Putra, Amie Uni, Dasha and Mr.Jazz. It was a test case for Mr. Jazz.
The trip was started through the Eastern Sumatra Inter Province Road. We have never seen such poor suburban areas in our life. Totally different from the urban poor that Putra and I walked through during our college years. This is the silent poor – in the middle of nothingness, crossed by the dry red earthed unfinished- too long of unfinished inter province road. Sad. Only sadness that came to mind at first, then followed by extreme furious.

The trip on Sumatra to Java took 3 days 2 nights. We passed North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung, then cross the Sunda Strait, wathcing Krakatoa from distance. How glad we were as we reached the first stop in Anyer. It was a fun trip – partially planned, partially goes with the flow. Putra and Dasha quickly jumped into the pool just by the ocean. Big smile arrived in my face as I see them playing with the fresh water.

From Anyer, it was Bandung. Bandung is another story. Meeting old college mates and sort of spent the time to hang at cafés. Indeed, Bandung was a student city. Lots of Factory Outlets, Cafés, and what we appreciate much was the quality of the Architectural work and finishes. As the thirst for new sights always hit on us, we explored to the smallest areas of Bandung. The yogurt, at…., batagor Riri… serabi imut at… plus the hot sekoteng. Nothing was like hanging out again at night. The night was also beautiful at the… seeing the little lights of Bandung that reflected the stars in the dark sky. The visit was also added by the visit to Tangkuban prahu and Ciwidey.
After a long rest before sunset on the second day, Putra hit the road. It was just him as the captain who led Mr. Jazz. We talked all night long, just like in college. Smiling on my parents worries as the let us go to the trip. It was my first cross country road trip as the responsible person to a family! I used to be just the kid in the trip who had nothing to worry about.

Jogja, was not quiet a surprise, as it was our second time back. But the first time to return together. The first day was mostly spending time at Keraton, the market, and Malioboro. Gave Dasha her first experience riding the andong. Second day and third day was all about Candi, Borobudur and Prambanan. Our favorite was Prambanan, mass wise. But as the great wonder of the world, nothing beat sunset at Borobudur. It was perfect. Scrolling the small roads of Jogja, little isles in the Kampoengs. Jogja-ness, the Kampoeng people, were able to live very humble. It amazed us, but made us realized how lucky our life is. Nothing much to complain. But we are not leaving Jogja without me getting the traditional Batik, wax, canting, and natural color materials to make Batik.

Slow Sunday we passes Solo on the way to Bali. We explore the quiet Keraton Solo neighborhood and tried the local Arab Kebab, plus sholat in one of the mosque at Kampung Arab.
From Jogja, leading to Bali – again another long drive. We took the Southern Java Provincial Road and then maneuver to the Northern Provincial Road. As we arrive at sunrise in the forest of…. Again, just amazed of the wonderful woods. Regardless it was dry season, and all the leaves had fallen on the ground, but reminds me of fall in the US. So why can’t Indonesia make the best of this country. If only…

Bali, Yes! The ride from the roll on roll off terminal was magnificent! One side is the ocean view, another is either hills or paddy field. I did all the driving while Captain Putra was just enjoying the sun, the view, and me giving him the time to relax. Immediately we checked into a Balinese style hotel in Kute. The plan to get rest was invaded by wanting to see the beautiful Bali garden. Dasha and I were busy playing in the garden after a hot shower. A necessary hot shower after being so tired on the road. Meanwhile our captain, Putra, and Mr. Jazz are resting in their sleep. Bali was again as simple as just resting and exploring. Candi to candi, market to market, silver smith to silver smith.. We really did shop there! Packed the car with tons of stuff. It was fun exploring and shopping! What was wonderful was the time when Dasha had the chance to play with Bali children who practice the dance. The villages were beautiful. The sarong were very soft rubbing against my face. The sunset at Kute was another joyous. I almost forgot how I love the ocean. Playing there at Kute, seeing Putra led Dasha into the water, slowly, teaching her about waves, ocean habitat, sands, sun,… reminded me of my own childhood with Dad. I hope Dasha will remember this somewhere in the tip of her mind as she grows up.

From Bali, back to Bromo mountain. The freaky drive within the early morning mist to mountain top really gave me goose bumps. But the reward was something. The cold breeze, and the heat at the same time, did not stop us from climbing the Bromo mountain. Dasha was pretty tough for climbing half of the stairways, until she gave up and gave more challenge to Captain Putra to carry her up. I was amazingly tired, clueless of what was happening, but I was…

Returning to home was also involving transit in many cities – again to Jogja to explore the cemetery of …., then to Bandung and Jakarta once more. The next Sumatra stop was thorugh South Sumatra again, then Bukit Tinggi, where we were just adored by the natural beauty of the Lakes, Canyons, Waterfalls, and food. The trip back home then followed by entering North Sumatra from Sidempuan area.

It was a full non stop 5 week trip. Nothing beat the fun of the trip. We will do it again soon. With Lombok as addition. Just love cross country too much!