The journey from Palembang was hitch free, if you think of the two plane delays as hitchless, as they didn't really stress out my journey so I think it was ok. Jakarta airport was as confusing as ever but after discovering I needed to change terminals I managed to find the yellow shuttle bus and make my way over to terminal 3. In the terminal building I saw for the first time in ages actual travellery people with those funny trousers that I wear too but still, it was weird seeing so many people wearing them. We were then told that our plane was delayed so I hadn't needed to rush to get to the terminal with half an hour to spare like I'd originally thought. We were given a free bread and cake thing and some water, which was rather nice considering the plane was only delayed by about an hour.
After reaching Denpasar airport a Spanish girl asked me where I was going to and we shared a taxi as we were both headed for Ubud, Bali wehay!! The taxi driver was full of facts about Bali and also tried to teach us the national anthem. A great start to the holiday. After phoning the homestay a few times he finally managed to find it and I was met by the owner, Ketut, a very nice man.
I've been in Bali three days now. Yesterday morning I went to a wood carving class. I was picked up and taken there on a motorbike. I made a Balinese mask worn by traditional dancers. When I say I made it, I mean that the man helped me out a lot. Some of it is my work though, and it is definitely something I would try again. Very enjoyable morning.
In the afternoon I went to explore the monkey forest in Ubud, and found a random American to walk around with. The weather took a turn for the worse so we got completely soaked, swimming pool stylee. It was cool to see all the monkeys and there were some very pretty views as well.
Today is Christmas Eve, I had a great day today. I was picked up at 7.45am and driven up and up through villages and towns where the normal people live here and up to a volcano. We (the tour group) had breakfast up here and managed to see the immense view of the three craters in the mini-volcano formed from an eruption - seen from the main caldera edge where the restaurant was located. We were lucky as the clouds shrouded the mountain view in mystery after about five minutes of arriving there. After that we visited a herb garden and place where they make coffee. We learnt about different types of coffee, including one made from beans which have made their way through the digestive system of a cat/fox type animal and out the other side. We were able to taste many of the teas and coffees, very nice!
After that we all got on a bike (each!) and started our ride down through the countryside of Bali. We visited a traditional compound where generations of families live, saw rice paddies and the beauty of nature. All in the comfort of a plastic bag style rain jacket to protect us from the pouring rain. To finish the tour we were taken to a lovely picturesque restaurant where we were able to try all the types of Indonesian food. Lovely!
This evening I am going to meet a new friend and have some food n that. I will write again maybe tomorrow... CHRISTMAS!!!
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