Above the clouds

Far too early and far more cold we set off for the airport, not able to sit down, our pockets bulging with phones and chargers nervous like jockeys for the 7k weigh-in.

Not really surprised to see the Bali-bound newly minted millionaires beer-swillering at 6:30am. Better option than watching the origin replays on the big screen TVs 😵

Landing in Denpasar we shook off 98% of our fellow travellers as we wound our way through myriads of tiled empty walkways to find our domestic flights.

We fast became the 'bule' minority but only in looks as the locals seemed surprisingly English fluent. We feasted on our first Nasi Goreng and some strange square meatball soup Rach had to have.

Timezone miscalculations aside, we arrived at the capital Jakarta, grabbed a 'Grab' driver and strapped ourselves in fully expecting another near death taxi transfer. To our surprise and shock we putt putted through the heaving traffic performing a graceful, but jerky ballet, as every size vehicle weaved and tucked in every which way but loose without incident. Minor miracle we thought 🙏 mind you no-one is driving about 40 clicks 🤣

Had we found the planet Tolerance???

After a quick bomb search of the taxi (consulate policy) and security eyeball we rolled into our sepupu's (cousins) flash stone tower digs.

Dinner was a fiery affair of non stop Padang region dishes appearing. A tussle was made for the cold fruit plate when Bills mango smoothie (with corn kernels for decoration) emptied. Rach won the chilli eating contest, Bills lips swollen and Eric's face red and sweat mopped. Bules we were.

We slept like the dead... Until a 5am very loud 30min sing sing from the church nextdoor with a pointy roof.

All part of the cultural experience 😜 if you look hard a line of active volcanoes poking heads out in pics.Read more