Last day in Indonesia

I've already forgotten all the bad parts of Malaysia, but I know that it wasn't worse than Indonesia. The only major things we did in our 6 days here was Borobudur an Prambanan one morning, Gunung Bromo another morning, and dinner with Surya. EVERYTHING ELSE was either waiting or transportation.

We spent 30 hours traveling and about 15 waiting. We covered the entire 500 mile stretch of Java in about 3 days. It was one of the most enduring weeks of my life (but that's cuz I'm writing it in the airport, just finishing up the trip).







I think Borobudur was the best thing I saw. Bromo was amazing, but the extent of human ability was much more fascinating. I would recommend someone to go see it, but not the way I did.

The worst parts were all the touts wearing you down from the second you step out if your room till the second you step back in. I can do without them. Complaining about traveling 9 hours on a train without AC sounds very posh I know, but sitting a small room in 85 degree heat, plus humidity, with the occasional breeze from a tiny crack of a window, all while being bothered by people trying to sell very pointless things ... it was tough and I hope I never have to do it again. If you ever do a long haul train ride in Indonesia, pay the extra $5 for Executive class. If you take Economy class, you won't even get a seat. We took Business class.

The feeling of not being safe is really hard to get a hold of. Part of it is being in a new country, part if it is my own prejudice, and part of it is a dark, shady, dirty bus station at night. I definitely appreciate the safety of Japan ... although I never really took it for granted.

Overall, I'm glad I got to see what I did, I'm glad karma kept me And my money safe, but I don't think I will ever want to come back to Indonesia again ... at least Java Island.

I hear Bali is supposed to be great.

Next stop, Cambodia ...