Bromo & Bali

13.3.

Our journey commenced with a delightful breakfast at our local inn in Yogyakarta, where we packed some hearty sandwiches for the road ahead. We hailed a Grab ride to the train station, where our adventure truly began with a train ride at half past 11, spanning four hours.

Amidst the pitter-patter of rain, we arrived in Surabaya, where a driver from our guest house awaited to whisk us away to Bromo. The last leg of our journey unfurled through lush landscapes, shrouded in rain and mist. As evening descended, we relished a cosy dinner, grateful for the chilly embrace of Bromo's weather, a refreshing contrast to the usual tropical heat.

14.3.

The morning sun greeted us with promises of adventure as we embarked on a tour to the majestic volcano. Raindrops danced on our windshield as we drove through the misty terrain, eventually encountering a throng of horses and their guides eager to lead us to the crater's edge. However, we declined and thus spend the next 20 minutes wandering through a terrain that heavily resembled Mordor, just in black instead of red. Amidst shifting clouds, we glimpsed neighbouring mountains and the imposing figure of another volcano, cloaked in both mystery and grandeur. The ascent to the crater's edge tested our resolve as sulphur-laden smoke billowed around us, but the breathtaking panorama of lava trails and mist-shrouded peaks made every step worthwhile. The ring was not with us on this day trip. It felt the looming presence of the volcano and through its growing power, made Artey forget her bag at home.

Later, we ventured to a sunrise viewing spot, opting to skip the predawn trek. Though fog veiled the mountaintop, it infused the surroundings with an ethereal aura, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. We spend the afternoon in front of our small lodge. Passing the time with playing cards and recounting the day

15.3.

Our departure from Bromo marked the beginning of a long journey to Bali. Despite a disappointing breakfast, our spirits remained high as the three of us traversed train stations and harbours. Our mother is maybe not as much a hobbit as we are, but she certainly has some hobbit traits. The challenge of this day was finding food and eating it without being offensive while being surrounded by countless fasting locals (it is Ramadan). We finally found some lunch on the ferry, which was filled mostly by other travellers, who also enjoyed some sustenance. We were welcomed by another carriage driver at Bali's shores. Roughly 2 long movies later, we reached the destination of the day: Nestled amidst verdant rice fields, our villa awaited, a sanctuary of tranquility and luxury. As we settled in, thoughts of visa extensions momentarily clouded our minds, but we soon found solace in the serenity of our surroundings.

16.3.

Our day began with a breakfast fit for royalty, served amidst the verdant surroundings of our villa, where the air was infused with the tantalizing aromas of exotic fruits and freshly brewed potions.

Yet, amidst the splendor of our repast, a shadow of concern loomed over us like a dark cloud. The weight of impending visa extensions cast a pall over our spirits, threatening to dampen our day of exploration and revelry. But fear not, for adventurers such as us are adept at finding solutions even in the face of adversity. With determination and ingenuity, we devised a plan to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of bureaucracy, ensuring that our sojourn in this magical realm would continue unhindered.

With worries momentarily assuaged, we retreated to the serenity of our villa, where the crystal-clear waters of the pool beckoned, promising respite from the sweltering heat of the day. Here, amidst the soothing embrace of water and sunshine, we whiled away the hours in blissful repose, lost in reverie and contemplation.

But the true adventure awaited beyond the confines of our villa, as we embarked on a journey to the fabled shores of Bali's pristine beaches. There, amidst the azure embrace of the ocean, we reunited with some characters from a past chapter: Jeanette, Jolie and Joana, who we met in the enchanting village of Serapuh. They are part of the lovely family of Jefris and River. Together, we plunged into the cerulean depths, where the ocean's embrace washed away our cares and woes. And as the day waned into dusk, we gathered at a local eatery, where the flavors of Bali tantalized our palates once more. But the night held one final surprise for us, as our gracious hosts led us to their palatial abode, a veritable oasis of hospitality. Here, we said hello to Jay, one of Jefris brothers and husband of Jeanette, who had been in Serapuh with his family.

Together, we revelled in the warmth of friendship, exchanging tales of adventure and intrigue until the wee hours of the night. And as the stars twinkled overhead, casting their silvery light upon us, we bid our hosts farewell. With weary but contented hearts, we summoned forth a magical conveyance to whisk us back to our abode, where the promise of rest and rejuvenation awaited. And as we drifted off to sleep amidst the soft whispers of the night, we knew that our journey in the realm of Bali had only just begun.

17.3.

With a guide who awaited us with a carriage adorned with gilded motifs, we embarked on a journey to uncover Bali's hidden gems. Our first stop whisked us away to the famed jungle swing, nestled amidst emerald rice fields that swayed like dancers in the breeze. Yet, sensing the pull of deeper mysteries, we chose to forgo the touristy spectacle, opting instead to delve deeper into the island's secrets.

Our path led us next to a sacred Hindu temple, where the air hummed with the echoes of ancient rituals and prayers. Here, amidst the serene beauty of the temple grounds, we witnessed the sacred act of cleansing, a ritual steeped in tradition and reverence.

We pressed on, guided by the call of distant cascades. Our journey brought us to a waterfall hidden within the heart of the jungle, its waters cascading like liquid crystal amidst a tapestry of verdant foliage. Though the waterfall itself proved underwhelming, our spirits soared as we ventured further into the depths of the jungle. We crossed a roaring river on a quest to a mystical cave, signposted on a tree. As rain descended from the heavens in a torrential embrace, we stumbled upon a cave shrouded in mystery, its yawning mouth beckoning us into its depths. Though it was lacking in grandeur. Rejuvenated by our adventures, we broke bread at a humble local spot, savoring the flavors of Bali's culinary delights. Energized and eager for more, we journeyed onwards to a sanctuary of coffee, tea, and spices, where we indulged in a sensory journey of taste and aroma. Amidst the offerings, a humble brew of lemongrass tea stole our hearts, its essence a balm for the soul.

Back in our sanctuary, a heavenly massage followed by a dip in the tranquil waters of the pool rejuvenated our weary souls, preparing us for a sumptuous feast under the star-strewn canopy of the night sky. With bellies full and hearts light, we surrendered to the embrace of slumber, eager for the adventures that awaited with the dawn.

18.3.

Our final day in Bali dawned with a sense of bittersweet farewell, as we bid adieu to our villa and set forth towards new horizons.

Our first stop was a place where we could extend our parchment that allowed us to stay in this country of islands. We gathered all our mental strength as we entered the building, we were prepared for a process as complicated as the OWL exams. However, we were pleasantly surprised as we left not even a Friends episode later, ready for the next chapter of our journey.