Nyongkolan, Time To Have Some Fun (Saatnya Bergembira)

Suddenly the bus ran slowly. What’s going on out there? Through the window I saw a parade with pretty loud music. While people lined up at the side of the road watching the parade. Even some riders were willing to step aside to watch. Phone and camera were everywhere. From their faces I’m sure it’s a joyful moment. While the  passengers could only watch it enthusiastically from inside the bus. Shortly the bus stopped. Then the driver let the passengers to come out to join the show. Thank God he knew what we want. “Fifteen minutes, okey”, he shouted when we jump out the bus.

The Splendid of Lombok (Seronok Lombok)

I did what everybody else did, take around in Lombok island after hiking Mount Rinjani. Bali’s close neighbour but main competitor at the same time, offer to it’s visitors a complete set of wonders. Sea to summit. Although only a day but I am grateful given a chance to visit some of the spot, Senggigi beach, Gunungsari traditional market, Batu Bolong temple, Sade traditional village, Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak beach. Personally I prefer Lombok since its relatively not as busy as the island of God, Bali. It’s cultural acculturation also more pronounced while Bali dominated by Hindu. Hopefully I can go there again someday. What a splendid of Lombok.

Stupefied in Rinjani (Terlena Di Rinjani)

It’s so crowded. Understandably it’s a long holiday. It didn’t take for long to me to feel the effect. It’s a little bit uncomfortable for being unable to fully control my walking speed. Too many people in front. Instead of chasing our porters, Hasan and Udin, I have even more left behind. Their speed is no match for me whereas they only wear flip-flop with a pair of twenty kilos basket in their shoulder for each person. Mean while Sari, Sisil, Fanani, Ferhat had their selfie time behind and Apoy already up in front. Fortunately, I was fascinated by the beautiful scenery along the way. Rinjani is so pretty. An exotic view outspread along the hiking trail from Sembalun. A vast grassland stretched decorated with a few numbers of stand alone tree. I wish they can talk maybe those trees will mourn lonely. The nature also shows it’s carving art in form of fractures, faults, cliffs, water stream, and sort of vertical holes which makes it more astonishing. At the top end there the crown lies with all its glory, the peak of 3726 ASL of Rinjani. Sometimes we spent so much time when taking a break just to realize how majestic it is. We’re mesmerized.