844 days, 20,256 hours, 1,215,360 minutes, or 72,921,600 seconds. That is the approximate duration of my world tour. I never wanted it to end and now, in a manner of speaking, I suppose it never has to. If you wish to go by country do so by clicking on one above. They are numbered in the order I visited them, more or less. If you enjoy reading about it even a tenth as much as I enjoyed living it then you will not have wasted your time. Grab a refreshing beverage, settle in a comfortable chair, and make a journey across the world, experiencing it as I did. Then get off your ass and check it out for yourself. You're not getting any younger.

U.F.G - Unidentified Flying Goofball (Lake Toba, Indonesia)

For a revised version of this post, go here.

July 20th, 2009 - No photoshop here, just me coming in for a smooth landing. Yesterday, I rented a motorbike and went for a spin around Samosir Island (technically an isthmus) in Lake Toba. The drive was rather scenic and the weather exceedingly pleasant.

I followed a road that I doubt few tourists ever traverse. When I reached the highest point of the pavement I saw that there was another ‘road’ leading farther up the hill. It was nothing but grass and stones but I was fiending for a panorama so I trudged on.

The area I found myself in appears to serve as a grazing area for livestock and is peopled by members of the Batak tribe. Quiet, peaceful and serene. Exploring open pastures and light forest land was quite a contrast from the deep jungle of Kerinci National Park. My quest had me driving up hills and maneuvering my way between rocks and trees to see if I could spot a vista. I found what I was looking for when I came across an abandoned house on the edge of a hill. I spent over an hour there snapping photos and playing superman. 












The past few days have been less than strenuous. I rise in the morning, take a dip in the lake, enjoy some breakfast, drink way too much coffee, swap travel stories with kindred spirits, and agonize over the plan for the day. It is a hard knock life but I find a way to endure. 

I miss my motorcycle. I feel like half a man. Before I was the cool white guy on the nice bike. Now, I am just another goofball on a moped. Guess I'll just have to find another means of validating my existence. 




















No comments:

Post a Comment

'Love me or hate me, but spare me your indifference.' -- Libbie Fudim