For an updated version of this post, go here.
June 8th, 2009 - I hath landed in Sumatra and maketh my way to a small town near the sea named Kalinda. The journey from Jakarta took over eight hours. It shouldn’t have but I played the ‘drive around in circles because all the signs direct you to a toll road that does not allow motorcycles’ game. I’ve played this game before and I am not a fan. Playing requires constant and prolific use of the F bomb and an unflinching desire to scream at the top of your lungs.
June 8th, 2009 - I hath landed in Sumatra and maketh my way to a small town near the sea named Kalinda. The journey from Jakarta took over eight hours. It shouldn’t have but I played the ‘drive around in circles because all the signs direct you to a toll road that does not allow motorcycles’ game. I’ve played this game before and I am not a fan. Playing requires constant and prolific use of the F bomb and an unflinching desire to scream at the top of your lungs.
A constant string of directional inquiries finally led me to Merak, the town from which to catch a ferry to Sumatra. I found the two and a half hour ferry ride to be rather pleasant. There was a cool breeze and the ferry was large enough to avoid that cramped ‘I can’t wait to get the hell off this boat’ sensation. It was a welcome surprise, as is the town of Kalinda. A quite little town with a wonderful sea breeze and a laid back vibe.
John Lennon once said, 'Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans'. I was going for a quick ride to check out the nearby beach. I didn’t bring my camera. Not surprisingly I went the wrong way...again. I found myself driving along a coastal road which winds through a series of small villages. Daylight was in short supply but I kept telling myself I would drive a little bit further to see around the next bend. The road was smooth and the s-curves gentle. I realized I was driving for the sheer pleasure of it. When’s the last time I’d done that? Not sure. I like Indonesia but the roads don’t often beckon you forward. It is more like a semi-violent tug to your next destination. The main road in Sumbawa was pleasant at times and the winding mountain roads in Flores were engaging but not like the short simple drive I made this afternoon. I went the wrong way. Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans.
