2/12/14 Mt. Bromo to Kalibaru

Headed out at 3:30am in old short wheel based F series Land Cruisers to drive the last hour to the rim of the original 5,000 meter volcano which blew apart long ago and at 2770 meters it overlooks Mt. Bromo which is still active. We sun was hidden by cloud, we still enjoyed a fine dawn. When we were all finished with our happy snaps, jump back into the Land Cruisers and drove into the old volcano to the base of Mt. Bromo. The 4x4 drivers and the local horseman have a deal going where they drive you some way from the base and then you are swamped by horseman offering to carry you up for 10,000. It took about 20 minutes to ascend to the rim by foot. At the rim was the sound of a waterfall, this is the steam venting, amazing, a bit smelly when the wind changes direction towards us but a good covering smell to release my own gas.
After we came back down we headed back to the hotel for breakfast then back into the minibus for the hour ride to the train. We had a three and a half hour journey to Kalibaru.
Kalibaru is a tiny town, not much exploring to be achieved, so executed by 3rd favorite pastime by sleeping the afternoon away. Woke up and did the washing.

1/12/14 Seloliman to Mt. Bromo

Went for a long walk, along an irrigation canal to begin with. A lot of work was put into this canal to divert the water to the fields and villages. We passed human scarecrows keeping the birds and monkeys out of the fields. The terracing on the steep hills is a feat in itself. We accidentally passed villagers bathing in the canal. One of the rotational crops was peanuts, they were harvesting these, we tried some fresh from the ground. Next we headed to the local Starbucks, a 94 year old woman keeps herself active by roasting and pounding coffee beans, producing about a kilo a day. We all enjoyed a cup, it was very smooth. We headed back to the environmental centre for lunch.
After lunch we were treated to a display on local medicines and the importance of, for the smaller communities. We enjoyed a freshly brewed beverage that was a cure all.
After lunch packed into the minibus for the three hour drive to Mt. Bromo, we went from sea level to 1,700 meters elevation. The accommodation at Yoshi's was quite nice, rooms are small but there is lots of communal areas. The restaurant is good.

30/11/14 Yogyakarta to Seloliman

Away at 6.00am for the twenty minute journey to the train station. Back into business class for the three and a half hour journey. Had a Java coffee on the train, I forgot it is made from finely ground beans and got a mouthful at the bottom of the cup that I ungracefully spat back into the cup. Otherwise read a little, played killer sudoku a little, slept a little and watched the rice planting activities out the window.
Once off the train we had a hour in a minibus, with a stop to an Indomarat to stock up on snacks. Our accommodation was at the PPLH environmental centre, after lunch there was an optional walking tour. We declined this one and just relaxed in the bungalow instead.

29/11/14 Yogyakarta

Left the hotel at 8.00am by bicycle, battled the Yogya traffic for 15 minutes, then turned a corner where we found the traffic was left behind and we were in the quiet streets of a village. First rest stop of the morning we fed some buffalo. Next stop was a Tempe and Tofu home business. We were invited to join into the manufacturing process. I am sad to say 'made with ignorance' doesn't value add to a business. I am impressed with how little processing goes into these products, Tempe is Soya beans soaked, boiled, cleaned, boiled, yeast added and naturally fermented in its packaging. Tofu is soaked, cooked, cleaned, ground with water into a paste, cooked, strained, pressed, cut and soaked. I am a covert.
We arrived back to the bikes just in time for the primary school kids break time, we were swamped with smiling faces, keen to practice English and give high fives. We rode off again with a stop in a rice paddy and a brick makers shed. The girls practiced making bricks, just like making mud pies when they were little, but with more knee complaints it seems. We set off again and the rain started, we rode a little in this but fortunately our next stop was not too way away, we were welcomed with tea at the Batik painting showroom. It is filled with the final product from Indonesia's only Batik art college, university age students. The students are allowed a free hand to produce what they like so we have a great variety, from stained glass to portraits to abstract to Indonesian landscapes. We were given a display of how this ancient craft is manufactured, although the painting form is only 20 years old, it has evolved fast. We bought two pieces, it took a while to decide on the final choices, this gave the rain time to clear up a bit, it was very heavy for about half an hour. We arrived back to the hotel via back streets.
After lunch and a rest period for me and massage for Lynette, we headed into Malioboro Street which is renown for its Batik. I bought a hand made piece then we went to eat. I had Tomato soup, Lynette and I shared Tempe and Cap Cai (stir fry veges). Then coffee banana split for me banana pancake for Lynette.
Tomorrow we head to Seloliman environmental education center, we won't have power, internet or hot water so no blog tomorrow.