I have just checked out of the Manohara Hotel in Borobudur and asked at the front desk about getting back to Malioboro.
I was told to return to Jogyakarta to start my trip to Semarang. The 2 ladies who I met for breakfast along with Monks, came to the lobby and told me their driver was taking them to the airport in Jogyakarta so I could get a lift with them. ...........yipppeeeee........
I'm in the car ready to go back when the driver says......Tidak Tidak he has a better plan for me. No need to go back. The bus from Yogyakarta passes through Magelang to Semarang. So we drive for about 5 minutes and he stops on side of the road in the middle of nowhere. I assume he needs a leak? 'Pak Craig' he calls. Ok tidak apa apa No problem Mr Craig 'you wait here'.... 'bus will come'!. So there I am on the side of the road with 2 bags watching a cloud appear as the car wheels spin from the getaway car. I see a few waves amongst the dust. Byeeeeee...........Gulppp
For those of you in Australia who have seen the RSPCA ad about a dog on side of road.......well that's how I felt for a few minutes. Hoping that Bus would appear over the Horizon?
I don't know how many buses go to Semarang a day but I was very lucky because I only waited about 5 minutes and saw a big bus approaching. It was going to Semarang. I never had any doubts?.......phewww. Anyway he must have only seen my arms waving at the last second because I get another cloud of dust in my face from the locking tyres. Perhaps the suns glare off my bald head flashed through his windscreen?...hehe......
So the bus has come to a halt. Obviously the travellers have stuck their heads up to wonder why the sudden stop. And the door opens and the bus driver says ' lost ol fella'..
Nah only joking. That's what the driver says to the dog in the RSPCA ad.
I hop on the bus..... 'pagi pagi'. Then notice many puzzled looks. 'Where the @##K did he come from'? BOTAK BULE. (bald tourist). I apologise and tell how my space ship had crash landed and not to worry. I am the only survivor. I think that calmed their nerves knowing I was the only one left.
Anyway I walk down the aisle with a goofy smile. Maaf maaf as my luggage bounces off a few heads, and find a vacant seat. The bus is already mobile. I wondered if the driver was an ex pilot because we are travelling. Perhaps there's a daily race between drivers?
So I am happy..... .on the bus, heading in the right direction. Then I see the ticket collector coming towards me. I remember I only have 37000 rupiah in my wallet. I had big AUD bills if I had to use but I doubt I would get much change from them. I am watching him writing out the ticket and waiting for the numbers to appear. 35000.
No problem............another small hurdle overcome.
Now I can sit back and relax. I look out the window at the people and buildings as we travel north. There is a sprinkle of Chinese architecture amongst the local buildings.
Every now and then the bus would stop to pickup/drop-off and a local would come onboard to sell drinks and food. I think when he saw me his eyes lit up. 'my lucky day, a cashed up Bule besar' (big tourist)? Anyway he approaches me with a big smile and I get my wallet and rip out the only 2 x 1000 bills I have left. His smile turns to sadness as he points to the 2 items I can buy from his mobile Warung. I take two small sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and hand over the money. That's it. ' Sing la pes'. Balinese for BROKE.
I haven't slept very well since arriving in Indonesia. Satu, dua, tiga.....i forget how many days I have been here. Time for a nap. I keep one eye on the ex-pilot to make sure he has both hands on steering wheel, and nod off. It is about 2 ½ hours to Semarang..
I arrive at a Transit station and step out. This is Semarang. There are taxi's waiting so I take one. I have name of hotel to look at. The driver takes me to 'Belle View Hotel' via an ATM. As much as I like to speak Indonesian, his English is very good so lucky for him he doesn't have to listen to a slowwwwww .........aaappaaa kabarrr..............namaaa sayaaaaaa Craig. I am sure he wouldn't mind.
Which brings me to an important point. I want to say how lovely the Javanese are. For my whole trip, not once did I have reason to question or be concerned. I have heard negative stories in Bali about the Javanese but I found them as helpful as any Indonesian.
In fact on the subject of Indonesians I must say that I have been extremely disappointed in the Australian Government and media outlets for not portraying a more positive place and people. Yes there is a VERY SMALL element which poses a threat to westerners and Indonesians but whenever we hear the word Moslem we feel threatened. And this is certainly not the case. These are people just like all of us. They have to deal with similar issues. They also want to raise families in a safe environment. So please if you are considering a trip to Indonesia do not be put off by the word 'Moslem'! I am so lucky to be included in their lives for a small time and will never forget. Maturnuwun.
Got that of my chest....
Last JBR coming. In Semarang............