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Jakarta to Dieng Plateau Central Java
Dieng plateau on Central Java to Bali

INDONESIA

Mar
2004-09-14 16:42:50

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formerly known as Batavia. It includes a 'draw bridge' from the 17th century. It looks familiar.... don't we have those in Amsterdam nowadays? Meanwhile, the Indonesian government finally admits it didn't mention the bird flu that is spreading over the country. The major issue in Southeast Asia is to prevent spreading it to and between humans. This is the first country where we are reminded that we are in a Muslim area. Five times a day the three mosques surrounding our guesthouse try to overrule each other in Decibels, using four speakers each. We can't decide who wins. Muslims pray five times a day and the large speakers reminds them, starting at 4:30 in the morning. Cycling veterans - Jakarta

Sunday morning we cycle into Merdeka park where a group of cyclists is gathering. Mister Eddie is one of them and introduces himself at first. He learnt Dutch at primary school and sings a Dutch 'Sinterklaas' song for us that we don't know of. He also introduces us to the bicycle club, average age being 50. They gather every Saturday and Sunday for a tour. Their mechanic repairs the small twist in Raymond’s rear wheel, cleans our chains and sells us a new spare gear cable that we used in Malaysia when Raymond’s broke. The idea is that we join their tour today, but in the end nobody is in a hurry and we cycle back to the guesthouse. Maybe they weren't making a tour this weekend anyway, just gear up and show your cycling clothes appear to be the main activity.

Sacrifice day means... testing the speakers

Today it is the 1st of February and that wouldn't have meant anything special if we weren't in a Muslim country. Since midnight the mosque speakers have performed praying for us that sounds more like moaning and complaining. We enjoy a small breakfast at one of the nasi goreng shops. The shops are actually showcases on a push car with large wheels. The owners ...