Indonesia - a paradise part 1

Landing in Jakarta and transferring to my Air Asia flight was seamless. Landing in So Jogykarta I had forgotten how much this country is an assault upon my senses. Literally EVERY sense is bombarded with extremes. I easily found my friend Budi, who to my delight had brought is whole family to the airport to meet me. It was so good to be met by people whom have become my closest friends here in Indonesia.

We went initially and visited relatives of Budi, and I needed a rest after not sleeping much within the previous two days. The hospitality was fantastic and I began to brush up on my Indonesian language skills and I had forgotton quite a lot, however bit by bit it was being recalled and my 4 week's 3 years ago in Jogyakarta studying at Alam Bahasa was not to waste :)

The past two days has been spent meeting Budis family and travelling to Balikpapan which is on the slopes of the most active volcano in Indonesia Mt Merapi. Meeting everyone who lives there and tasting the fruits and foods grown in the rich fertile grounds thst surround the area. The night was spent being amazed by the hospitality of everyone with whom I met.

In the morning ( Saturday) we travelled to Borobour temple, the largest Buddhist temple outside of Thailand and having an awesome meditation on the top level and feeling the energy of this sacred space. Many people wished to have their photo taken with me, a western person is a novelty here amongst the throng of happy smiling locals.

The community spirit amongst the people in the villages is such a great sight to see. And a spirit we in Australia do not have, or that I am yet to see/find.

I take my hat off to our driver ( Tulu) who managed to navigate the busy crowded roads with joy and ease, I just had to let go of my western driving rules and have faith in his awesome abilities.

Experiencing this country with Budi and his family and friends is something no tourist bus or company can emulate, I am grateful for this insight into a happy community and family.

I am writing this now now community near Solo city listening to everyone chat in Indonesian, some I understand, much I do not due to the fact that many Javanese speak Javanese not Bahasa Indonesian ( the language learnt in schools here).

I am relaxed in this company, to be accepted as an outsider in this community is a blessing.

The calls to prayer are haunting and I have an intrigue to learn this and include it withiny own prayers, part of thoses essences of finding and feeling the God/I am that is within us all.

After fantastic time in Klaten, Solo and visiting the temple I am now taking rest in Yogyakarta at the same room and homestay I was in almost three years ago. 

I have decided to do two days language in the school I was enrolled at before as a refresher course.  

Part 2 of this Indonesian Odyssey is about to be created