The overnight bus was comfortable and we managed a few zzzz's. Eight hours later we arrived in Probolingo, a good 90 minutes before the sun did. Not liking the greasy little tour operator that we were dropped in front of, we started to walk. We got totally turned around, after some advice from a couple of locals, but got it sorted out after some solid info from a man in prison. Go figure.
We waited for our newly arranged ride to mount Ijen. Where we decided to go instead of the popular Mount Bromo. It was a tip we got from David (Le Canadienne) while on Mount Rinjani. Our wait included a nap on the hard floor of a coffee shop, where we had some super tasty Indonesian Kopi, and used some very unwestern facilities. It was a long, hot intermission, followed by a five hour mini bus ride to mount Ijen. 2.5 hours of which were up a totally decrepit mountain. Our driver gave multiple sighs of relief after the particularly rough patches. How reassuring.
That night we stayed at Hotel Arabica, in the lush coffee fields at the base of the volcanic peak. And made better friends with the 6 Czechs in our group. We were even treated to an authentic forest fire light show on the side of the volcano we would climb. We got up at 3:30 am for a little breakfast and headed out. It was suppose to take two hours, but after Rinjani, Heather and I had wings. We floated to the crater's rim in less than an hour.
It was sad, smelly, and absolutely amazing. Mount Ijen is a human powered sulfur mine. We descended into the bottom of the crater where a group of men pick at the huge, steaming, yellow boulders. If the wind blows the wrong way for even a second, breathing quickly becomes a painful chore. Another group of men load up the sulfer into their twin baskets and grind their way to the top, wearing only flip flops.The strongest will haul a spine crushing 100 kilograms (220 American pounds). At the top are two consecutive groups that the sulfur will be handed off to. Payment is 500 Rupiah per Kilo, to be shared. Three big, toxic trips can land each person a whopping 5 dollars a day.
Looks like you are having a wonderful time and the scenery is beautiful.Be safe.
Ms. Brenna
Posted by: Brenna Boone | October 19, 2008 at 04:17 PM
How wonderful all of your pictures are. Can't wait for more stories and pics. I haven't gotten the email of those missionaries in Thialand, but I will before you plan to go there. I know you are having the time of your life enjoying God's beauty and people. I love you, Anna
Posted by: anna ward | October 20, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Sounds like you 2 are having a great time. I love you both and be careful!
Deana
Posted by: Deana Draper | October 21, 2008 at 08:25 AM
3 smokey pete's into the evening, listening to god bless america during game one of the world series, i am struck by the reception you have both received in a very different part of the world. despite what we hear, there are good people out there. will wonders never cease? Jeff finally got the rock hard body he's always wanted in the head shot in the "hangin in jogya" pic. Pics show my sponsorship is about used up.
Posted by: cletus | October 22, 2008 at 05:30 PM
A float stream, cabrito on a spit and a rash...It must be Arkansas in the summer!!
You have obviously found global warming and sent it here--8:30 pm in GetSmartVille on Nov. 1 and it's 65 degrees outside! Continued good quality stories and pics from your end. Carry On.
cletus
Posted by: cletus | November 01, 2008 at 03:40 PM