3 nights in Bandung, a little more than i anticipated, it's not much of a highlight of Java with the exception of Tangkuban Parahu nearby which is an volcanic crater that many tourists, local and western alike would venture up there to see it smolder.
A French guy, Oliver, who I met a the hostel was interested as he hadn't ever seen a volcano so he joined me to go and check it out. It was impressive but too easy to get to, there was no hiking involved as buses and local transport would literally take you to the edge of it.
Leaving this national park we wanted to make our way to the hot springs nearby; obviously all the local transport would rip off everyone at the entrance to the park charging double if not triple the normal asking price so as an alternative I suggested we hitchhike. It was only a matter of minutes before we got a ride from a local man who started his own successful business selling fragrant kitty litter. I have forgotten his name but I thought highly of this man who was the same age as myself and he invited both of us to his home town to show us his second house, his factory (a shed) and a lovely lake.
When waiting around for him to see his father I could see that Oliver was getting unnerved about the situation, I honestly don't understand why because at no point did I see any indication that he or his friends were going to do something terrible to us, he was a genuinely friendly guy. Anyway after convincing him to drive us back towards Bandung and while I was asleep on the backseat I was jolted awake by Oliver saying he wanted to vomit. The man pulled over and Oliver hastily got out of the car suggesting I follow suite. As I was still half asleep I honestly didn't know what was going on but Oliver thought it would be in our best interest to find our own way back to the city.
I am very trusting in people, especially SE asians and I believe I have good initial judgement, if perhaps they had bad intentions I would feel that vibe about them. On the other hand Oliver felt quite the opposite with the situation and thought it as a necessity to get out and run. I dont know what was said in the vehicle whilst i was sleeping but I respect his decision however he was being paranoid.
Tangkuban Parahu Panoramic
Tangkuban Parahu – More Pictures from around the Edge of the Crater
The walk down from the crater, we saw these gibbons… apparently not often seen in this area
Tea Fields and Other pictures around or guides town including his factory where he produces scented kitty litter.
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