Ride like the wind (Christopher Cross)

My final 2 days in Bali were very busy but amazing. Kadek and his twin brother, Komang, had been invited to a family wedding and I was able to attend too. I was up nice and early on the day, dressed in my Kabaya and sarong (traditional dress), all excited.

The wedding was about 2 hours drive away in Amlapura in Karangasem. It was such a pretty drive through the forest and along the coast. Candidasa is such a cute little coastal village - definitely somewhere to venture when escaping the interminable crowds along the south coast.

We made our way up a little laneway where we were heartily greeted by the groom and the families. There were little snacks and drinks for us when we arrived. The groom's cousins made up the small band and before long I was tapping my feet and having a great time watching everyone around me.

Wedding festivities

The gorgeous bride and groom

The actual ceremony had taken place a few days prior (Balinese weddings go for days) and this party was akin to a reception. The bride and groom looked absolutely gorgeous.

Wedding ceremony attire

One of the uncles saw me tapping my feet to the music and asked me to dance. Noone else was dancing, but how could I say no. So much fun.

Dance baby, dance

The food was all set up buffet style and I can say it was absolutely delicious. I've discovered a new favourite - Babi Kepak (Pork in soy sauce) Amazing!

I somehow found myself at the arak (local Balinese moonshine) table. I was offered some but alas I politely decline. It was funny watching the young men get stuck into it and trying to impress the pretty girls.

The next day was a day of ceremony for education. Another early start for me. Kadek, Suma and the boys were busy making preparations with lots of beautiful offerings. We did a blessing ritual at the family temple and I included my notebook where I write all my travel plans. Kadek and I also took a little walk to the peaceful village temple.

We then went to a temple where the really high priest stays. The priest had the loveliest, kindest smile. We also stopped into Mr Wayan's (the healer) place for a short ceremony in their temple.

The wedding priest

We next headed to the temple at Masceti Beach where Suma was struck with the need to dance. She was absolutely breathtaking to watch! I joined in as well. We were offered a yummy dinner by the priest and his family there.

Dancing joy

After this, we finally made our way down to the beach to the stunning temple there for a final ceremony. A very long but beautiful day.

Before I knew it, it was Sunday morning and it was tiem for me to head off on my bike for my big adventure up Java and Sumatra. Was I scared? Yes, a bit. But did that stop me? Absolutely not!

Live to ride!!!

My backpack sits behind me with loose straps to keep it in place - it works!

My first day of riding was quite slow going. The traffic was quite busy. I made my way across the island of Bali to Gilimanuk, where the ferries to Java leave from. I accidentally bough the wrong ticket for me and my bike on the ferry from one of the booths along the road. Not to worry though, I think I was out a whole 2 dollars.

The ferry was very rocky with lots of bangs echoing through the ship. I was sitting up in the seating area picturing my bike being tossed around between the cars, trucks and vans down below. Fortunately, everything was all good when I went back down to ride off the ferry.

Ferry sitting area

I made my way to my hostel in Banyuwangi (bang-you-wang-ee). It was a sweet place where I was made to feel most welcome. After a little rest, I wandered out and found myself having a 2 hour chat with the young man on overnight shift, Remi. He sent me the sweetest message the next day through WhatsApp.

I keep getting the most lovely messages from the people I meet

Day 2 was a great ride on to Jember. I checked into my room and then made my way down to Papuma Beach. The bay was absolutely stunning!

The stunning view as you come down the hill to Papuma Beach

My day 3 ride was incredible. With Mount Bromo towering majestically in the background, I wended my way through mountain forests and sweet little villages. There were wild cheeky monkeys on the side of the road so I slowed down thinking I would take a photo but the damn monkey hissed at me. I noped out of there.

Some lovely women I met at a roadside mosque stop

New friends at every stop

I loved meeting this Mama. She wrote me a message in Google translate that even though we have just met, we feel like friends already

Meet beautiful Ista

I stopped in Kepanjen for the night. By this stage, I was feeling quite fatigued and made the decision to stop for an extra night. After seeing the monkeys the day before I decided to invest in a GoPro to capture some of the sights on my rode. I made my way up to Malang and after a few different shops, I found what I was looking for. I bought an insta360 Max Pro with a helmet mount. Who doesn;t love a bit of new tech? I'm still working out how to best capture what I want. The included memory card has only a few hours storage space so I am on the hunt for a larger one so I can capture footage and then go back and edit for the bits I want to share.

My helmet camera setup

New friend who helped me set up my GoPro

First attempt at my GoPro...huge learning curve!

I had a wonderful rest and was ready for my next day of riding. In the morning when I went to check out, the receptionist did not speak English. She facetimed her daughter who is currently studying in Yogyakarta. I found myself speaking with a young lady named Monica who I made plans with to catch up for a meal whilst I am in town.

Roadside Bakso - such deliciousness

I had a night's stop in Winagiri, where I had a lovely and comfy stay. My hosts were very lovely and room very nice.

Homestay artwork at my homestay

I then made my way to Yogyakarta (also known as Jogja). I've booked my room in a sweet little hostel. The bed is small but super comfortable.

Home for a bit

Bright and early on monday morning I will will head to immigration to sort out my visa extension. I've had to book my plane ticket to India so that I can show my exit from Indonesia. To ensure I have heaps of time my ticket is for August 23rd, so I have plenty of time to make my way up Sumatra.

I'm absolutely having the time of my life! I have met so many kind and friendly people along the way. I know that Java can be pretty tough (and even more so in Sumatra) but twice now I have dropped a phone charging cord next to my bike seat only to discover that someone has picked it up and carefully place it on my bike seat.

I'm loving my life and am excited about the adventures before me...