In the early part of last century when your ship caught sight of land and you knew at that moment you had Arrived in the Indies the month long voyage seemed a small price to pay. Even though that experience is vastly different from the way we arrive today it does have one fundamental similarity…anticipation. Anticipation is what we create in our mind to highten our expectations and make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
Arriving in Indonesia, as with anywhere in the tropics, brings about a flurry of activity. On your part you want ot get off the plane, NOW. You want to stretch out and let the warmth of your new paradise envelope you and above all you want to relax. Maybe dive into the ocean, swim in the pool, have a cocktail with an umbrella, get pampered by a capable masseuse and soak up your good fortune; all pleasurable anticipations.
All the tropics want to do is help you along with those endeavors. The warmth you have so looked forward to and imagined is going to be right there…slapping you up and down and enveloping you like a wool blanket on a hot summer day. Think of it as a welcome hug that has the immediate effect of stripping you of all excess inflight clothing. Tired, hot, and happy with everything to look forward to. You have arrived and the little things in life like a hot shower and a horizontal position take on new meaning. But then again, here in Indonesia many things will take on a new meaning. Whether you are looking to seek a new personal path for the future or to reflect back on the past and those that went before you; Indonesia can help show you the way.
It is early morning in Ubud and the jetlag means I am up well ahead of my usual schedule. Sitting on my huge balcony I look out over rice fields, coconut trees, a river, and a forest. In the distance looms the peak of one of Bali’s great volcanos. Doves are flying all around and a spectacularly vibrant blue colored bird is sitting in the papaya tree only feet from me. Its a far cry from how I woke up yesterday. Head wedged under the arm rest of the seat next to me as I had attempted to assume a more comfortable position.
It’s a good feeling being back in Indonesia and I look forward to the start on the East Java Bali Heritage tour.
© Written and photograhed by Tim O’Callaghan, Indo Discovery Travel
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