Advertisement
Published: February 10th 2007
Edit Blog Post
With my new founds partners in crime (Jur and Andy) we continued east through Flores. The roads in Flores are something else. They are not too bumpy, but they are very, very, curvy. It's not a drive you can sleep on. We were told one statistic that for a 400km distance that the road is over 700km long. That's a lot of winds and bends. Luckily for our Ruteng to Bajawa route we were able to charter a driver. He was heading that way anyway with an empty SUV, so we were able to talk him into letting us tag along for the same price as the bus. Not a bad deal for either side.
So after a not too nauseous 4 hour ride we arrived to Bajawa. Quickly after arriving we met up with a local guide named Maximilion (Max). We were not planning on spending that much time there. We were mainly using it as a stop over to Moni, but he gave us an offer we couldn't refuse. We ended up signing up for a 3 day custom tour. For the first 2 days we would visit Batu village which is inhabited by the Ngadha people. Then
on the 3rd day we would see the Wawomuda blood red crater lakes in the morning and in the evening go to Meugeruda hot springs to soak our sore bodies. After agreeing on a price, I asked Max, "where's a good place to get a bite of dog around here?” He pointed to a little place around the corner. So we were in luck. The reason I asked was because we were told that dog is a specialty of Flores. So not being the type of guys to pass up on some meat, we figured that we should give it a try.
Walking into this restaurant was something else. It was more like the front of someone's house. It was full so we were brought to the "VIP" room, which was literally the family's living room. We were all nervous. As our meal was being prepared the "pet" dogs were running all around the house. I wonder if they ever knew what their eventual fate would be. When the bowl of freshly grilled doggie was placed on our table we looked a little pale, but quickly took a bite. First reaction was mmmmm.... not bad at all. Very unique
taste and it was pretty good. It was cooked up with chilies, garlic and coconut. It was tender, so when we finished our plates there was only one thing to say. MORE DOG PLEASE!
After a restful night and a banana pancake breakfast, Max arrived. We loaded our day packs and were on our way to Batu. After a short drive we were at the trailhead. The hike there was fun. We passed a mountain range that reminded me much of Hawaii and an active volcano. We trekked through a leach infested section, passed some local's crops and were there. The village was deserted when we arrived. Most were out working the crops. We had time to rest and then did a steep 20 minute hike to the only water source to freshen up our smelly selves. When coming back we each carried a water jug back for boiling.
When we came back it was nearing sunset and the villagers had returned. They were very curious about us and looked excited. This is a very rarely visited place and we were the new attraction. The family we stayed with had only 3 visitors last year. With some introductions
(with Max's help as translator) we were welcomed in. We had a simple meal with our family and finished it with too much Arak (palm whiskey). We couldn't turn it down because it would be rude. It is the first alcohol that I’ve had that doesn't get smoother after the 3rd or 4th.
After our drinks we went to the village center to play a full moon game of "mati". It's sort of like a team version of tag. After a couple hours of that we were exhausted, but the fun had to go on even if our bodies were unwilling. They brought out the guitars and made the village into a disco. We danced in the center of an ash circle. It was funny because one guy, while wearing a cape, used a flashlight to make a strobe effect. It was so much fun. These people had no running water or electricity, but sure did know how to through a good party.
Sunrise hit quick and hard against our hung over heads. We said our good-byes and were off. We hiked to the ocean were Max's ride was waiting for us. We went to his family's beach
home and went for a swim and had a very tasty fish bbq. After we headed back to town, rested and went out to the only pub option in Bajawa. It would have to be on the bottom of the list of Bajawa sites. One type of beer and warm! Plus the power even went out when we were there.
The next morning we headed to the blood lakes. They're 4 crater lakes that formed from a recent eruption a few years back. They were not breath taking, but were worth a look. After we went to Max's friend William's village (Bologi). They were celebrating the New Year and we were invited for a lunch time feast. With our bellies aching, we were not ones to refuse. Most people there were in traditional clothing and were doing ceremonial dances. It was cut short due to a strong rain shower, but it didn't matter because the rain started when the food was ready. It was funny because everyone wanted to have their pictures taken. Was able to get some good shots. After doing our thank you's, we headed back to the hotel to pick up our swimming shorts and we
off to the hot springs. They we such a nice treat. There was one calm pool and another section with a waterfall. The water was about 100 degrees and with the waterfall it gave a massage action. Such a good way to relax. There was even the full moon up. Would have been romantic if I wasn't around just guys.
That night we said good-bye to Max. He was such a great guide. He was very knowledgeable and made our stay there so much better. If for some reason anyone is interested in contacting him, his phone number is +6285239333377. He can set up almost anything in the area and come up with a plan according to how rough you want to do it.
We were sad to leave Bajawa, but our trip east had to continue. Next stop, Moni.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.163s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 19; qc: 113; dbt: 0.097s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.3mb
Leslie
non-member comment
Hell yeah!
Loving your pics as always! The hot springs looks awesome! Not sure about those blood lakes...ummm? The pics of the kids - such innocence, such joy in their eyes. Regardless of how they are living...they are happy! You sure know how to capture those smiles! NOw about your boy bites dog pic...I'll just pretend that's NOT true ;-p. Enjoy your adventure!