Few colleagues were more excited than me. I feel them, I feel the same way, more excited if someone will be on a trip. But, this is not a trip, it was a visit due my dad's health condition. So I cancelled the 2 weeks me time I wanted to take, tripping around Thai, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam (while with Indo passport we do not need visa).
But yeah, we can always see the other page of the world. Thank you colleagues, now I am writing a blog again, after...12 years....LMAO.
LANDING
I was so pumped that Air New Zealand updates their direct flight to Denpasar all year long, not long after they resumed the flight once the border opened for the world on 2023. During that time the direct flight was only on March - October. I had to endure the long journey by transiting in Aussie before to another airport then Surabaya airport.
Surabaya as the second largest city (and economy power) in Indonesia, is always left out for international flight matter. Jakarta, as the capital and economy center wins everything. And the proximity to Bali made it even shone out. "Where are you from?" "Indonesia" "Oh..." Before they puzzled even more where the heck is that, "Do you know Bali?" "Ah! Yes, yes." "Bali is in Indonesia, my province is just next to it" Period.
Landed 11pm Bali time, after 7hours 40 minutes flight, after 7 hours working. Waiting for my luggage was the longest time felt like ever. Was it me being too tired or they were just so ever slow. I used Go-jek again with the help of the staff in airport. And not long, being in hotel. I knew it would be a "old" villa bungalow type of hotel. NO LIFT! Fortunately a security staff was assigned to help me carrying the 20 kg luggage up. Tried to get sleep but awaken few times. And finally 6am, morning has broken, birds chirping and all.
I woke up and walked to the beach which was just 3 minutes walk from hotel
Saw the plastic rubbish, felt saddened and did not feel like dipping my feet into the water. Went back to hotel, by the pool, took a dip relaxing, Enjoying this tropical sensation. While discussing with my friend where to for breakfast.
We traveled to Kerobokan to find this yummy Balinese mixed rice :) happy tummy, happy us.
I was grateful my friend (former colleague in Surabaya) always has a good recommendation on food, places to see. She is the ultimate local guide!
Lunch was Nasi Babi Guling.
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| Bigul or Babi Guling. Non halal and spicy |
Back to airport for local flight to Surabaya. Definitely not too excited, I can feel the heat and sweat already.
The flight was 30 minutes late, the aircraft was parking in the middle of somewhere, we reached there by bus. But the aircon was working, thank God. A Cindo (Chinese indonesia, like me) lady argued with the flight attendant just because she was being requested politely to put her bag to the cabin compartment, because they sit next to emergency door. What headless people had to argue about it. I stared at them annoyed, lucky them I sat behind not in front. I almost stood out and told them off just shut up and put your bag up there. It is just 45 minutes flight, no one will take your bag!
Dear God, I adjusted to the heat automatically.
The saga continues. While waiting for my luggage, these 2 cindo out of no where came and stood in front of me. I spare their lives by walking to other corner. Welcome to Surabaya, full of cindo and OKB with no manner.
