Indonesia: from Yogyakarta to Minggu

Another one of those unfortunate days awaited us where our timetable was dominated by the railways. The alarm went off at 04.05 as bags had to be packed and in the lobby by 05.00. This was the time breakfast was served as well. We left for the 20 minute drive to the station through the awakening streets of Yogyakarta.

Some morning markets were in full swing with just enough room left between the parked vehicles and stalls for through traffic to get passed. Mayhem in the darkness. Add to the chaos, the muezzins were wailing their call to prayer for all good Muslims from loud speakers atop minarets… perhaps they need to take singing lessons.

DSC04302.JPG

Outside the station… note that the name can be spelt either Jogjakarta or Yogyakarta.

DSC04304.JPG

Wooden lockers inside the station.

DSC04305.JPG

The station sign indicates we were 512km from the capital.

DSC04306.JPG

Early morning trade was brisk for the stall holders on the station platforms.

DSC04303.JPG

We boarded our train for Minggu at 06.45… right on time, according to my ticket.

DSC04310.JPG

There was a three and a half hour ride ahead of us. Lots of people waited for us at the crossing gates… most of them were on bikes of one kind or another.

DSC04316

Away from the city, we passed many newly planted rice paddies.

DSC04315

For kilometre after kilometre there was nothing but flooded rice paddies.

DSC04314.JPGMany trains past us… all sorts of other trains, transporting goods around the country. But as the windows of our train became increasingly unhelpful for photography, I gave up the effort of recording the scenery and just sat back to enjoy the ride.

A mini-bus was waiting for us at Minggu even though we arrived a little late.

DSC04323.JPG

On the way to our overnight stop we made a brief ‘loo’ stop at a service station.  Across the road was the local recycling depot… baskets were filled with various items from paper to bottles and plastic. Not as much waste there as we generate in our cities and towns!

DSC04338.JPG

Finally, we arrived at our overnight accommodation… an eco-friendly resort that was surrounded by a large garden that was both ornamental and functional as it grew much of the food served in the restaurant. It reminded me very much of a similar place that Jennie and I stayed at in Costa Rica. There were chalets scattered all over the hillside.

DSC04328.JPG

Each chalet had a terracotta motive atop it’s roof which related to the chalet’s name.

DSC04326.JPG

The accommodation was rather basic with an outside loo and shower enclosed in a private courtyard. There is something rather liberating about getting one’s clothes off in the outdoors to have a shower. The loo was of the Western variety but the ‘shower’ was a large blue tile-lined tank with a dipper. The water was cold and was inclined to take one’s breath away on the first dousing.

DSC04325.JPG

A two bedroom/share cabin became my ‘home’ at the resort!

DSC04324.JPG

It was Brian’s turn to have the single room and large bed.

DSC04334.JPG

Dinner was at the resort’s “Pesto Alas” Restaurant. I gave the resort full marks when beer was specially brought in for us, from who knows where, even though the place was run by Muslims. Mind you, it was the most expensive beer on this trip… with the exception of what we drank in the Sky Lounge on the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore.

DSC04337.JPG

This was my choice from the somewhat limited, but adequate menu.  Freshly steamed vegetables from the garden, toasted coconut and boiled rice.  Delicious.

More anon

David

All photographs copyright © DY  of  jtdytravels

If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others

www.dymusings.com

more of our travel stories and photos can be found on

www.jtdytravels.com

More of our travel photos are on

www.flickr.com/photos/jtdytravels

 

Thailand : Train to Surat Thani

Our quicker than expected  journey to the Bangkok rail station resulted in us getting there with 2 hours to spare, which in turn, gave us time to check out the station shops.

DSC02922

A few snacks were bought which we hoped would ease the pain of what was ahead of us. We sat as a group on the floor of the large waiting area along with all the locals as we all awaited our various trains to arrive at their designated platforms.

DSC02923

There was a special cordoned off area set aside exclusively for monks.  Especially revered, the monks had ornately carved wooden chairs to sit on.  The monk in the front row had a nasal inhaler stuck up his nose.

DSC02924

Our smart looking train arrived and we were allowed to board over an hour before our due departure. We found our respective berths and settled in. There were three Intrepid groups all leaving Bangkok on the same train and we all ended up in the same carriage.

DSC02925

Our destination for this part of our journey was Surat Thani.  We left on time at 19.30 and slowly made our way through the suburbs of Bangkok.  By now it was dinner time and many of us had opted to have the set menu on the train rather than buy stuff at the station – far more exciting!  I chose chicken with cashews which came with a bowl of watery cabbage soup, rice and a red curry.  It turned out to be very tasty and a good choice.

Our 2nd class carriage was set out with longitudinal berths, one above the other.  Surprisingly, they were exceptionally comfy… ah! comfy.  I’ve been here too long already as I’ve just spelled comfy with the Thai “ph” instead of an “f”… that’s the second time as the first occurred in notes I wrote earlier!

Our conductor made up our beds with a sheet, pillow and blanket and we all turned in behind our brand new blue curtains by 21.30.  I was dreading what was ahead but must say that the carriages were closely coupled so there was no rocking backwards and forwards on stopping and starting.  I was in the top bunk so couldn’t even sense when we started from each stop until the train gained some considerable speed.  I couldn’t see out.  I slept for around 2 hour periods at a time so had a very much more restful sleep than I had anticipated.  Bed tea arrived early morning and at THB40 was a steal.

The train journey to Surat Thani gave me time to reflect on the group I was travelling with on the first part of this journey (I was to change groups half way through).

I was to share all the way with Brian Smith, an American from Colorado. A 46 y-o old, very easy-going American.  I guessed we’d get on pretty well together… and we did.

Twelve in the group, four guys, eight girls; all seemed to gell very well.. so far, so good.  I’m the oldest by 3 years, the youngest was just 18.  She was to have her 19th birthday later on during the trip.  We hail from Australia, Switzerland, Canada, the UK, and the States.  One of my fellow travellers is a garden tour guide!  She was born in the UK but now lives in the USA.  We have lots in common; ideas etc. to be explored over the following weeks.

Our guide to Singapore is Alif… not a Thai name I said, to which he agreed.  He said he was a ‘wok stir fry’ of Arabic, Thai and Chinese extraction.  A very likeable fellow in his mid to late 20’s, maybe into his early 30’s. How can you tell?!

DSC02928

We arrived at our destination, Surat Thani, on time at 07.30 and walked directly across the road and awaited breakfast in a local cafe.  I chose to have a couple of fried eggs, ham and two pieces of toast and a cappuccino…I’m a little bit tired of rice for every meal so far.  I’ll get back to the ‘Thai’ thing as time progresses and the options diminish.

DSC02929

After breakfast we boarded private mini-buses for the 90 minute drive out on the 401 highway to Khao Sok National Park.  Our accommodation was listed as the ‘Morning Mist Resort’ which is located on the edge of the park.  But more about that anon.

David

All photographs copyright © DY  of  jtdytravels

If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others

www.dymusings.com

more of our travel stories and photos can be found on

www.jtdytravels.com

More of our travel photos are on

www.flickr.com/photos/jtdytravels

 

China: Yunnan: #12 Train Ride to Tuan Shan (Part b)

The little yellow train came to a stop at the Shuanglong (Double Dragon) Bridge, only 3km. (a little over 1 mi.) west of Jianshui.  The bridge was built at the confluence of the Lujiang and Tachong Rivers.  These two rivers twist along their separate courses looking like two dragons, hence that bridge’s name.  Below the confluence, the new river is called the Nanpan.

DSC01110 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01110 © DY of jtdytravels

The bridge was originally built with only three arches during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty between 1736 and 1795. However, it had to be increased by another 14 arches during the 1820‘s due to a flood which widened the river.  The bridge is now 148 m. (486 ft.) long and varies in width from 3-5 m. (9-16 ft.)

DSC01112 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01112 © DY of jtdytravels

The central tower of the bridge is quite spectacular, although it would undoubtedly look better on a sunny day when the colours of the tiles would show up. Never mind, when you’re travelling, you get what you get and I was just grateful that it was just misty not pelting down with rain!

DSC01113 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01113 © DY of jtdytravels

We had time to walk over the bridge, but first we had to get past the ‘elephant’ guards!

DSC01114 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01114 © DY of jtdytravels

The rain became a little heavier as we walked onto the bridge. But that red umbrella just gave the touch of colour that lifted the scene with the main tower.

DSC01116 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01116 © DY of jtdytravels

A closer look at the coloured tile roof of the main tower.

DSC01119 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01119 © DY of jtdytravels

There’s another, smaller tower at the far end of the bridge.

DSC01121 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01121 © DY of jtdytravels

Looking down on the bank showed another way to enjoy the view of this bridge! 

DSC01124 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01124 © DY of jtdytravels

 A beautiful reflection on the lee side of the bridge.

DSC01125 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01125 © DY of jtdytravels

The river looked so peaceful as I began to walk back over the bridge towards the train.

DSC01126 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01126 © DY of jtdytravels

And, then, guess who got in the way and clogged the bridge walk?  Yep. Those models and their army of photographers. They were simply taking command of the whole bridge.

DSC01128 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01128 © DY of jtdytravels

Although it was raining lightly this parasol was just for show! However, I noted that the light rain didn’t suit the make-up, costumes or cameras.  Our way was totally blocked, and, if you look at the faces, we weren’t especially welcome walking into their shots! With a little patience from everyone, the photos they wanted were taken, and we made it back across the bridge. 

DSC01127 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01127 © DY of jtdytravels

A bemused local.

DSC01136 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01136 © DY of jtdytravels

 …and another one. I’d much rather photograph these faces than the heavily made up faces of those models. These faces have lived. I’m sure these men have great stories to tell.

DSC01132 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01132 © DY of jtdytravels

Rear view of another fisherman. They’re not real raindrops on the umbrella.

DSC01134 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01134 © DY of jtdytravels

A final look at the lovely reflections of this famous Shuanglong (Double Dragon) Bridge. Then it was back on the train and onwards towards Tuan Shan along a track that was originally laid by the French when they had greater influence in the area than they do now.  Hence, of course, the metre gauge track. 

DSC01140 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01140 © DY of jtdytravels

Our cheery (!) musician regaled us with a piano accordion this time. I did like his hat!

DSC01141 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01141 © DY of jtdytravels

A fellow passenger enjoying lunch!

DSC01142 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01142 © DY of jtdytravels

Our next stop was at an old French inspired station that had seen much better days… but at least there was a toilet… even if it was only a slit in a concrete slab.  When needs must…..

DSC01145 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01145 © DY of jtdytravels

A local used the station as a short cut.

DSC01150 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01150 © DY of jtdytravels

Quite a stern look from this little fellow.  Wonder what’s up with him.

DSC01152 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01152 © DY of jtdytravels

It wasn’t long before we came into the outskirts of a small town.

DSC01156 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01156 © DY of jtdytravels

And then we were there, at our destination for the day. It was around 11.30 and now we had 90 minutes to walk around the old village before the train returned to Jianshui.

More of that walk anon

David

All photographs copyright © DY  of  jtdytravels

If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others

www.dymusings.com

more of our travel stories and photos can be found on

www.jtdytravels.com

More of our travel photos are on

www.flickr.com/photos/jtdytravels

China: Yunnan: #11 Train Ride to Tuan Shan (Part a)

We were up early for another day of exploration only to find the streets rather empty.

DSC01073 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01073 © DY of jtdytravels

Saturday must be sleep-in morning. Shutters on shops down. Where would we find breakfast?

DSC01075 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01075 © DY of jtdytravels

We ended up at a noodle house where we had a big bowl of rice noodles with some chopped spring onions and coriander leaves along with an equally large bowl of broth that I think had a chicken base with a bit of chilli here and there for good luck! It all tasted good but not the usual thing I have for breakfast.

DSC01077 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01077 © DY of jtdytravels

The noodle shop was dishing out bowl after bowl to the local residents who seem to eat out most of the time – even for breakfast… perhaps because the food is so cheap; cheap like our fast food (read junk) outlets. However the huge difference I see between at home and in China is that the food being served in China is made on-site with fresh ingredients to age old local recipes – anything but junk food.  And the other big difference I see is this… you have to look long and hard to find a fat person… and that’s not quite the same in our Western societies!

DSC01078 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01078 © DY of jtdytravels

Fed and happy, we wandered back out into the street.  A few more people out, but still not busy. 

DSC01036 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01036 © DY of jtdytravels

We were headed for the restored train station. We had decided to explore a little further afield… to the village of Tuan Shan. We’d heard that one of the places on the ‘must see’ list for Jianshui is the Shuanglong (Double Dragon) Bridge.  As luck would have it, a tourist train passes it, with a stop, on the way to Tuan Shan. This looked like a good way to kill two birds with the one stone and get a train ride into the bargain.  We even got a 30% discount on our tickets because we’d already visited the Zhu Garden.

DSC01094 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01094 © DY of jtdytravels

Now here’s something really different from so many railway stations… immaculate ‘loos’.

DSC01039 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01039 © DY of jtdytravels

The platform and the one metre gauge lines.

DSC01087 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01087 © DY of jtdytravels

A rather smart looking yellow loco was ready to pull our touristy train.

DSC01095 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01095 © DY of jtdytravels

The carriages waited at the very tidy, pleasant platform!

DSC01081 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01081 © DY of jtdytravels

 The carriages were old style… but newly built.

DSC01085 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01085 © DY of jtdytravels

But the carriages were not the only thing to catch my eye. At the end of the platform, there was a large group of professional photographers.  So what was the interest… surely not the loco!

DSC01086 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01086 © DY of jtdytravels

No… not the loco. They were ‘shooting’ a bevy of  tarted up models.

DSC01084 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01084 © DY of jtdytravels

There were models all over the place; wearing ridiculously high-heeled footwear, carrying parasols and other props and striking poses in what seemed to me to be the oddest of places. At least this one was highlighting the trains logo. Maybe it was to be a promo for Jianshui!

DSC01091 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01091 © DY of jtdytravels

Another really odd place to pose!

DSC01092 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01092 © DY of jtdytravels

Enough make-up to sink a battle ship. I guess it was all just really not my thing!

This whole scene did not auger well for a peaceful train ride out into the country.  But, thankfully, they had their own bus and would meet up with the train later. So back to our train trip!

DSC01097 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01097 © DY of jtdytravels

On board, we settled into our not so comfortable wooden seats, new made to look old style, and prepared for the ride. The carriages had a top speed limit of 25km/h although the loco could do 60km/h!  Nonetheless the slow ride to the foothills gave us time to admire the scenery.

DSC01100 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01100 © DY of jtdytravels

And, as on many a tourist train, there was a musician to entertain the passengers. This one was a happy chap (?) and played a number of different instruments.

DSC01101 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01101 © DY of jtdytravels

A view of neat and tidy vegetable beds… no space wasted.

DSC01106 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01106 © DY of jtdytravels

Stooks out to dry… may not dry too well on this drizzly, mizzly, misty day.

DSC01105 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01105 © DY of jtdytravels

A lot of new apartment building on the outskirts of town appeared to be in limbo. No workers… no sign of work having been done recently. Maybe this was part of the problem in China of too many apartments being built. The building boom seems to have stagnated somewhat.

DSC01109 © DY of jtdytravels

DSC01109 © DY of jtdytravels

Not far out of town, the train began to really slow down. We had reached the famous Shuanglong (Double Dragon) Bridge. Here we would stop, get out and stretch our legs… and no doubt run the gauntlet of that bevy of models, photographers and their entourage once more!

More of that anon

David

All photographs copyright © DY  of  jtdytravels

If you enjoy these armchair travels, please pass our site onto others

www.dymusings.com

more of our travel stories and photos can be found on

www.jtdytravels.com

More of our travel photos are on

www.flickr.com/photos/jtdytravels