The objective of this meeting was to go hiking with a group of expats. This association is know as Hash Harriers, named after the tradition of consuming hash in early days, not hash as in hashish, but hash as in English breakfast :-) (local name for it)
We started by meeting in the hotel and then following a route through the mountains, crossing huge fields, going up and down between the rice plantations, traversing forests and enjoying magnificent views from the below valleys.
Initially it was hard since a great rain started pouring. The typical rain here is that is starts raining intensely for 30 minutes and then all the clouds leave and the sun shines again. Because of the height, no new humidity is formed, which makes the environment extremely comfortable. Even thought this waterfall falling from the sky, we kept going and enjoying the run
All lasted 1,5 hrs and ended completely exhausted, finally all decided to take a relaxation period with an ice cold deserved Bingtang close to the swiming pool and chatting with the new people I´ve met. Totally there were 11 nationalities, from Finland, Mexico, Germany, USA, Netherlands, Italy, Aruba, Malasya, Indonesia, Ireland, and UK.
In the evening after lunch we all went to the swiming pool, and stayed there for about three hours. Some people left for drinking, some for resting, some stayed chatting. Eventually I left and joined the drinking group. To make the story short, we had a nice time, playing drinking games, something I have not done since 1998, so it was a good time to remember old times. Eventhough I drank about 5 litters of beer, I was not feeling drunk (and with the enough energy to have a morning run in the next day).
During the next day I woke up just in time for the morning run. This time only 1.5 hrs, not only running but also walking. We followed a different route, crossing also villages, and more scenic scenarios. The mist in the horizon made the place look as a real paradise, in the background you could listen to the birds, and other strange animals making unique noices. There was a time where I was completely alone, and this experience of being surrounded by nature was just amazing. After some kms I found a waterfall, very tall, and refreshing. This time I did not go in, but I would have loved to.
Time to return to the hotel, have some lunch, have a last swim in the thermal watters, and go back to Semarang. On my way back I grabbed a ride with a couple from Netherlands that have been working in Semarang for 5 years. We chatted nicely and long, until the 5 hrs drive was off, and arranged to go together to a dancing course. Which BTW was cancelled.
After comming back from my trip, I got to the appartment and find out that my neighbour, a guy from Thailand who is leaving next Saturday, is organizing a party. Not a common party but one with a live band, and only for 5 guests! An amazing experience.
It was like a private concert which I enjoyed greatly. The girls in the band were so beautiful and sang so nicely. It was like hearing a professional band. Probably I will contact them soon again, to celebrate my birthday, that has not been celebrated because my lack of time.
Next Wednesday I will have my first dancing course, and if all goes nice, I might become on a good dancer :-)
Again, greetings from my humble balcony, facing the illuminated Semarang city, listening grass hoppers and a waterfall singing, over viewing the nicely blue illuminated swimming pool under the star filled firmament. This time I am without a beer, but with the fresh memory of weekend's stories!
