Very Volcanic Views

This weekend  I had my last Indonesian travel adventure. In preparation for the 40 hours of travel I have ahead of me, I spent about 12 hours traveling this weekend, so I could glimpse the sunrise at Mt. Bromo. Jessie and I set off early Saturday morning to catch our flight from Jakarta to Surabaya (a city in East Java). At the airport we met up with Lindsey, a friend of Jessie's traveling through Indonesia on her way back to Australia. After an uneventful plane trip we met our driver and started the 4 hour drive up to the hotel at the edge of the Bromo National Park. 

First view of Bromo form the hotel parking lot.

View from the hotel room porch.

Sunset

While I would not recommend the food at the Lava View Lodge, the views more than make up for a not so great dinner and breakfast. At 3:30 the next morning we were awaken to start another hour of traveling up bumpy mountain roads to get to the viewpoint. After an hour standing at the viewpoint, I was complaining about the cold, not a normal occurrence here. However, the views were well worth any minor teeth chattering.

Sunrise

Anak Bromo, Bromo, and Semeru

Anak Bromo, Bromo, and Semeru

Three Angels

After catching the sunrise, it was back down the mountain to cross the sea of sand and climb to the top of Bromo.

Hindu Temple at the base of Bromo

Climbing up Bromo (Lindsey, Jessie, and I)

View into the crater. It is tradition to throw an offering into the crater. 

View looking down at the climb and all the people coming up.

At this point, it was still only 8am so we headed back to the hotel for breakfast and a little rest before starting the drive back to the airport again. At 6pm on Sunday, we finally made it back to the Jakarta airport. If you ever make it to Indonesia, I would  definitely recommend putting Mt. Bromo on your list of things to see.

Singapore Part Two

 Saturday in Singapore was a little less exciting, mainly because of the showers that persisted throughout the day. I don't know why I insist on forgetting to bring my umbrella/rain gear when I travel. However, even with the rain I had a fun morning at the zoo. First was breakfast with the Orangutans. This means you eat breakfast while watching the orangutans and then get to take an overpriced photo with them. After breakfast I speed walked through the zoo so I could catch sights of most of the animals before I needed to catch the bus back at noon. Below are some of the zoo highlights:

 

 

 

 

 

 After the zoo I went to the Art and Science Museum for Andy Warhol and Harry Potter. Unfortunately no photography was allowed inside of the exhibits.

Having rained throughout the day Saturday, Singapore decided Sunday deserved perfectly clear blue skies. I decided to walk from my hotel down the river to the marina and visit the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore's newest park. Below is the photo journey from start to finish.

Clarke Quay - Starting Point

Boat Quay

Statue of Sir Raffles

Outside Asian Civilization Museum

Pedestrian Bridge

 

Obelisk outside Victoria Theater

Arts and Science Museum

Singapore Flyer - taller than the London Eye

Gardens by the Bay - End

Cross over into the Gardens. The large structures are super trees - they generate solar power.

Singapore was a successful weekend, except for the flying out part. My flight was about 2 hours delayed. There were some funny moments at the airport as Singapore efficiency met Indonesian lack of efficiency. 

Time to get back to work as I only have 20 more days left in Indonesia.

Singapore Sights

This morning I grabbed an early (5:40 am) flight from Jakarta to Singapore. I am exhausted after my early morning and day walking the city so I will let my pictures do the talking. 

War memorial

One of the many signs that enforce Singapore's efficiency.

Little India

Little Indida

China Town

First meal in Singapore: delicious strawberry and mango shaved ice.

Fun pedestrian bridge.

My hotel.

Fountain on Orchard Road.

Weird mermaid statue on Orchard Road.

This reminded me of an avocado.

One of Singapore's tributes to the upcoming Olympics.

Art on the marina.

View from dinner at Level 33, a microbrewery on the 33rd floor.

The most interesting fish and chips I have eaten.

Is it a bench or is it art?

Another bench.

Don't worry the cows are under surveillance.

War memorial to the Indian soldiers. 

 I don't know if it just because I am coming from Jakarta, but I am loving Singapore. It has public transportation, sidewalks, people are not allowed to smoke most places, and there is no trash!!! Hopefully it continues to get better as the weekend goes on.