Visits from relatives are always something to look forward to and my relatives from Java have been here for a few weeks.They are heading back to Semarang in Central Java today, content after having one road trip to Lovina / Kintamani and plenty of cheap meals from the A-list of Indonesian warungs (Warung Nikmat in Tuban, Warung Murah in Legian, Warung, Kolega in Kerobokan). Prices were always foremost in their minds, my father -in-law commenting that in Semarang ayam goreng (fried chicken) is 2,000rp, here in Bali its 9,000rp.
Transport back to Java is the overnight AC bus from Ubung station in NW Denpasar. Tickets were bought in advance and cost 200,000rp one way, journey time around 15 hours. I have done a trip from Bali to Sumatra on local buses (no AC, frequent stops to pick up locals) back in 1993, which I have no intention of ever repeating. The modern buses are way better.
My father in law asked Ika to express thanks for my hospitality, to which I responded that he is welcome. They have packed their souvenirs which include t-shirts and the nasi campur I bought for lunch will be eaten en route. As a parting gift I offered the half bottle of Myers rum my father in-law had been eying. He will share this with his mates in Java as they celebrate Indonesian independence on the evening of August 17th.
One cool thing about my Indonesian relatives is they aren’t hung up on manners and luxury. They’ll make themselves comfortable wherever and food is always a major topic of conversation.
