Jamu is the ancient Indonesian set of cure-alls, that local people drink to fix ills or give them a boost. Today on Jl. Seminyak, I said hello to a lady selling jamu, made at home and carried in plastic water bottles. When the jamu seller shows up in the morning, the water she uses is warm, but as the day goes on, its cold water. The jamu is served in a glass, which costs 500rp. You can ask for the ‘general jamu’ which is ready mixed, in the other bottles she carries, or ask for a specific jamu. Remedies for back ache, head ache, impotence etc are all possible, the jamu seller mixing the ingredients from packets. You can buy packets of jamu in local shops, to put into a glass of water. Some of the stuff I have sampled, was a selection of powdered peppers and spice, filing a quarter of the glass. The stuff tasted peppery, and left my with the runs. So for constipation I can recommend it. Not sure what else for though. Asian cultures are full of ‘local cures’.
In the Philippines they have a things called balut, which is a fertilized, unhatched duck’s egg. ‘Tastes like heaven and looks like hell’, is what people have told me. Filipino friends have told me, they have to turn out the lights in order to eat a balut, the sight is not pleasant. Apart from the taste, men have told me they eat one after sexual activity (I’m sure a Mexican would say the same of a shot of tequila).
Pick me ups that can work in Bali:
Pocari Sweat – ideal if you feel thirsty / dehydrated.
Bali coffee – great for a kick in the pants. I often get one of these, before typing in the afternoon. You might try an Irish coffee, Calypso coffee (with Tia Maria) or any other liquor / coffee combo, for a tasty treat.
Arak madu – live in the moment, let the shopping, sightseeing wait for a hour and sip a cold arak madu (arak, water, honey, lemon) in a shady spot.
Krakendeang – There are many others available, trying to replicate this energy drink. Its originally from Thailand and works for some people.
Chilies – When your mind is asleep and your taste buds are not interested in what you are eating, chuck in some hot sambal, or red chilies, for an ‘in the moment’ experience. If it gets too hot for you, use salt on your tongue for a minute.
