This time of year is supposed to be rainy season in Indonesia, but we haven't seen too much rain yet. I'm actually a little disappointed. Despite the flooding and increased traffic caused by torrential rains, I've been looking forward to a little change in the weather. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. Ninety degrees every single day with high humidity is just fine. I only need enough clothes for one season, my hair loves the humidity, and I have nothing against a year-round tan. On the other hand, it sure would be nice to cozy up in a nice fuzzy sweatshirt, wear socks to work, smell some leaves burning, and get a glimpse of ANY kind of change in color. I'm pretty sure "pollution gray" was not on God's palate when he mixed up his paints. Sometimes I feel as if time were standing still. Sunrise - 6am. Sunset - 6pm. 90 degrees. Humid. Partly cloudy. Every. Single. Day.
I digress. Back to my walk...
I set out on my walk armed with my umbrella (it is rainy season, after all), but we all know that if I remember to bring my umbrella it most assuredly will not rain. Though the view from my window before I left revealed storm clouds and lightening, it never did rain in my neighborhood.
I live on a fairly busy street which, fortunately, has a very nice sidewalk. The traffic consists of bicycles, motorbikes, cars, trucks, buses, and carts pushed on foot. Along the way, I pass through a nice strip of plants for sale. I almost forget that there is a traffic jam on the other side of the greenery!
After I turn a slight corner - where there is a never-ending line of cars waiting to turn left aided by a man on foot who helps the driver ease into the already clogged street* - I see a whole new sight: kids playing in the street, people out for a casual stroll, neighbors visiting on the "patio."
*aside - don't you think it's funny that my street is actually called, Simprug Artery? If this city would take better care of its health, it wouldn't be in such desperate need of multiple bypass surgery!
Along with the change of scenery comes a change of stench. The odor of the polluted river that runs behind my apartment building is overwhelming - so I take my picture and continue on.
As I meander along, I continuously hear, "Hello mister! How are you?" That is about the extent of the English in this area. One motorbike taxi (ojek) driver, however, actually got as far as...
"Hello mister, want ride?"
"No, thank you"
"Okay, enjoy Indonesia!"
I just smile and keep walking. There is no end to the variety of vendors along this street: combo umbrella repair/balloon animal cart, tailor on wheels, portable kiddie ride. One mom tried to get her child to pose for my camera, but the little girl ran away screaming.
I'm sure there will be more walks, whether the rains ever show up or not, and I'm never without my camera!
For more photos of the walk, plus a few randoms...
