Lembar, Lombok Island

 

The passenger terminal here is new. It has been built to support expanded tourism on the island. But one needs to take a transfer bus for about an hour to reach the hotels and beaches. Many on the ship have chosen to do so. Eve continues to fight a cold and wants to spend the day in the cabin. I choose to explore the immediate area on foot. 

Leaving the terminal, one must run the gauntlet of taxi drivers who will take you where you want to go and vendors who have just exactly what you want to buy. I push on being as friendly but firm as I can. The drivers cannot believe that I want to travel by foot. 

The skies are threatening. About 15 minutes down the road, they open up. I quickly find a roof to stand under. After 30 minutes or so, the rain stops, and I continue. 

I stop to inspect a brick manufacturing operation. 

The roads leading to the beach have various twists and turns, and are in various condition. 

I am struck by how friendly the people are. Always a big, warm smile. And a verbal “Hello!” from all. The kids love to show off their english. A young girl films me as she rides past on her motorcycle. I wave and smile back. 

I manage to catch the noon call to prayer. There are 4 mosques along the 10 km I will walk today. 

Nearing my destination, I cross a wooden bridge to an isolated strip of land along the beach. 

The beach and mangrove forest is a destination for many natives. This is the first black (volcanic) sand beach I have seen here. A sudden storm is brewing, whipping the waves and umbrellas about. I turn quickly back, not wanting to get trapped here. As soon as I cross the bridge on my return, the storm lets up. 

By this time, I have walked over 10 km. As I walked here, passing motorbikers and car drivers slowed down to ask if I wanted a ride. I decide to take the next one that comes along. About 5 minutes later, Jurman stops and asks. I hop on. 

Back in our cabin, I spend the next two hours regaling Eve with my travels. 

Tomorrow, sea day. 

PS:  After saying goodbye to Jurman I head back to the terminal. “Joe, Joe!” I hear someone calling. I see his hand waving and walk over, thinking it is a fellow passenger. But it is a vendor with whom I had exchanged a few words this morning. He said I had promised to buy something when I returned. He waited for me all day!  

What do you think of my new T-shirt?