It’s raining in Ubud. I head off on foot for a look around but my new-found love of the clove impregnated Indonesian cigarette is taking its toll on my hill walking abilities! I will have to get that sorted before the American/Europe trip!
The constant battle with the language difference and difficulty in getting around is tiring. And I’m about to go to East Timor where it will be even harder.
In the afternoon I visit the Monkey Garden/Temple. It is an easy walk from where I am staying and is a beautiful piece if rainforest infused with many very old Hindu structures. It’s a special place for those of the Hindu faith and is home to many cute but cheeky monkeys!
They think nothing of crawling up your cloths or jumping on you from trees to grab anything they may find of interest. One took a fancy to my water bottle, easily screwing the lid off and taking offense. I took my water bottle back, it gave me an evil glare and snarled much to the amusement of many other tourists there, and I retreated! Cheeky monkeys – but oh so cute, even when they are cranky!
It is a special day on the Hindu calendar tomorrow and it is a holiday. Initially the inconvenience of not being able to catch a bus back down to the coast was annoying but of course the opportunity to witness some serious Hindu celebrating is a huge benefit. It is a good time to be here.
Tomorrow I make my way down to Legian on the coast to meet up with Freddy and Agung.
PS, any spelling mistakes in these blogs is the fault of the overactive predictive text mode on my iPhone and me being a lazy writer!
angusmccoll 
Hi Angus. Thought you might like this link if you’re able to access it.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304316404575580642875651522.html
It explains a little more about the Mt Merapi Gatekeeper.
Thanks Jacquie, I will add the link to the blog…when I work out how!
Angus McColl Mob: 0412907350
Aberdeen Angostura Brangus McWanderer – great travel diary. I charted your travels in Java on google maps, you really cris-crossed that part of the country – what a mission! You picked a close but interesting country for the first part of your trip, great choice. Andrew C
Hey Andrew, just getting around here is hard so if you ever plan to come here, leave plenty of time for travel. Well worth though. I will come back here armed with more time. Take care back there. Great to have you back in Cairns!
Hey Angus, just caught up today with your adventures. Totally amazing and very funny to read! Your a total natural at this travel guide stuff, lol.
Really good to hear how your going and to see the fantastic photos.
Hope your ok in ET and look forward to reading your next adventure!
Hi Enisa, great to hear from you. Glad you enjoy the blogs. Plenty more to come…I hope! Hop all is well with you back there. Take care.