bangka round two

DAY ONE: BANGKA ISLAND

Back to Jati Pesona for a much needed weekend of sun and ocean and bonfires.  We were greeted in the morning by a huge thunder storm, a rather turbulent twenty minute plane ride and a very cramped hour taxi ride to Tanjung Pesona Beach.  We were hopeful that it would clear up and it did.  The water was as warm and wonderful as before.  The sand was a little hard from the rain but the sun dried up the wood so we could have an evening bonfire.  Our rooms were overpriced and ghetto but it was worth it for this private little beach.

Sandcastle no. 1

It was a great afternoon.  The sun was shining, we were getting tanned and the few locals around were staring at the crazy bule running around trying to get dark.  Then Serena stepped on a huge dead jelly fish.  Isn't it beautiful?

Nick moved it inland a bit so the dogs wouldn't try and eat it.  I was thinking we could wash it off, shred it a bit, marinate it and make a nice cold appetizer dish.  We didn't do that.  Instead we played until five or so, gathered a bunch of firewood and found a nice area surrounded by rocks near the edge of the water to make our evening bonfire.  After the prep work, we showered, went into town to Eat & Eat.  I ordered grilled chicken, some mixed vegetables and a drink called bandrek.  My exhaustion knew no bounds but the promise of s'mores (Megan got Hershey's chocolate and marshmallows in Singapore!) and a campfire kept me going.  Here's Axel, Nick and Serena.

DAY TWO: BANGKA ISLAND

Sandcastle no. 2

The bi-annual hermit crab race took place on the dilapidated 'sand ship' I made.  They were not too active this time around but did all manage to get back into the water through the race track/moat we created.  I got a little sunburned on my back.  We had an early bonfire this time, tried to get food afterwards but couldn't, so settled on packaged junk food, a couple beers and a good old fashioned game of King's Cup.  Slept.  Woke up.  Came back to Palembang.  Here I am.