43. Climbing volcanos - Merapi and Mnt Bromo!

I haven’t written in such a while.. Java feels like a life time ago.

Although I can’t say that I’ll ever forget the moment I arrived at the bottom of Merapi (the highest volcano in Indonesia) Fuck me sideways (sorry mum but that’s the only expression that does this moment justice.)

There I was, casually walking in – hungover and with maybe three hours sleep in the last twenty four. I’ve climbed the odd mountain before, hell I’ve climbed Table mountain – I can do anything!

The woman in the corner is nervous, she’s rubbing her hands, saying,”I do rock climbing as a hobby in Malaysia but I’ve never done anything like this, I’m sure I’ll be fine. It’s going to be fine. I love climbing. But I shouldn’t have done that research last night. Ooooooh no. That was a bad idea. But I’ll be fine, we just go slow.”

I am visibly confused. She is a strong, fit and capable rock climber who enjoys hiking.. what is she so worried about??

One of the guides turns to me,”Do you have a jersey?”

“I’m wearing one.”

“Something warmer? It’s four degrees up there.”

My eyes don’t really widen – but in that moment they swallowed him up.

“I’ll be fine.”

Well, ten minutes into this hike – more like climb – I was not fine – not one bit. I can’t explain just how deep my suffering cut.. haha! But seriously I was dying a slow death, and had to keep pushing and pushing until I honestly thought I would just die – right there – and didn't mind entertaining the idea one bit.

We were also hiking in the dark – and had no idea where we we’re although in retrospect this was a very good thing as if I had actually looked up, ahead at where I was heading, I would have stopped before I began. No question – I was in no condition for such a feat – never mind the hangover or lack of sleep, or dehydration – what about the fact that this was the first time I had done ANY excersize of substance (I’m not counting walking to the shops ) So to say I was out of my league is putting it mildly.

I’m not going to go on about this torturous climb but to say that 8km’s up – yes up – never stopping to walk straight – the climbing is endless, back breaking, chest wheezing, foot swelling stuff – I couldn't continue. I had a kilometer before I reached the crater rim, and I couldn't  Goodbye legs. I crawled behind a rock and waited for two hours – believing I would die of frost bite. The African drama queen that I am:) After two hours the other two came back. Fuck my life and we headed down – 8kms.. my knees we’re breaking and I had blisters on both heels.

Although I must say – the sunrise was sensational and going down you see what you accomplished the night before and wow. It’s godda be the best view I've ever seen.

And to be honest I didn't mind not reaching the top – I was just so damn proud of my lazy ass.

Once we got to the bottom – we had to eat a quick breakfast and get back on the road. One nights rest before.. wait for it.. hiking Bromo. I was I a bit of a panic as I had already paid for the Bromo to Bali trip – so I had to go – swollen knees, blisters and all..

Anyhoo – when we got to Bromo we we’re told that a mountain next to it is where the best sunrise view is seen so we should go there first – I opted for the jeep J And then the bloody jeep dropped us at the bottom, “Hold on buddy I thought we we’re going to the top!?” “No can.” So began a 4 km hike up, and then 4km’s down – the sunrise was spectacular but honestly.. my body was shouting all sorts of profanities at me. We then head for Bromo and began that hike – and halfway up I jump on a horse. Yup – work the thighs instead. Bromo was more like a volcano to me – black dust and a smoking crater – if you step one step to the left – you’re in. Eeeeek. Moment like that make me feel more alive!

After Bromo we we’re taken to have a quick shower and some food and then off to Bali.. OMG. I have never been so happy to have three days over in my life before. Bring on beaches, books and cocktails. Anything that involves doing nothing, and then resting afterwards.

xoxo