After exploring Borobudur, we pilled into the vans and headed across the way to see Mt Merapi. There is vast expanse of crops terraced into the mountainside as we make our ascent. Sometimes I wonder if the van is going to make it as it putters and the mopeds take their turn speeding past.
Once we reached the lookout point, we have an overlook of the valley and the giant Mt Merapi to our right and Mt Merbabu to our left. The valley below is organized into its crop fields and it’s hard to believe that only a year and half ago this entire area was destroyed and covered in ash by this active volcano. Mt Merapi’s peak is hidden behind the clouds. Supposedly one can see smoke from Mt Merapi about 300 days of the year. It is believed when the earth was created, the gods wanted to place Mt Merapi in the center of Java to balance the island. However, two armourers, Empu Rama and Empu Permadi were already settling in the desired location and ignored the gods’ desire to move the mountain there. This made the gods angry and so they went ahead and buried Empu Rama and Empu Permadi under Mt Merapi and that is why it’s believed the volcano is so active.
There’s also a group of school children visiting, about the age of 13. They work up the courage to approach us, practicing their English and ask to take photos with us. They get a big kick over Becky with her fair skin and red hair. Then the girls hone in on Kevin…(we end up giving Kevin the nickname Justin Beiber). Lots of photos were taken, girls squealing, everyone throwing up the peace sign and more squealing as they scurry off towards their tour bus.
We then headed inside for a traditional lunch while enjoying the beautiful, immense view.
No comments:
Post a Comment