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April 27, 2004

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Go West our hearts tell us, so we leave Bali and visit Java, the heart of Indonesia. Getting there is the challenge. Driving in Indonesia is nerve wracking because people don't respect their own lives. Tailgating is the rule unless you're inviting the car behind you to pass and do the job for you. Anyone in front has the right or way (don't make eye contact, that shifts responsibility to you). Without a look or pause, mopeds pull into the road and change lanes. Trucks own the space. Pedestrians, animals, and every conceivable wheeled apparatus shares the one lane road. Touts follow us for many kilometers on mopeds. If we pause, they'll pull up and ask where we're going, what we're doing, do we need guide/accommodation?
No comfortable seats on this bus. The muffler seat must be the worst (or hottest).