Did you know that ‘cup of java’ became popular in the 1800’s because coffee was primarily imported from Java, Indonesia?

The trip from Bali to Java wasn’t difficult.

The ferry was one hour, for 18,000 (Cdn $1.50). But if definitely wasn’t BC Ferries!

Crew painting during the trip.

The ferry docked in Banyuwangi, a ‘town that never sleeps’.

The ferries run 24/7 so there is steady flow of traffic, and convenience shops and food stalls are there to serve them.

Even the mosque had a call to prayer at 03:00. Usually they are just sunrise to sunset.

My guesthouse was only a few blocks from the port, and a block from the train station, so sleep was spotty!

But the day was a bargain! I had a private room in a hostel with breakfast for Rp 220,000 (Cdn $19.00).

Lunch was Nasi Campur (rice, chicken, vegetables) for Rp 15,000 (Cdn $1.30)

IThe next day it was a six hour train to Surabaya. But it was comfortable and air conditioned in Executive Class (Rp 264,000 (Cdn $22.50).

It was first of about 24 hours of train that I’ve booked. Java is huge compared to Bali.

Lunch on train 38,000 $3.30

Surabaya is the second largest city on Java, but not usually on the tourist route.

I spent three days exploring the sites from the Tourist Information brochures. A bit underwhelming, but the locals more than made up for it!

I stumbled across the annual ‘costumes from recycled materials’ awards at City Hall. Hundreds of people!

A request to take their photo lead to whole groups posing, and wanting me in the photos too!

I also went to Sunan Ampel Mosque. As usual, I couldn’t enter, but it was surrounded by an ‘Arab’ market.

Another friendly local with his perfume shop.

Food stalls down every side street.

Sites were spread out across the city, but fortunately taxis were only Cdn $2-3 for 10-15 minutes.

I was able to use ride-hauling apps so the driver knew where I was going, and I knew what it would cost.

Chinatown

Bus station

A train of children.

My colourful bus! The Tourist Information office suggested I may be interested in their daily offering with all local people.

We went out to the ‘seaside’.

This cute young fellow asked his mother to take a photo of us!

Another photo of the sweaty Canadian all over Surabaya!

Barriers to keep motorcyclists off the sidewalks.

Balai Pemuda, or Alun-Alun Surabaya.

Alun is the town ‘square’ built during the colonial period in 1907. It was a recreation centre for the Dutch.

I think this says it best.

There were also many monuments to the overthrow of the Dutch in 1945.

A typical Surabaya dish ‘Mie Ayam’ or noodle chicken. The chicken was a bit crunchy and was a nice contrast to the noodles. Lots of hot sauce was also typical.

There was no menu, just one dish being served. I just sat down and waited! Rp 22,000 (Cdn $1.90) with a bottle of water.

I have no idea what this was or how it tasted, but it was on my breakfast buffet!

Still find all the Christmas decorations strange in a predominantly Muslim country. Especially the carols about ‘dashing through the snow’.

Then another train, two hours, to Malang.

Two rundown parts of town transformed themselves into tourist destinations with lots of paint!

Bananas at the Pasar Besar market.

Tempe is very popular here. It’s made from fermented soya beans like tofu, but is ‘whole-grain’.

Some type of bean, but HUGE!

All the different items for soup.

Malang Jami Grand Mosque (1800’s)

Java is predominantly Muslim.

Kelenteng Eng An Klong Buddhist temple (1820)

Banyan trees

Group of school girls with their ice cream in the park.

Art deco architecture.

Motorcycles ready for the train.

Left the hotel at 12:30 am for a 2.5 hour rough ride in a Jeep. So then it was 03:00 and I was questioning my decision while freezing in a open air cafe.

Lots of company at my destination.

The attraction was sunrise at Mount Bromo.

Unfortunately the next stop was supposed to be a climb to the crater, but it was closed because of volcanic activity.

I really enjoyed my heritage hotel. There were all kinds of hidden spaces to explore.

Beautiful arrangement of fruit.

Oatmeal with fresh and toasted coconut.

Tomorrow is a 08:00 train to Solo (also known as Surakarta). So I’ll post this now while the wifi is excellent!