So I leave on the 7 hour drive to Bukittibnggi. I'm told that this place is beautiful with a volcanic lake and lots of scenery. The drive is absolutely horrific! Its dark, torrential rain and what has to have been the worst driver I have ever had the experience of being in a vehicle with. I arrive, slightly whiter in Bukittinggi. I quickly check into a hotel and crash for the night. The next day I pop to a local restaurant and get talking to the owner. He informs me of the best places to visit and says that his nephew is in town and would be more that happy to take me around on the back of his bike. I said thanks but no thanks as the thought of being on the road with these crazy drivers was mad even by my standards. Although I eventually decided it was going to be my best option of seeing what I needed in the quickest time so that I could leave. So the next day armed with my helmet I nervously get on the back of Benny's bike and head off for the volcano. The day went really well and I got to see the lake which was stunning. Stocked with loads of pics and a sore bum we headed back to my hotel down the 44 bends of the mountain. I spend the evening with the restaurant owner and his family. Book my bus ticket to Padang where I will be flying to Bali in a couple of days.

The Journey to Padang was relatively painless, although I arrive again at night and check into the first available place. Thinking it was slightly too pricey but tired I grab some dinner and head to bed. When I wake in the morning to book my flight I realize that the cost was due to this huge hotel being right on the beach. Oh well, ill try to arrive in the day time so I know what im getting from now on. Anyway I find a travel agent and book a flight to Bali for that morning. This turned out to be a good thing as for the few hours that I was in town I was getting absolutely harassed and beginning to feel really uncomfortable. Hey ho, off to Bali we go…

Shenel