The journey from Yogja to our accommodation at Mt. Bromo was supposed
to take 10 hours and then the idea was we would arrive at 7pm and then
wake up at 3.30am and after a short drive, walk to the viewing point.
From this point we would see the sun rising over 3 volcanoes. Then we
would drive near Mt. Bromo and then either take a horse or climb to
the top and walk around the lip of the crater and see inside it.
Sounded great to me.

This is what actually happened...

The journey from Yogja to Mt Bromo was one of the most difficult i
have experienced. The roads were not great, very bumpy and it was
really hot! There wasn't much leg room in the mini-van either. The
journey took 12 hours instead of 10 as there was a lot of traffic. I
don't know how I manged to get through it, i think the Korean lady who
gave everyone a neck and upper back massage helped!

Once we arrived at the accommodation, which was actually a lot better
than i had expected. We eat at the restaurant which served excellent
food and then I had an early night as it was nearly 11pm and I knew I
had to be up at 3.30am the next morning.

I was woken at 3.30pm and was ready by 4am only to see that it was
raining outside and very miserable. We decided to go ahead as planned.
After arriving near the viewing point we had to climb a steep hill
which took approx 40 minutes. Once we got to the top it was still
raining, windy and very foggy. We couldn't see anything but waited for
sunrise in the hope that the fog would clear. After roughing it up
there for an hour, it was light and we hadn't seen a thing! we were
all disappointed but were still looking forward to climbing Mt. Bromo
and seeing the crater etc. Once we were dropped off as far as the jeep
could take us. Again it was a steep climb to the top! It took about 30
mins and the whole way up the wind was against us and it was still
raining and foggy. As we got closer to the volcano the wind became
stronger and it started to smell really bad. like rotten eggs!! The
last steps to the top were really tuff and i briefly contemplated
going back as the smell was unbearable. I had my mouth covered the
whole time! After going through all that we couldn't see anything! It
was really foggy, i couldn't see into the crater. I stayed up there
for as long as i could bear the smell and wind and then walked back
down to the jeep. I couldn't take any good pictures, but will upload
the ones that I have taken. So things didn't work out as I had
expected. But I hope to see some more Volcano's before I leave
Indonesia (hopefully on a clear day!).

We arrived back at the hotel by 9am. We left to the tour office of the
company which i had booked this through. We were supposed to leave for
Danpesar, Bali at 11am. But the bus didn't come until 2pm!! The
journey was long but it was a big bus so more comfortable. I arrived
in Bali at 12.30am! I met a Evan from Canada on the bus and we decided
to share a taxi and go to Ubud. After haggling with the driver who
originally asked for 120,000 we agreed on 70,000. We got dropped off
at the main road where all the shops and hotels are. We had no
accommodation booked...and decided to keep walking...a local said he
knew a few places and would take us there, he took us to three places,
one was full and at the other two, the reception was closed. He tried to
wake one of the owners up (his friend). first by calling him and then
throwing stones through the window at him. he woke all the neighbours
but the owner of the hotel didn't wake up- after a while he looked at
us and shrugged his shoulders and said "drunk!". He was a nice guy and
said that if we didn't find anything he has a spare room with no beds
but we could stay there if we had no where to stay that night. After
walking a bit more and nearly giving up hope, someone else stopped us
and told us he knew of a place nearby. He took us there and it was
really nice, the whole time i was thinking this is a luxury resort and
is going to cost loads!! But it was only 60,000 each (inc breakfast)
which is about 3.50! I stayed at this place in Ubud for 3 days and
really didn't want to leave. we were treated really well and were
waited upon the whole time!

Yesterday, I arrived in Kuta Beach. I am staying in a really basic hotel,
it isnt great but its the only one I could find within my budget. I
walked round the town and then went to the beach for sunset. I dont
know if I like it, there are sooo many tourists here!
I will be staying in Kuta until Wednesday, ensuring I am in Padangbai as I will be meeting up with Daniel there and heading towards the Gilli Islands. Will upload pictures soon!