Indonesia
Why there is beer hidden in the ocean?
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Johan Kruseman
Updated on 30 August 2024
Updated on 30 August 2024
So, I‘m on Pulau Weh, taking a breather. Chillin‘ on a coral-white beach, enjoying tiramisu by a cobalt-blue sea, Eva, the boss lady at the restaurant, spills some tea. She tells me about these fancy cruise ships that roll in and change life for the islanders for a day. Next morning, bam, a 5-star cruise ship docks, 1,000 passengers flood the place, taxis, tuk-tuks, and everything on wheels head to the harbor. Six hours to explore the island, either a tour or a city stroll. Eva‘s on city duty. Despite the crazy tips she usually rakes in, she hates it. A whole day with folks asking where the bathroom is and if she knows a good spot for coffee and pie.
Oh, and the booze story? Booze licenses cost a fortune, but you wanna treat your guests, right? Eva‘s got connections, though. When the island police roll in for their annual checkup, she gets a heads-up call, and she rushes to stash all the booze in plastic bags in the sea. Sneaky and clever.
After a few days of beach life, scooter adventures, and a dive, I catch a boat back. Oh boy, here comes the drama: French lady on board. She starts firing off in French, and I‘m like, “Uh, my French is rusty.” She‘s all, “Mais non! Global language!” She‘s got these exclamation marks in her voice. I try the “Do you speak English?” card, and she‘s like, “I already speak French,” still shaking her head in disbelief.
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Traveled route: Bali, Denpasar, Buleleng, Boengkoelan, Gili Air, Lombok, Pemenang, mount Rinjani, Komodo Island, Flores, Labuan Bajo, Sumatra, Medan, Bukit Lawang, Banda Aceh, Pelabuhan Balohan, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Imogiri Pine Forest, Borobudur Temple, Malang, Mount Bromo, Ijen, Banyuwangi, Surabaya
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