Indonesia - Day 10 - May 10, 2011

Day 10 - May 10
Locaton: Bandung, Java

Today, we knew we were going into the mountains to visit a tea plantation and factory. What we didn't know was that we were first going to meet with the Mayor of Bandung at City Hall. As it turns out, the Mayor was not available, but the 1st Assistant was. He read a statement from the mayor and gave all of us a gift and me a special medallion -  for being the group leader and bringing visitors from America to their city. It was a very impressive gesture and a reminder that we are truly ambassadors for FF and our country and that these people hold us in high regard.



All these meetings feel SO official.



I was surprised and felt a bit odd sitting at the head of a giant circular conference table arrangement speaking on behalf of our group. There was 21 of us from our group, another pack of Bandung FF people and another 8-10 assistants and interpreters. Microphones and the whole bit -- I felt like I was at the UN. A bit sobering.


It felt sort of odd being respected in such a manner. Another new experience. I think I'm happy I didnt know it was all going to happen, I'd have been too nervous.


So, after all the "official" activities were finished, gifts and awards given , we were off to the tea plantation. A three hour ride in a very large bus through very crowded streets and curvy roads up into the mountains. The ride was extraordinary -- the area is densely farmed with giant rice terraces as well as terraced areas for other crops like cabbage, cauliflower, onions, etc. Absolutely breathtaking views.



Another boxed snack on the bus.
I wonder how many of these we had.




Upon reaching the tea plantation and driving through miles and acres of tea fields, we were offered a cup of tea and a history of the plantation.  We then went to the factory, which was quite unbelievable -- tons of tea being processed.



Conveyor belts and huge bags of tea leaves.



You can only imagine the aroma!
It felt like you were in a huge cauldron of tea.

 


About all I have to add is that we returned to Bandung after another three hour ride down the mountain -- in a pretty heavy rain, which certainly added to the thrill of maneuvering through crazy traffic and insane obstacles, on roads that are in need of major repair.



The rain does not help the road conditions,
except that perhaps there are fewer people out.


Dinner was at a restaurant owned by a Bandung  FF member. Singing, dancing and lots of food. They are feeding us well.

A memorable day in Many respects.
To bed now. It's late and we are to be up at 6:00 AM tomorrow.
Stay Tuned.

 

We followed this motor bike for quite a while,
up the winding road to the tea plantation.
It appears that you can haul anything on your bike.