It was good to see Indonesia from another angle. I even got to drive out through the countryside to the nearby town of Bangkalan. For an emerging Jakarta urbanite, the two-hour drive felt like a drive into more rural Indonesia. However, looking up the site, I see that it is a mere 45 km (29 miles) from Surabaya, making the trek seem less dramatic.
Some observations:
- The city is really clean, as advertised. The progressive mayor has several campaigns to green up her city -- and it shows. There is a kind of cash for trash program incentivizing green practices. I could see a demonstrable difference and enjoyed the city's lusher spaces during my short visit.
- The "countryside" ride that I took looked a bit more wild. A highlight was standing in front of a school speaking with kids and noticing a tree ripe with small mangos hanging everywhere (you know you are in the tropics when...).
- I tried the local speciality - soto surabaya. I enjoyed its spicy goodness (soup made with chicken). Yum! Sedap!
- The workside part of my life there involved some fun meetings with teachers, Peace Corps Volunteers, and a discussion with students about the U.S. National Park System. I look forward to going back again soon.
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