U.F.G - Unidentified Flying Goofball (Lake Toba, Indonesia)

For a revised version of this post, go here.

July 20^th, 2009 - No photoshop here, just me coming in for a smooth landing. Yesterday, I rented a motorbike and went for a spin around Samosir Island (technically an isthmus) in Lake Toba. The drive was rather scenic and the weather exceedingly pleasant.

I followed a road that I doubt few tourists ever traverse. When I reached the highest point of the pavement I saw that there was another ‘road’ leading farther up the hill. It was nothing but grass and stones but I was fiending for a panorama so I trudged on.

The area I found myself in appears to serve as a grazing area for livestock and is peopled by members of the Batak tribe. Quiet, peaceful and serene. Exploring open pastures and light forest land was quite a contrast from the deep jungle of Kerinci National Park. My quest had me driving up hills and maneuvering my way between rocks and trees to see if I could spot a vista. I found what I was looking for when I came across an abandoned house on the edge of a hill. I spent over an hour there snapping photos and playing superman. 

The past few days have been less than strenuous. I rise in the morning, take a dip in the lake, enjoy some breakfast, drink way too much coffee, swap travel stories with kindred spirits, and agonize over the plan for the day. It is a hard knock life but I find a way to endure. 

I miss my motorcycle. I feel like half a man. Before I was the cool white guy on the nice bike. Now, I am just another goofball on a moped. Guess I'll just have to find another means of validating my existence.