Not a Choice
08
...*****...
..."Keep going, because we will never know what beauty we will find if we are on top there.”...
...Kalingga Byakta's...
...*****...
Surabaya
The afternoon sun in downtown Surabaya was quite hot, but it did not dampen the footsteps of office workers, factory workers, even hungry students, in order to find food to fill their stomachs that had previously continued to sound asking to be filled by food.
As it stands, two grown men are sitting face to face waiting for the food they ordered, the food they so longed for when they were abroad. Food that contains meat cut to the size of dice, slices of leeks, raw sprouts, and, as well as a sprinkling of fried onions that if dipped with blackish-brown sauce will give off a tempting aroma with a very spicy taste. The food is the devil's rawon. Special food for Surabaya residents. Although this restaurant only has a size of 5x6, but this place is always filled with visitors. Because this restaurant not only provides rawon satan, but also soto chicken and soto meat that tastes no less delicious.
“This, that, is the best rawon restaurant I've ever met. So every time I go back to Surabaya I will take the time to return to eat here,”, said David one of the two handsome men who became regular customers of the demon rawon restaurant.
“I'm just like you, Vid. I also really like the cuisine here, especially the demon raw menu. Anyone who eats it wants to come back. Moreover, this restaurant is a legendary restaurant since our time in college,” said the tall man in front of David.
“By the way, congratulations, yes, Vid. Finally you can complete the big project of your dreams smoothly,” continued the tall-bodied man strapping with an oriental face like a member of boy band EXO. Yes, that man is Ata–Byakta Kalingga. Smart and handsome man almost perfect with a graduate degree Oxford University.
“Thank you, Ta, and congratulations on your engagement to Alea. Sorry at that time I could not attend, because at that time I still had a job in Singapore,”, said David regretfully because he could not attend an important event his best friend.
“Cause, Vid. The important thing is, right, now all your business about the project is done and gives you a considerable advantage. Even now you can be called a successful young entrepreneur,” Ata said casually because at that time he understood how busy David took care of the hotel construction project in Singapore.
“Alright, Ta. As my apology for not being able to attend your engagement event with Alea at that time, how about next week we go on vacation and celebrate by going to the Dieng mountain in Wonosobo, Central Java,” said David with passion.
“Why go to Dieng? Why not go to Bali?” ask Ata. Both of his eyebrows seemed to blend in a sign of not understanding the choice of David's destination.
“Because if in Bali too many sexy women. I fear that if we go to Bali, you will turn away from Alea,”, said David then blinked one eye to Ata, as if he was teasing Ata.
“Damn you,” Ata said to David then followed by the laughter of the two of them.
“Alright, I agree. I will arrange my work schedule first, so that next week we can trip to Dieng,” Ata said no less excited.
...*****...
A week has passed. All the needs to climb to the top of the mountain Dieng was prepared by Ata and David. Such as thick jackets, warm clothes, head coverings, masks, and scarves to warm their bodies, because the air at the highest peak of mount Dieng, the temperature can reach ten to eighteen degrees Celsius. Therefore, they both have to prepare everything carefully.
“Where, your equipment is ready?” ask David to Ata.
“Already,” replied Ata while patting a large backpack commonly used by climbers when they want to conquer a mountain.
“OK. If so, it's time we leave. Dieng wait for us,” shouted David excitedly and only replied with a headband and the hardness of Ata who had been beside him.
David and Ata decided, his departure this time to Wonosobo Central Java only use the night bus, because it is considered more reflective that they are a backpacker. At the Purabaya Bus terminal they ride Eka Bus (Night Bus) with a route to Surabaya-Purwokerto.
The journey from Surabaya to Wonosobo takes about 403KM and takes about fifteen hours. Therefore, Eka Bus provides a rate of 125,000, per passenger with facilities provided such as, recliner chair, toilet, AC, blanket, central entertainment, socket, luggage, drinking water, etc, and a place of rest. On the way to Wonosobo, Ata and David spend their time asleep because they have to fill their energy to go down Mount Dieng and visit the Sikidang crater, which is a tourist destination for tourists. Sikidang Crater and Mount Dieng are two of the famous tourist destinations in Wonosobo, Central Java.
After fifteen hours of travel, Ata and David finally reached the Mendolo Bus terminal, Wonosobo, Central Java.
“Finally we arrived at Wonosobo,” muttered Ata while stretching out his hands which were also followed by David. They both felt exhausted, from sitting for too long.
From the Mendolo-Wonosobo terminal they headed for Mount Dieng. Ata and David continue using city transport. Their journey this time was exhausting, but also very pleasant. When else Ata and David can go both like this. Ata and David are two successful young entrepreneurs in their careers, but rarely meet because of their respective busyness.
The journey from Mendolo terminal to Dieng takes approximately one hour and three minutes. Ata and David's trip this time counted as their longest trip, because usually they will both go by plane or train which takes less time than on a bus.
However, during whatever trip they will be paid off by the scenery presented before them this time. The view of a towering mountain and the cool air that he never got in Surabaya.
“Welcome to Wonosobo. Welcome to Dieng,” shouted Ata in a very loud voice. It reflects how happy he is to be able to set foot in these mountains.
...****...
...To be continued...
