Why I’ll Never Return to Bromo: My Unforgettable Travel Experience
Sewu Waterfall, while charming, lacks the grandeur of Huangguoshu Waterfall. The descent is via a narrow, winding path rather than well-constructed stairs, and some sections are treacherously slippery and perilous.
The Bromo viewing platform, depicted in picture 3, pales in comparison to the one I visited in Iceland. Reluctant to climb over the safety barriers, I settled for taking photos from my vantage point. The sunrises in China are far more breathtaking. My friend had someone enhance the color of the volcano; in reality, it was much less impressive.
Additionally, I have a deep sense of compassion. The horses used for transportation were incredibly small, with withers barely reaching 1.6 meters, and some were not even two years old. It’s hard to imagine they are well-fed, given their grueling work. I observed them making countless trips, often being whipped.
While people have a choice, these animals, even when on the brink of collapse, are still subjected to harsh treatment. I paid extra and asked the handler to let the horse rest. I can’t change others’ actions, but I can control my own. I hope one day to be wealthy enough to rescue all these hardworking animals.
Ijen, a vast mine, left me with little to say. I didn’t bring my phone up there, and on the way down, we were stuck in traffic for an hour. My friend and I ended up dozing off by the roadside.
Each day, we set out at 1:30 AM, enduring a 5-6 hour journey to reach the next destination. Our daily sustenance was limited to a bag of chips and instant noodles. We typically arrived at our hotel around 6 PM, only to pack our luggage again. We managed to sleep for just three hours each night, and this grueling routine continued for four days and three nights.
To make matters worse, the vehicle was far from comfortable. The seats were cramped, and with everyone being tall, our knees were bruised and sore from constant bumping. The car’s interior was sweltering, and the air conditioning was nearly non-functional, though not to the point of feeling like we would perish from the heat. The five-hour drive on the mountain roads was stifling and nauseating, leaving all six of us feeling queasy.
I went there to immerse myself in nature. For three days, I barely wore any makeup and kept my phone use to a minimum. Out of all the attractions, we took only two symbolic group photos. Having traveled extensively, I found this place lacking in beauty. Even if offered ten million, I wouldn’t return. All my friends shared the same sentiment. Perhaps it’s also because we’re no longer in our teens and lack the stamina for such sleep-deprived adventures.
The silver lining: I lost 10 pounds in four days.
