Drokpa Journal

Four more wake-ups and I’m off work, off the boat, and off and running. This break is going to find me on Irian Jaya in Indonesia, and then probably up in Malaysian Borneo. I’ll fly from Rio to Washington DC via Sao Paulo, and then continue on to Singapore via Tokyo. A long day of roughly 55 hours. We’ll spend 3 nights in Singapore and then fly to Jayapura via Jakarta. From Jayapura we’re hoping to fly into the remote Beliem Valley. There are tribes back there, most notably the Dani, where the women wear grass skirts and the men wear nothing but penis gourds. I want one of those gourds. I’ve never actually met anyone who has been on Irian Jaya, let alone back in the valley, so I’m really looking forward to it. Events transpired against me in 2002 when I spent 2 months in Indonesia and I was unable to get to Irian Jaya, so now is my chance.

We’re not sure what we’re doing afterwards, but most likely we’ll be heading up to Malaysian Borneo. I spent time there in 2002 as well, but again found that I wasn’t able to get to some areas. We’ll have to see what plays out, but another hike up Mt. Kinabalu may be in order – we’ll see.

We’re basically winging it most of this trip, with the only deadline being that I have to be back in Singapore on December 3^rd so I can fly back to Rio and work.

Plans are also falling into place for my next break from mid-January until the end of February. We’ve signed up for a 3-week Intrepid trip which will spend time in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. I’m most looking forward to seeing the mountain gorillas in Uganda – something I’ve wanted to do for many years. After the trip I should have time to try to get up Mt. Kilimanjaro, and I’d also like to head to Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas there. Should be another great adventure.

I hope all is going well in your part of the world, and I’ll catch you from the other side of my upcoming trip with another journal entry and more photos.

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