Pulau Weh

After an early morning start to catch the fast ferry to the island of Pulau Weh, we finally arrive at Pele's Place in Ibioh Bay. Patt and Craig had stayed here two years before.  It is a scenic, quiet, idyllic place to stay.  There is a restaurant on site, and the food was good--less spicy than the food in Lampuuk.  We are within walking distance of the little resort village of Ibioh.

After getting settled in, Patt, Craig, and David and I went for a walk through the town.  Along the way, we checked out other room prices as there were quite a few new places.  We found as we walked further along the strip that the prices did get lower as you got further from the public beach area and into the older section of the village.

David thought he had found heaven--a restaurant that made donuts.  She was all sold out, but said to come back tomorrow morning early, and she would have some more.  Craig said to make sure that I kicked David out of bed early so we could have fresh donuts for breakfast.  Well, David and I got there early the next morning.  In fact, she was still rolling them up and deep frying them.  The place had such a sweet aroma.  We picked up six donuts, and walked back to Pele's Place.  David took a bite out of his and decided this lady would be able to give Tim Horton's a run for their money.   The donuts were very tasty--fresh and warm.  David made a return run the next morning for more.  This time, he bought two donuts each--so good with fresh coffee.

This area is where scuba divers and snorkellers come as there is an abundance of coral and fish.  We rented equipment (David had bought a set for me that had prescription lenses), and we went swimming along the beach--corals in royal blue, green, pink, fish like you see in the tropical aquariums--beautiful.

Unfortunately, we leave our friends Patt and Craig to continue their holiday, and we will continue ours.  We had a very good time with them, and learned lots about travelling.  It is an art they have perfected.

We have found the Indonesians friendly, and helpful, and someone almost always speaks a bit of English, or they can find someone who does. Bartering in a lot of cases is still necessary.  David sets a fair price.  If they don't accept, we walk away.  In most cases, they are calling us back accepting his offer.  He is getting very good at bartering.  They are a hardworking people.  Their stores are usually small with lots of competition--all charging the same price:  "you can have it for a good price."  I wonder how they can make a living.

Next onto Banda Aceh and points south.  Danau Toba (Lake Toba) and places around Medan are our next destinations.