Sunday, November 15, 2009

Cruise Ship - 40 Hours

A Humbling 40 Hour Cruise
Balikpapan to Surabaya
We bought two 1st class tickets for our " Cruise " on a Roll-On, Roll-Of Ship
Expecting and taking things for granted , we expected KH Kirana to be our ideal break from a tired 30 days drive over Borneo island.










When We finally parked our car on the 2nd of 3 decks, and then directed to our VIP room. What we saw was the unexpected. This was the ship that ply daily from Balikpapan to Batu Licin to Surabaya - a low cost carrier for the people. All 3 decks were lined with double -decker beds and some just rented mattress to be placed anywhere along the corridors. We look alien to everyone else.

When we were given our keys to our VIP Room No 8, we found the number tag on the door missing, but we saw VIP Room 7 and VIP Room 9 tags in place. At least it helps in orientation. When we saw our room, we realise our dream trip had to be adjusted according to the situation. Our room , 8ft x 6 ft cubicle , has a double decker bed and a 14" TV ( operational only during port call ). Neo Chian settled into one corner and I the other, careful not to outstretch our legs . Our bags tug besides us. Food was just plain rice and one piece of chicken and 3 fingers- full of vegetables for all 3 meals. At times we settled for our "Maggie Mee "at the canteen, with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Army mess tins we bought from Sungei Road, Singapore, came in handy


Transit at Batu Lichin. After 12 hours of sailing ( 7pm to 7am ) we reach Batu Lichin . We were familiar with this location as we stayed overnight at Ebony Hotel on our autoventure to Balikpapan. What we were about to witness was a entirely different scenario. Many people were coming on board which we guesstimate to be finally around 1000 passengers. Families , young and old with infants in hand were all on board. Travelling the cheapest way at about rp150,000 they make do with whatever they can , besides the very basics provided on board. The air was foul because 100% of adult ( male ) were smoking profusely. We therefore realise and found our very crammed up, Spartan , poor condition room to be really VIP.

As in James Ch4 : 6 GOD resists the PROUD, but give Grace to the HUMBLE. and in James Ch4 : 10 Humble yourselves before the LORD and he will exalt you.

This is wake up call on HUMILITY. Do not take things for granted and see how the Lord is taking care of the poor. They are happily chatting away, some without sleep throughout the night , while others share their mattress bedding with each other.



The ship caters for one and all and it was a " Cruise ship" - as musical programs and plays were organised for them. Some sat to watch, others stood like us, while some just continue to sleep thru on the floors and the corridors. We had our tea and coffee while enjoying the music









Life can be better and no one in this world is going to make you happy. You have to take care of yourself. With 2 director's chair which we took along, in case of emergency when we have to do field camp, came in handy. Our room has been upgraded and the double decker is now a map board for planning. Up on the upper deck we were enjoying the sea breeze and having a bit of suntan. This is a " Cruise Ship " and it shall be so. Especially during sunset.











Finally after understanding how the poor had to travel in different circumstances and situations, we realised how fortunate we have been all long. People from Batu Lichin do not have the luxury to fly as there is no airport in this town.

Reaching Surabaya was a joy when we saw many many ships lined all along the way projecting a very busy port. We were finally off at about 12 pm - 40 hours in our cruise ship.
The next blog will highlight Surabaya port and the town we visited.


1 comment:

  1. wow, that sounds so exciting.... not that I would want to be in that kinda cabin.... it's only the kind of stuff that army men can endure :) so glad to know that you are having such a wonderful time...... can you believe it, today is the end of the APEC Singapore 2009 meetings. after all that lament and anxiety... I made it through, and I'm so glad that I did! :)

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