Week 2 - The Volcanic Eruption!

This week has been like no other!! Firstly, Mt Kelud erupted very early on the 13th of February and rained ash all over Jogja. There is still ash in my room! Thankfully I live with 2 girls from Australia in my kos, Alex and Megan, and a friend called Sindy from another kos, came over to be locked inside with us. Many shops and places to buy food were closed or flat-out, taxis were almost impossible to get a hold of. We found ourselves most worried about finding food than anything else! We finally found out that Pizza Hut was open and ordered way too much pizza, salad and drinks! Sindy and her pendumping (helper) bravely rode to Pizza Hut to pick up the food. They came back saying mostly every other franchise/shop was closed, the streets were deserted, and with news that many civilians were trying to escape Jogja. I personally did not want to leave but I did read the facts about volcanic ash and became too scared to go outside and to breathe-in the thick, and potentially harmful substance. Anyway, we had our first very relaxing day and appreciated the rest. The next was also fairly chilled. Alex and I hung out in my kos listening to music, reading and drinking coffee before we got ready to go to Gilang's Wedding! Below are some pictures of the ash covered road and buildings from my kos' window.

 

 

After about 48 hours of locking ourselves inside our kos Alex and I left the kos for first time wearing our new Batik clothing (and a mask) for Gilang's traditional wedding. Gilang is a man who works for ACISIS and coordinates the Development Studies Immersion Program. Here are a few photos of his beautiful, Catholic wedding:

 

 

 

After the reception a small group of us headed out to a local dessert shop called Cocolat which may have been where some of us got over-tired and laughed way too much. We finally jumped into a taxi and I arrived home to my kos feeling exhausted, covered in volcanic ash but very happy after such a joyous day.