This morning we took the bus from Alas to Poto Tano to catch the ferry to Lombok. And even the bus journey wasn't straightfoward. We had a blowout! The driver was lucky to keep control and prevent us from ending up in the roadside ditch!
At the hotel in Mataram we were able to get more infomation on the current situation. The television coverage here is far more graphic than anything that would be shown back home - it's so harrowing and saddening.
I've decided to alter my plans. I don't feel (for me anyway) that it would be appropriate to continue through Indonesia, enjoying myself whilst there is so much suffering so close.
I know, in the UK, when we see disasters like this on the TV, we think "oh how sad" and then we get on with our lives.
But actually being here, having met the people, seeing how poor the majority of them are, enjoyed their hospitality and friendliness puts a different perspective on it.
I shall continue on to Bali (the nearest major airport) and fly on to Bangkok, Thailand.
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