Jam karet (rubber time). This is how we do in Bali. Its very very rare to find anyone who will remotely be on time on this island and no one else exemplifies this with more spectacular flare than my oldest and dearest pal.
Set the scene: Friday evening, sms discussion with Karim to try and plan a trip up to Batur in the morning. After much toing and froing, decide to meet at mine at 6:15 am so we can dash up, swim and come back in time for my 10 am appointment in Ubud.
Saturday -
6:00 - wake up to annoying alarm but somehow struggle to get ready on time
6:35 - no Karim. Call. Listen to his mumbling (obviously I'd woken him) to finally discern that there's no way in hell he'll be out of bed in the next couple of hours. Decide to meet at 11 after my meeting instead.
10:55 - phone chirps, call from Karim - he's just woken up. Will call me back in 45 minutes when he should be ready to take off.
11:45 - arrive at Karims, find him casually strumming guitar in one of the living rooms. Invites me to say hi to his dad, long chats follow.
12:35 - leave Karims to get nasi campur Kedewatan (essential... is the most delicious rice dish around and only costs $1 for massive parcel of vegs/meats etc) to take up to the lake
1:00 - head back into town as Karim remembers he has to pick up some mail for Jennifer (fabulously mad actress who lives by the lake) at a friends house
1:15 - stop by at my house to pick up my bikini (oopsies on my part for this one)
1:30 - Karim needs to change money, stop on road in Ubud main road
1:45 - Karim needs papayas? Stop 500m down to road to buy a couple
2:25 - Karim wants to buy a sign?? Stops on road to check out a small shop and decides on a couple of humorous pieces. Bargains like a pro, gets two for $4.
3:15 - arrive in Batur. Initial ETA - 7:15 am. Actual ETA 3:15 pm. Not bad for Karim really.
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