We received a warm welcome by the mayor of Surabaya, the capital city of
East Java and were treated to a traditional Javanese dance and treats. We
were also greeted by the "Prom King and Queens", who followed us along the
tours - really cute.
Next it was on to the Submarine Monument - a Whiskey-class Russian Sub used
by the Indonesian Navy.
Along the way we made a stop at the Kayoon Flower Garden Market - I wondered
how long the flowers were going to last with no refrigeration - the
arrangements were really lovely.
Last stop was the clove cigarette factory where these cigarettes are still
hand rolled. We were not allowed to take photos in the factory, but it was
fascinating to watch these ladies fingers as they made the cigarettes, (they
say the men are not patient enough or fast enough for this task). The
cigarettes produce so much tar that they are outlawed in many countries.
After a short time in the factory I had a headache from the aromas - the
smell was so strong and pervasive that I think if one smoked these they
would soon look like the lady in the picture. By the way, to my old Mission
Viejo friends - this factory is a subsidiary of Phillip Morris.
I was struck by how much cleaner this place was than the other places I have
visited in Indonesia. They seem to be heading in the right direction with a
real effort to keep the city and waterways clean, recycling and education.
