We love when a good friend / overland traveler recommends that we meet up with someone in a country we’re traveling in. And this is exactly what happened when another person entered my family circle. A very good friend of ours, Nicole Espinosa, suggested us meeting Jeffrey Polnaja, aka Keng JJ, in Indonesia.
Jeffrey is a well-known motorcycle traveler and author of “Wind Rider”. Several years ago he became the first Indonesian person to travel around the world by motorcycle. After his return to Indonesia he received the “Lifetime Achievement Award”, the highest award that can be given by Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) to the Indonesian automotive enthusiast. Since IMI was established more than 100 years ago (1906), only two people have been given this award. He is very active in the motorcycle community and a police motorcycle trainer. He has also hosted a very successful Horizons Unlimited Indonesia event event a few years back where friends Nicole and Ted Simon were special guests.
We met up at the top of a small mountain, where Jeffrey and his wife are building a compound. The views across the green valley and lakes to the next mountain are exceptional. Sipping on green tea while we chatted, we watched the clouds rolling in beneath us as the rain started. The various shades of green surrounding us rely on this constant tropical mountain weather. It is brief and cools the air while the humidity rises to 100%.
It is during these conversations over the next few days we realize how much we are part of one another. Our stories grow very personal as our friendship became solid. So many times the stories had us wiping tears from the special and not so special times in our lives. These stories make us all who we are, good and bad. I felt, during these conversations, another increase in my own personal growth. These make me improve as a person. Thank you, Jeffrey.
When we leave, Jeffrey and his wife lead us up to Mount Merbabu, an active volcano looming over all surrounding it. Every once in a while it let’s off a few puffs, or a big blow. It’s a constant reminder that they live on the ring of fire.
Jeffrey and his wife, Maya, were fantastic hosts and I hope one day to host them at Gypsy’s Retreat in the US. These new family members will be welcome anytime.
Cheers and love,
2WANDRRs
2WANDRRs 
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