On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the hour hand was exactly 14.01 WIB when my phone vibrated. A WhatsApp message comes in from a foreign number with the country code France (+33). It turned out that the message was from sis Toscane. He was on vacation with two no less beautiful colleagues, Lara Courv and Cha.
Toscane told me that he found my contacts through Google. There, my business is clearly written: taxi Probolinggo & Taxi Bromo Tour Java Four. Because of that digital track record, they entrusted their journey to me. The three of them need a private taxi to go to Banyuwangi in order to pursue a dream trip to see the blue fire in Ijen Crater.
Without taking a long time, we immediately match the schedule. Toscane asked to be picked up the next day, Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 10.30 am. The location is on the slopes of Bromo Homestay. I immediately said yes with confidence, because the homestay is one of the most frequent points I go to pick up guests.
The next morning, a cool Sunday, I had parked the car in front of the slopes of Bromo Homestay before 10.30. On time, these three French career women came out of the inn with friendly smiles. After greeting them and helping to arrange the suitcases into the trunk, we set off on a road trip that is estimated to take 5 to 6 hours.
Just as the car drove away from the Bromo area, the atmosphere in the cabin slowly became very calm. Toscane, Lara Courv, and Cha immediately fell into a deep sleep in the passenger seat. It seems that they are completely exhausted after waking up early in the morning and walking far enough to hunt for the Bromo sunrise and climb the stairs of the iconic Bromo crater. I also turned down the volume of the music so that their rest was not disturbed.
After about 2 hours of driving splitting the Pantura line, I directed the steering wheel into the main Rest Area of the highway to rest. Stopping at a cozy place in a cafe makes the three beautiful sisters wake up. To ward off drowsiness and replenish energy, they compactly buy some local snacks and fresh iced coffee (iced coffee) there.
"Wow, this iced coffee is a real lifesaver! My eyes are immediately fresh, " Toscane said opening the chat while sipping his drink.
"You're welcome, sister. What was your first impression of Mount Bromo this morning?"I asked as I slowly drove the car back to the highway.
Lara Courv immediately leaned forward. "Incredible! Really like on another planet. But honestly, when I climb the stairs to Bromo crater, my heart feels like it's going to dislodge. Are all local tourists that strong when going uphill?"
I laughed at his confession. "It depends on the physical as well, Lara. But for those of us who go there often, it's been like a weekly sport. That's why the three of you immediately fell asleep earlier because the Energy ran out there."
"Ah, no wonder!"Cha chimed in as he opened a packet of local chips he had just bought. "Uh, you should try these chips. This is a unique taste, sweet and there is a slight spiciness. In France there is nothing like this."Cha then held out the packet of chips to the front, offering it to me.
"Thank you, Cha. It's called spicy sweet cassava chips. It is suitable for travel companions so as not to get sleepy," I replied while politely taking a piece.
"By the way, "Toscane interrupted while looking at his cellphone screen," your business on Google is called Taxi Probolinggo & Taxi Bromo Tour Java Four, right? We were very lucky to find your WhatsApp number. Your service is very punctual and the driving is very quiet."
"Thank you very much for the compliment, Toscane. I always try to give the best for guests, especially those who come all the way from France like you," I replied kindly.
"After from Ijen Banyuwangi later, do you have any recommendations for another good place in East Java?"Lara Courv asked curiously.
We were also involved in a very exciting chat. I began to tell the beauty of Tumpak Sewu waterfall and the exoticism of Pulau Merah Beach. The three beautiful sisters listened in awe, occasionally speaking to each other in French in a very enthusiastic tone, before returning to ask me about the culture and food of East Java. Imperceptibly, chat flowed so fast that signboards began to show that we were getting closer to downtown Banyuwangi.

In the afternoon, according to the estimated time, we finally arrived safely at PaddyView Homestay. This inn is strategically located in the middle of Banyuwangi city, but still offers tranquility with views of the green fields. I unloaded their entire luggage from the trunk. Before stepping in to rest and prepare to climb Ijen tonight, Toscane's older sister, Lara, and Cha repeatedly thanked for this safe and comfortable taxi service.