Gili here we come

Every morning here we've been woken religiously by call to prayer. Between 4.30 and 5.30 am the singing and chanting at the mosque is so loud even earplugs don't quell it. We grab our early morning coffee and head out to find tickets for the boat journey. On the boat over we got well and truly ripped off and as peeved as we are were very cautious about buying our new tickets. Bobby's feeling a lot better today and having had the day yesterday to review things we've decided to skip going back to the mainland and head for the Gili Islands instead. Judith told us that she only payed 280,000rp so we go to the place that she bought hers from although along the way being told that the cheapest price for the trip was 400,000rp. Sure enough when we arrive there the guy gets us to download the app and even though it says 330,000 only charges us 280,000. Tickets bought we have enough time to get breakfast and another coffee before making our way to the ferry. The journey takes an hour and a half to Lombok and then ten more minutes to Gili T. As soon as I step foot on the island I fall in love it's weird how you feel a vibe within a few minutes of stepping off a boat. As we walk up to the main street there is no sight or sound of motor vehicles which straight away puts me into chill mode. The main form of transportation here is horse and carriage and bicycles, it's like a Carribbean Amsterdam. Every shop/stall is vying for your business but the hotel is 15 minutes walk from the harbour so I want to drop my rucksack first. The place is a little difficult to find as it's not on Google maps but after a few wrong turns we eventually find our abode. We couldn't be made more welcome and are greeted with fresh coconut and hand held fans. Sitting in the pool it's ironic how the little things make life so much better. We get chatting to the two guys Oggy and Mato and they are so excited to see us as we are there first guests since COVID. We are both hungry after our swim so walk through the centre of the island to find a cheap restaurant. Along route they have a horse sanctuary and I love the fact all the animals look really healthy. Just along the road we spot a restaurant within Jali resort and when we look at the menu decide to opt for here. What a great choice the food is exceptional and although not cheap is one of my favourite meals of the trip. On the way back we get offered to buy a baby so within a few hours of being here we've been offered a baby drugs and sex. After the food we're both in a food coma and have a little afternoon siesta. I really want to see the sunset but Bobby is still recovering and stays in bed. Im greatly disappointed because the sun sets 45 minutes earlier here than in Penida so I've missed it but make up for it drinking a beer on the beach with one of the locals Luciano. He tells me about the island and says how much he wishes he could travel, but I explain to him there are people in the UK that have never left and that this is like paradise compared. I make my way back to the hotel grab a shower and give Bobby a shake to see if he wants to join me. We walk back along the beach and the further we go the more partyish it gets. We walk pretty much 3/4 of the island enjoying an ice cream. We're tempted to get a carriage but end up just walking slowly back.En savoir plus