• Museum and art gallery

    6 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Darwin is unusual in that the art gallery and museum is housed in the same building, it is the same thing. It made for a rather disjointed visit.

    The first gallery was a hallway on natural history. Then at the end was a collection of aboriginal art which led to an exhibition on cyclone Tracey that distorted Darwin completed on christmas day 1974. Then it was into another natural history exhibit on animals of all kinds, before finally on the progress aboriginal communities have made.

    It was a very odd experience. Every exhibit was so different and the space between just a doorway or short corridor. I did not spend very long here either. I've seen enough art these last few months and I've been to the British natural history museum which is far better. However I did spend a while in the cyclone Tracy section. This is history unique to Darwin and even today something that everyone talks about. Learning about it was interesting, with winds over 200kmh, it was destructive and took out most of the city. A key feature in its history.

    After the gallery I continued my route down the coast following the sounds of music as I went.
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  • Parks and oceans

    6 мая 2023 г., Австралия

    Ok, Darwin has grown on me. I dont love it but I can see the appeal.

    Despite it being a capital city, it is tiny. Not skyscrapers, no busy intersections. Everything here is calmer, slower but it still has all a city should. It is also right on the coast with a pretty coastline and port, and it is outdoor oriented. Obviously because it is hot all year round but I was expecting there to be more stuff advertised to do. It's a city after all, yet nothing seemed to be happening.

    This morning I headed about to the Parap Market. It was more food oriented than I was expecting and as I'd already eaten the free breakfast at the hostel, I didnt want to spend any money. It was a little disappointing if I'm honest, it is supposed to be this amazing market, the second best in Darwin and it was just a but meh. All of the food was relatively the same, and there were proabbly 4 stalls for Laksa. I've had Laksa, it isnt that great.

    I left pretty quickly and headed down to the water. There was a nice nature reserve between the road and the coast. Its trees blocked the sounds of the city very well and it became very peaceful there and further onto the beach.

    The beach was more my kind of beach, rocks and pebbles which made me happy. Felt a bit like being in rottingdean as I walked among the rock pools, though not quite as nice. The solitude called to me and I could finally see why you would choose to live here.

    It would be a quite life. You go to the markets on the weekend, head down to the beach with your dogs in the mornings. Buy a 4x4 and go out into the national parks on the weekends. I can see why people would think it a nice life. But I know I'd get bored after a while. Maybe for a few months, when it's not so hot but not raining either.
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  • Darwin

    5 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    I am glad I came to Darwin, if only to ease myself back into reality.

    Bali was a whirlwind dream of meeting people, beautiful views, amazing foods and and relaxation. Now, back in Australia, I am forced to return to reality. Flights need booking, accommodation needs sorting, busses organised and budgets figured out. I need to find a job, and do my own laundry.

    And, I dont want too. I'm am forcing myself to do those things, but in between? I am rewatching the hunger games, because they are all over my fyp with the new movie coming out. I am finishing my bali journal, a labour of love. I am reading a rather twisted book that is somehow amazing and the most difficult thing to read. And I'm writing. 2 weeks to fill a journal with stories, ideas, poetry. Anything and everyhting, a personal challenge to myself after having written nothing in Indonesia.

    Perhaps I am wasting my time in Darwin, but I dont have the budget to do a 4hr $200 tour. And honestly I dont want to. The whole crocodiles thing doesn't sit quite right with me. I am content to slowly ease myself back into reality while also be creative. Finding the balance is making me feel a little guilty but I only have a few more days until I start working again, I'm going to enjoy them how I want. Even if my brain is telling me it's a waste.

    The common area has a massive tv and it was playing the British channel over here covering the coronation. According to hat nobody is looking forward to the coronation tomorrow and they made it sound as though 90%+ of the British population doesn't care. Interesting to see the foreign media portraying it in this way. I imagine the BBC is putting a very positive light on it so definitely a contrast.

    I headed back to the library in the afternoon to utilise their beautiful wifi and getting some more stuff sorted. Namely, my flight home is booked. Didnt think I'd stay away forever did ya? Also, it means I just past half way. The 30th of April was half way.
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  • Searching for wifi

    4 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    My hostel, as well as being loud, has a truly awful wifi connection.

    I decided around lunch time to go out again and try to find somewhere with a more reliable connection.

    On my way I found an art gallery showing lots of aboriginal art. Due to its location there are many galleries and shops selling this artwork. The gallery was impressive but how ot was laid out left something to be desired. Everything also had a price tag and that was a little off putting. I get its different but nothing was less than $400.

    I took a stop for lunch in one of the parks. I took some bread from breakfast and had that for lunch. Nothing like free food to make a great lunch. And I realised that I aud chosen a spot opposite the supreme court. And next to that, is the library.

    Now if there is one thing I love, it is a library. Quiet, clean, full of books and right now free wifi. So I popped in. What I did not expect was having to go through security. The library is one half of the building, the other is the territory's court beneath the supreme court. That was a little unnerving but quick.

    The library is split. Downstairs is the standard books part, but the main floor is a sort of museum. It details Darwin through the years and the challenges the city over came to be here now. It was a very interesting little exhibition.

    After looking round, I found a quiet spot to open my ipad for the first time in a month and sort some stuff out. I booked my transport and accommodations for both Canberra and the blue mountains as well as confirming my placement for after. I updated my book lists and budget. Books are under prediction, and budget is over. I'm going to need to get a job, it is very disappointing.

    I spent the rest of the evening in the hostel reading and writing my journal. I the finish this bali book if it kills me. The party began again downstairs and I had a great time raving in my room while alone after showering, highly recommend.

    This morning I popped into a charity shop and found a small hand towel size quick dry towel like my big blue one. So now I have two cause I wasnt gonna walk past and not buy that. I also saw a hack on Tiktok about how to dry your soap and shampoo bars while travelling, and it works. I'm so happy I can finally live my eco life and let them dry!
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  • Explorations

    4 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Darwin is a strange city.

    I woke up after not great sleep thanks to the bar being super loud until 12pm. The window in our room is broken so there was no blacking the heavy music playing. The musical was also bad which didnt help.

    But I got up early so I could eat some of the free breakfast and head out for a walk around the city before it got too hot.

    Now the thing is, every city should have a draw, especially a capital. And I cant figure out what Darwin had to offer long term.

    I mean, Melbourne has coffee and the 'hip' young scene going for it. Sydney, is Sydney. Cairns has the GBR and the rainforest. Hobart had mount Wellington and the saturday markets. Every city I have been too has a draw, the reason why people go and stay. I dont know what Darwin's is.

    That being said, the city is nice. A lot of things are designed for outdoor living which makes sense given the climate. The waterfront has a lot of communal areas where it is windier and lots of water activities. There are parks dotted about and a good view, it's a nice city. I just dont know why you would choose to live here over so many other cities that have more going on.

    Maybe the solitude. The one thing darwin does have is geographical solitude.
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  • Airport stories

    3 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Bomb, love me a jetstar flight. They are always fun and full of surprises.

    Did I go through security as soon as physically possible, yes yes I did. And I'm glad. It took an hour to pass bag drop, security and immigration. I was feeling fairly hopefully at the start, hence why half smile.

    The queue for immigration was the worst. But I think it looked the worst rather than actually was. It wrapped multiple times around but because there were 4 separate wrapping queues it looked chaotic but wasnt actually.

    Once through I made my way to my gate. Still 2hrs before take off but what else was I going to do. Go shopping, hell no! A toblerone was 350k, that's about £20. I cant afford that!

    It took me around 10 minutes to walk to my gate aswell. Being jetstar, it of course had to be difficult. Our gate was the furthest from the start. There are only 9 gates in this airport but because it is so modern all of it is so new that everything is spread out. And it's only on one side, it's a very weird airport. Clearly built thanks to the money of tourism, it is ultra modern but functionally pointless. Everyhting is miles apart, and it all wraps around like a maze. So it take 5 minutes but that's because you had to go down and back on yourself instead of just going forwards. It's weird, I dont understand the architectural thinking beyond being able to add in more shops. Ok, now I think that I realise that is very on brand for Bali and doesn't surprise me.

    Finally at my gate, I found a lovely reclining seat with a view of the runway and resigned myself for a long night.

    And we got delayed. First by 30mins, then an hour 30. We eventually left at 11,20 nearly 2 hrs late. Which just made my decision for me. My hostel in Darwin was closed between 1am and 6am so I could not check in even if I had landed on time.

    The flight itself was great. Because it was so cheap to fly between Bali and Darwin I chose to add a meal to my flight, it was crazy hours after all and only an extra $5 so I was happy to at the time. Once on the flight I had no recollection of doing this so my butter chicken was a very happy surprise. And a much needed one, I was starving.

    Finally landed at 3,30am. Was out of the doors at 5am (customs is just a right you know what at the moment thanks to foot and mouth). Around that time, I decided that I could either wait for the shuttle at 6am or get a uber now. So I waited. 6am came around and the shuttle website updated to say they would open at 9am. So I decided to take a nap because I would rather do that than try to get an uber so early.

    And so, at 9am I called for a shuttle bus. And they told me they would be open at 12pm. At this point I did begin to laugh and cry at the same time. I am not ashamed of that fact. I got maybe 3hrs sleep overall last night and was very done with everything at this point. So I ordered and uber.

    I arrived at my hostel, exhausted, starving and now broke. That uber cost me more for 15mins, than 2hrs in bali did. Why? Why?!

    Thankfully they let me check in immediately as my room was, funnily enough, ready. I tried to sleep but that proved impossible as I was so hungry and it is very light in my room.

    I went to woolies for some groceries and made myself beans on toast. I feel so nauseous from lack of sleep, anything else makes it worse. And then I did nothing for the rest of the day. A bit of journaling and watched a movie. I cannot muster the energy to be social today, I will tomorrow instead. Once I have slept a bit. Hopefully.
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  • Bye bye

    2 мая 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Well this is just sad. I dont want to return to Australia. It's expensive and I have to find a job.

    Got my customary free breakfast. I got a 'jaffle' this morning. Not clue what it was but it was like a toasted sandwich but sweet. Not sure what they were going for but it was a vibe.

    I then took myself on a walk around the bay. It is much prettier in day light and full of baots. Almost everyone seemed to be out either getting the public boat, fast boat or hopping on a smaller tender to go snorkeling or diving. The main road is a little busy and touristy but the rest is a little town nestled in the hills. It is actually anlot prettier than I expected and I'd happily have walked longer but I was in search of something.

    The last few weeks of sea water, chlorine swimming pools and the showers here have left my hair feeling truly awful. So I was searching for a salon who could give me a hair treatment before I left. I found one but it wasnt on google so I was a little apprehensive but it was amazing. 1hr of scalp massage, oils and calming music. I was in heaven. She even gave me a ginger tea after. Now I dont like ginger tea, but that was great. Top tier way to spend 1.5hrs.

    On my way back I grabbed a sandwich from a highly recommended shop. Got a veggie salad for takeaway and it was banging.

    Unfortunately I then had to tackle the stairs. I like this hostel, it's small and has a chill vibe but it is at the top of a massive flight of uneven stairs. 0/10 would recommend, they are killer.

    I had my taxi to the airport booked from 3pm so I did a spot of journaling while I waited. My driver was one of the workers at the hostel and kudos to him. Our journey took 2hrs, and he now has to do it back again so I made sure to tip him.i was fully falling asleep and that traffic around Denpassar was vile.

    At the airport, I was early as per usual. But in my defence, the traffic still took longer than I had expected. I decided to treat myself to some food and it was exactly what I needed. Who would have guessed one of the best poached eggs I've ever had, would have been in Bali airport.

    Finally, I made my way through security and said goodbye to Indonesia.
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  • Public ferry

    1 мая 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Well that were interesting. I lie, it was probably the dullest day ever.

    Woke up and got my final free breakfast before my taxi picked me up. We then went and picked up 2 other people. So glad I booked a private taxi to the harbour. But there we go.

    Getting a ticket for the boat was interesting. Turns out you need a card you have to pay 30k for. I was not aware of this but a local let me borrow theres. So my boat ticket only ended up being 74k. 62k for the ticket and 12k for using his card. Not sure why you would buy one when you dont have too but it smells like a tourist trap to me.

    Once on the other side I went to the waiting room for a bit before boarding the boat. I wasnt 100% sure it was my boat so I waited for a bit before getting on so as to be sure. Once I did board however it was very full. All seats had been taken and the beds were all full of families. So I got me a seat in the corridor. But I think that was the best option as I was on the edge of the aircon. So I didnt get cold from the aircon or hot from not having it.

    I was on board around 11am. We eventually set off around 12.20. I was afraid we may never leave when we hadn't left for ages, but we finally did. Around 4pm we arrived about 1k from the mainland. And then we sat there. For 2hrs. Why? I could not tell you. Eventually we docked at 6,10 and I got to my hostel at 6,30.

    If I'm being honest, it wasnt great. Busy, loud and took forever. But it was 74k. Thats about £4.50. You cannot go wrong with that. I managed to finish my book and began my second one. I had music and it is a beautiful view of the ocean and islands. I was pretty content.

    The boat is basically like any public ferry. Vehicles drive in the bottom and up top is the seating. There is a section with chairs, then beds, then an open area where I was, then some more beds.

    If you had some place to be on time, this is not the option for you. But if like me and you dont care how long it takes, you just need to get there. Then this is it. I would 100% do it again.

    And, that view of the islands and the sun setting. Cannot beat it.

    The bathroom did make me laugh though. I am short in comparison to most and i was about 3 inches way from hitting my head on the ceiling.
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  • Relaxing days

    30 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Ok, I did almost nothing today and I loved it.

    I woke for breakfast and was the literally only one up and then went to yoga again. It was with a different teacher this time and I was struggling. He had us constantly switching between positions with no rest for the entire hour. Add in the sauna like conditions and I was sweating like there was no tomorrow!

    Back in the hostel I packed and tried to organise my transport back to Bali. They tried to quote me 500k which I knew had to be wrong. Turns out instead of taking me to Lembar harbour like I requested, they were going to take me to Bangsal in the north and put me on the fast boat I specifically said I didnt want. Needless to say i was less than pleased. I tried again to get to Lembar harbour and they quoted me 300k. Now I know this still not much but when all of the signs say 150k, I'm not going to pay more. All it took was walking outside to one of those and I got my shuttle. I mean, he still tried to sell me another option but he at least gave me what I wanted when I insisted. Who would have thought it so difficult to get a taxi to the harbour.

    I then met Ella, the girl I met on Gili T, for a coffee in cake. We pretended we were in europe and went to one of the cafes that cater to digital nomads. The view of the hills was amazing and the cake wasnt half bad. I got a lemon tart because it has been forever since I had something sweet and sour. Was very pleased.

    And that was my day. I only have 2 left in Indonesia so wanted to have a stress free day before 2 travel days.
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  • Surfing

    29 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Hehehehe, I did it! Who ever said I'm not achieving anything this year is incorrect. I have learnt to surf.

    I booked my lesson through the hostel with a girl in my room. We needed up getting very lost on the way to there but we made it eventually. 2hrs of surfing and I managed a good couple times. The photos dont really look like me because my hair is flattened to my head but it is me.

    I love the photo of the collision between myself and Eliza. She couldn't manage to go forward and kept running into me. I now have one hell of a bruise as a result but it was worth it.

    After getting us back on a bike that was definitely falling apart, I literally did nothing else all day. We didnt get back until 4pm, and I was exhausted! So I basically became a hermit and hid in my little cubby hole of a bed all evening. It wasnt until around 9pm that I realised I was the only one in the room and everyone had gone out for the saturday night. Honestly no regrets not going too, I needed a bit of time alone.
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  • Surfing photos

    29 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    The guy finally sent me through the photos from our surifng. Some how he sent 54 photos but only 8 of them had me in them. Not entirely sure I'm pleased by that but ok. Thankfully it was only 50k so it wasnt expensive. I would have been annoyed if it had had been more. Particularly as the quality is not good and he didnt get one of me actually standing.

    For the record, I did stand and this camera guy sucks!
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  • Dumb decision

    28 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Well today started off great, the middle was a little concerning, but it ended solidly.

    Woke up, had my free breakky of an omelette and toast with tea, I was buzzin. Decided to go do some 'exercise'. Ie, I went to a yoga class.

    Honestly it was a great class. Can I do yoga, no, but I had fun. Ended up in the same class as Ella, a girl I met on Gili T. She was one of us who didnt get a room but she choose to leave the next day rather than hang about. Turns out, shes on a week long yoga retreat at the place two doors down from me. Shes enjoying her solitude but we might meet up again later this weekend if shes up too it. Travelling has hit here hard, shes only 3 weeks in. So I think she is more of an all inclusive traveller than a budget backpacker.

    Back in the hostel, I decided I really didn't want to spend any longer there today as I was kinda bored. So I forced Will (from T and Meno) to hire a bike with me and go for an explore.

    We ended up in the village of Sukarara, which is an old weaving village. We arrived rather lost as google didnt say exactly where it was but we got picked up by a local and he showed us around his home. His wife was doing the weaving and he showed us all the local houses, rice fields and animal farming. Women do the weaving, men deal with the animals. Our guide ended up being so nice and explained a lot about their way of life and the celebration they were preparing for. Apparently tomorrow is a big day in the Muslim calendar. I'm not quite sure for what exactly, but it seemed important.

    Two girls,both my age were weaving out front of the shop and they let us have a go. The way they weave is fascinating and was giving me a massive headache trying to keep up with the movements. Old western wooms all have pedals you press, but this was just getting strapped in and all hand done. Absolutely incredible. It did unnernve me a little that when a woman can weave, she is ready to marry. Both girls being 21 was not quite what I liked to hear. Apparently if I could weave then I am ready too. Thank god I can weave!

    Unfortunately this was were our day got a little messy. I have done some dumb stuff in my time. Leave an idiot alone with money and no responsibility, and it's going to happen *Mum ease stop reading!* Riding a motorcycle, with faulty breaks through torrential monsoon weather is definitely up there with the dumbest. I'm sorry.

    In my defense, we have no choice. We were stuck otherwise and the weather was only going to get worse. And only the first 5 mins were bad road, the rest was properly tarmaced with diving white lines and everything. So it wasnt bad. But going more than about 40km/h makes the rain really painful. And the cars dont slow down so we did get splashed alot. Those 30mins were definitely some of the dumbest I have been through. On the bright side, the rain made the police go in so we didnt get stopped. Yay!

    Dinner was cool. Met 2 dutch sisters, one of which I am going to do surfing with tomorrow, and we went out for pizza. The most expensive meal since being in Indonesia but that burrata was amazing. And yes, that is pizza twice in two days but I dont care anymore. I only have a couple days left before aus and I dont wanna go!
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  • Definitely haunted

    27 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Ok that hostel was 100% haunted. It was just me there all night, not even any kind of staff and it was weird. The building kept creaking and I definitely heard giggling on more than one occasion. I chose to ignore the noises and try to sleep because I did not want to become that white chick at the start of the horror movie who dies. -10/10 would recommend.

    I grabbed breakfast from the market next door and waited for my shuttle pick up at 11am. It arrived after I had multiple people offer me a ride. I nearly laughed aloud when I declined a guy and he looked me dead in the eye asked why. I seriously wanted to say, because your creepy, but I just ignored him. I am looking forward to being away from all that nonsense.

    My hostel in kuta is lovely. Top tier. The room is capsules so I get almost complete privacy in my little cubby hole. And it has a pool. I am in heaven. Did I do anything today after arriving, no I did not. I enjoyed my personal fan that cooled me down, and then sat in the shade by the pool. No complaints.

    At one point one of the workers dogs showed up and it made a beeline for me. Dude was adorable, 10/10.

    I went for dinner and regretted it. My god this place has no cheap food. I ended up settling on the only place that wasnt more expensive than Australia or dissolving into a club and had my first western food in weeks. Easy, simple pizza, and noone bothered me. It was great.

    Back at the hostel I relaxed outside and did some journaling. Though this place has people noone is really talking to each other but that's fine. At least there is people.
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  • Senggigi is not where its at

    26 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Omg this is proabbly the deadest place in the world. Basically there is nothing to do here. People come here when they are on their way off the island in whichever direction they are going.

    There are minimal things to do. The beach is dirty and far enough away you have to ride there. The volcano is currently closed because of the rain and other reasons noone will tell me. The only things to see are the waterfalls but you cannot go alone as a woman. So I would have to hire a driver and I dont want to hire a middle aged Indonesian who speaks minimal english to watch me explore the waterfalls. I also am not allowed in them either.

    So that leaves the one cheap cafe that has like no food. An expensive restaurant, the beach club or staying in my hostel. Oh and I cant hire a bike cause the police are on the road literally outside and noone is willing to rent a bike to a foreigner with them right there.

    Everyone in my room checked out this morning so I am the only one in the hostel. As a result I have basically just spent all day on my own in the room. It began raining around 12, and literally hasn't stopped so that put a stop to me doing anything really.

    I went out for a massage in the afternoon because why not. Got a full hour body massage, felt better afterwards. I was begining to go a little stir crazy inside, and the power had cut out in the hostel so I was literally going insane,boiling and not doing anything.

    After dark a braved the weather again and headed to a restaurant that I had seen early. The food looked good, it's more expensive then where I usually eat but it's still cheaper than most everywhere else, and they have a large menu. The servers were really sweet and seated me out of the rain and made up a table for me.

    I got a butter chicken because I am sick of Indonesian and didnt want to order western. Also butter chicken is usually really great, this one wasnt quite. Still super nice but I dont think I would call it a butter chicken, not creamy enough. I then also got a desert cause it was an Indonesian specific desert, the first I have seen advertised as such and it was amazing. Kolak Pilsang is my new obsession. Coconut milk and sugar base boild with fruit added *chess kiss* (I know it looked gross but it was amazing).

    The worst part however was the prayer that began. I am trying very hard not to be antisemitic but literally blasting the chants on loud speakers throughout town, multiple times a day, especially the 4am one, is really begining to get to me. If it was just for 5 mins, that would be fine, I could deal with that. But a half hour, multiple different people, including kids, and that speaker is not good. If this happens every day, why is noone speaking about it? I cannot with it.

    I then just went back to my room, showered for the thousandth time today (no power meant no aircon all day), and went to bed. On my own, in a massive room, in an empty hostel. It was weird.
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  • A strong start

    25 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    And that is sarcasm.

    We managed to miss out boat this morning. Neither of us is entirely sure how, but we both thought the boat was 8,30. It was not. It was 8am. So we watched as it floated away and we became stranded on Gili Meno. As there was both of us and we really wanted to get off this island, we hired a private boat transfer. Around 10× more expensive but our only option.

    Once on Lombok, we walked to our shuttle transfer and waited. And then waited some more. And then, just a little longer. After nearly 2hrs waiting, our shuttle finally arrived and we began the bumpy journey down.

    Senggigi is quiet. And not in the nice way Meno was quite. In the there is nothing here and I somehow have to fill the next 2 days.

    My hostel is an interesting experience. I am in a 20 bed room, but there is only 2 others in it. So that is weird but at least I can hopefully use the wifi without it lagging too much. Maybe? That's the only upside I can see right now.

    There is a beach somewhere and tomorrow I think I will hire a bike again and take a drive around. There doesn't seem to be much to see but I will do a little research this afternoon and find out. I think there is a textile place somewhere that you can learn about Indonesian textiles so might try to find that. If not, there is always the beach.

    Around 11,30 I finally managed to find somewhere for food. Breakfast finished at 10,30 so I had to settle for an entree of spring rolls and fritters. Not healthy but I am starving and there is nothing here open so taking what I can get.

    I believe the rest of my day will consist of writing all these blog posts, doing my bali notebook, booking accommodation for may and relaxing. The one perk of an empty hostel, its silent!

    It began raining while I was at the cafe and did not stop so I got drenched getting back to my hostel. I did stop for snacks half way so I didnt have to leave again if the rain didnt stop. Which was good as it continued all afternoon.

    Was it lazy not leaving my hostel, yes. But I've been writing these blogs since 12 and it's not 5,30. So I had a shower from the rain and a real one, but other than that I've been just doing these and they are only now ready to post. It will be worth it in the end, but my god the effort these take! Much love to anyone who reads these, as many are very long and I have given up with spell checking!
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  • Sunsets and family meals

    24 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Returning to the hostel for a chill, I enjoyed the ball pit again for a bit before heading out too see the sunset.

    Gili Meno has a massive fishing lake in the middle of it. Yet another beautiful sunset over Mt Agung, being reflected on the water. There was more cloud this time which hid a lot of the colours but we didnt mind.

    Back at the hostel I found a massive net which was such a vibe. I'm kind of sad we are leaving tomorrow as I can see myself relaxing in Meno for a while. But I guess it's a good thing we are leaving then as I dont have much time in Indonesia left and I want to see Lombok before I go.

    The hostel was hosting a family dinner tonight so we joined that. The locals made us a selection of different currys, all veggie, it ws great. The Gado-Gado was nice and the onion tempe but I found I wasnt a massive fan of the gudek (the yellow one). But that makes another Indonesian food ticked off of my list.

    Everyone was pretty chill this evening and after the last few nights we decided on an early one.
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  • Snorkeling

    24 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Will and I did snorkeling this morning. We had tried to do it on T but with the festival a lot of things weren't happening. Thankfully with it over, we managed it.

    The boat took us and a guy from our hostel out to the main spots. We first hit turtle lookout. The turtles were once again illusive and so far down we could only just see them.

    Our next spot was Meno wall. The coral just ends randomly creating a nearly perfect drop to the ocean floor a few hundred metres below.

    Next we jumped in a little way from the spot as one of our guides spotted a Turtle. This guy was massive and swam directly beneath me it was amazing.

    A little swim down was the iconic spot for diving on Gili, the statues. These statues are really quite something. A perfect circle of them, just in the middle of the sea. Very random and a tourist hotspot.

    Moving away from everyone we found a ship wreck. The hull was upside down on the bottom of the ocean. Seeing all this had made me realise how much I want to get my PADI and learn to scuba dive. I would have loved a closer look but have no clue how to manage it. One day I will be able too.

    Back at the hostel they were having a Lord Of The Rings marathon so we joined for a bit to watch and plan our next steps. Neither of us had accommodation booked for tomorrow so needed to do so. Will is going down to Kuta Lombok and I'm stopping off at Senggigi first. There doesn't seem to be much there but it is far closer to Mt Ringani which I want to check out. I'd rather stay in the north and then head south than have to ride the 2hrs back up to see it.

    I then began the arduous task of writing my Findpenguins updated. I have barely had a chance since Moni left. I began on simply compiling the photos for each post and then got bored so Will and I went for lunch.

    We found a cute, slightly dodgy looking restaurant so obviously checked it out. I got a dragon fruit juice which is officially my favourite thing ever and some satay with rice. Very nice but bit too much peanut sauce, I felt very heavy afterwards.
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  • Gili Meno

    23 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Now this island was a shock to the system.

    After perhaps the worst night sleep ever. Our shelf was surprisingly comfortable but the mosque opposite began at 5am. Then dawn came straight after, followed by the cockerels and some guy who decided to call everyone he knew extremely loudly. All of this resulting in very little sleep for me. Plus I had had a lot to drink and was suffering as a result. Note to self, I am never having a joss shot again. Ever.

    If I had been alone, I would have suffered on Gili T and gotten the later boat off the island. But Will and I had decided to go together to Gili Meno. He had been on T for over a week and was sick of it so wanted to leave immediately. Meaning I dragged my extremely hung over dumbas 15mins to the harbour, trying not to be sick carrying my bags for the 9am boat.

    We said goodbye to Ary and Tom as they were staying another night on T for the proper end of Ramadan party tonight. Something myself and Will wanted to avoid.

    The boat was not fun and we had to do the thing I had been hoping to avoid. Wading through the water with all our stuff to get on the boat that was moving an awful lot. 0/10 would recommend. Especially hung over.

    The boat was vile, but we made it in less than 20mins and was soon at our hostel. Will had booked it for us and neither of us was quite sure what to expect from the Rabbit Tree. Both of us had heard some interesting reviews as the owner had built and designed it to be like you have fallen down the rabbit hole from Alice in wonderland. Honestly, I think he did a great job.

    They took us on a tour to show us all the design parts and it was very clever. Almost every room could access all the others though trapdoors and cupboards that were actually doors, it was immensely clever. Every room was themed different. One was a creepy child Rooney, another a maze and so many more. Our room was the ball pit.

    Honestly, the best thing ever. I must have spent hours just floating in the pit. Insanely comfortable and weirdly cathartic after being so hungover. The room was also in the centre of the hostel so had no windows making it an even stranger experience. The only downsides was the amount of noise they made and the fact I ended up losing my watch, bracelet and rings to it. They were tied together and no clue where they went. Got swallowed by the balls.

    Once dragging ourselves out of the ball pit, we grabbed some lunch from a near by spot. Where as mainland is full of dogs, the Gilis are covered in cats. Very cute but being begged by a cat for food is not the most relaxing way to spend lunch.

    Back at the hostel we relaxed again and I gradually returned to normal before going to dinner with some of the people in the hostel. They chose somewhere 'cheap' (it was not), and they only had one veggie option so gado-gado it was once more.

    After the girls we went to dinner with had prepared a hostel quiz (they were social volunteers there) so we joined in. It was surprisingly fun even though Will and I came last. We do however have the argument that neither of us was born in the 90s so missing all the music history questions were not our fault (I know exactly what you are thinking mum, but it's a valid excuse).

    We then switched so some card games before the workers began turning the lights off around us and we got the hint to leave. All in all, I was knocked by this point. I'd been up since 5am, and it was 11pm so not surprising.
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  • Sleeping in the roof

    23 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    I dont really have much to say in this post, just wanted to add these photos of us in separately.

    The four of us up on the shelf, the common area beneath our shelf and then it empty. It is hard to tell but in the second photo you can see Ary climbing up the ladder. That was how we accessed the shelf.

    Sometimes you just have to do something weird. For the plot line!
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  • Party time

    22 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    After the pool was a bit of a bust we hit the beach and headed for 'sunset point'.

    Gili T is perfectly positioned so that the sun sets just behind mainland Bali, illuminating Mt Agung, the bigger of the volcanoes. It is the one Moni and I saw at sunrise last week. Once again my phone does not do the view justice. The shore is full of rocks that absorb the waters movement making the image reflect near perfectly on the water. If I had an photography skill, I'd have gotten a good photo. Alas, I don't but that's ok. Still worth it, especially with a beer.

    We then got dinner from the same market as last night. Again super cheap and bought a bottle of wine with it. This wine is one of the best from Indonesia and it was awful. I think we may have been mislead somewhere as it was a very sweet desert wine. The boys didnt like it either but we drank it anyways.

    We headed back to the reggae bar for a bit. They had a massive party on to celebrate the end of Ramadan and it was a lot of fun, but the boys wanted to hit the clubs.

    In the end this became an idea they regretted as the clubs were so full the bar was inaccessible and we ended up just dancing on the street with around 200 other people. We called it an early one around 12 as everything began to get quite again. For an island famed for its parties, it was a bit disappointing.
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  • Lazy beach

    22 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Today was a beach day. We left our villa pretty early so we could 100% confirm we had the loft for tonight. We were unable to find other accommodation and Ella (one of our 5) had decided to leave a day early. The exhausted look on the guys face when we returned said it all. Apparently they had 15 check outs today, but 26 check ins. They had to find something for 11 people and the 4 of us were not part of that number. At this point we all felt really bad for him as apparently this happens quite often. Ramadan ending had just made it worse.

    As they couldn't house us last night they did offer us the free breakfast this morning so obviously we took that. The pancake was ok, the papaya made it better.

    After breakfast we said goodbye to Ella and hit the beach. White sand and calm waves, the paradise we were previously promised. But as Indonesia is prone to, it got hot fast so we retreated to the shade for a bit before going for a walk.

    There was a strip of beach further down that you were supposed to see turtles from, we did not succeed. So headed back to the main area for lunch. It was a bit pricey but directly on the beach was worth it.

    I got an iced tea and buddah bowl. I went proper bali bimbo. The bowl was fine but nothing special, not quite sure what the hype is. It did look very good though, all the colours.

    We then headed back to the hostel as they were supposed to have a happy hour starting at 3pm. They did not in fact have one, we are unsure why. We had this plan tot have cocktails in the pool and be boogie for a bit, but alas we did not. There was also a group of French people by the pool and they were judging us so hard. Not sure why, but they were weird. But when you live out of a backpack and sleep on a shelf, you stop caring what people think.
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  • Overbooked

    21 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    I can safely say, this is the worst possible situation to be in when travling solo.

    After an rather arduous boat journey over from Nusa Penida, where by we had everything from arguments between people, a broken door and the dock being little more than a floating pontoon, I landed in Gili T.

    The first few minutes were blissful. Not cars on Gili T and noone trying to sell me something as soon as I arrived. There was a line of horse drawn taxis waiting for people and that was it. After weeks of being hassled by everyone it was great. Unfortunately that is where it began to get interesting.

    I arrived in my hostel to a very long queue and to be told they were overbooked. I had booked 2 days before and seem to have just missed the cut off. A large number of people had booked with less than 24hrs and that was not good for them. Most simply left in disgust, finding accommodation elsewhere. A few who had rooms left because they were not eaht they booked, but I was one of 5 who did not get a room and dodnt want to go elsewhere. Everywhere else was quoting twice the price or more than the place I had booked.

    After much pleading they offered the 5 of us the loft. Essentially a shelf above the common area. No walls, no fan, no bedding, just a mattress on a shelf. After confirming it was ours if we wanted, we decided to go see if we could find something else. Multiple places turned us away until we finally found a villa. Between the 5 of us it was still more expensive than a hostel but it had a pool and it wasnt a shelf. So we split that, grabbed our bags from the hostel and went to find food. At this point I had eaten a brioche bun and it was 3pm. So I was starving.

    The 5 of us found a nice ish place to eat before splitting up. Myself and one of the guys, Will, headed back to the room to use the pool while the others went shopping. The pool was great and worth the added cost.

    For dinner, 4 of us headed out to the local market and got some criminally cheap food for dinner. It was divine, though I am getting a little sick if rice and noodles. The market overlooked the ocean and the lights of Gili Meno next door. There was a massive procession along the beach front as the end of Ramadan festivities continued. The festivities are the reason why everything is so busy but that literally nothing is open. Almost everyone had returned home for it.

    We headed to a bar after dinner for some drinks. It was a reggae bar and they were playing loads of songs, some reggae some normal but 'reggaefied', it was a really good atmosphere. But because of Ramadan everything closed at midnight so we ended up getting a rather early night.
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  • Views galore

    20 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    After the temple and the forest, both being at the bottom of cliffs I had to get down, I decided to switch things up.

    I tried to go to Banah Cliff but the road dissolved into gravel but worse because it was all big rocks. I once again decided that I was not going to try that as I value my life. Turning around I decided to head to a spot I'd seen in the rain but didnt stop for because of said rain.

    Up the top of one of the big hills is a large panoramic view point over the north/east side of the island. Why there is a massive golden statue flanked by two polar bears I have absolutely no clue. Despite it being really weird, the views were great.

    I took a seat and had my packed lunch (the food I randomly had in my bag) looking over the island. 10/10 view, 0/10 on the bugs.

    After I decided to head back down as I had fallen while in the rocks a few hours before and my left leg was in a large amount of pain. The injury was superficial and only resulted in a massive bruise but the vibrations of the bike were making it hurt quite a bit. I had also left just after 6am, and it was 12,30pm so I'd been going for quite some time.

    Back at the hostel I took a much needed shower, sweat and seawater arent nice after a few hours. Then took my journals onto the balcony for a bit before heading back into my room for that lovely aircon.

    In the room was a couple more girls and I once again ignored my anxiety and invited them to see the sunset with me. I really wanted to see it over the mainland but didnt want to go alone. Thankfully they agreed and we had a very nice night chatting and getting dinner once the sun was gone. The sunset was ok, I've seen better as the clouds sort of swallowed it but the company made up for it.

    We went to a warung for dinner and yes I got Gado-Gado again. But this one was really good so I didnt mind. I also got some garlic bread because I'd only eaten my snacky lunch today and felt I deserved some.
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  • The power of the sea

    20 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Well this was quite an endeavour.

    I left the temple and headed west to the next spot, Tembeling forest and waterfalls. What I was not prepared for was how much effort it would take to get there.

    The roads were fine right up until the last 3k. The final 3k was an extremy step descent through the forest on a dirt track. At this point I decided that though my bike would make the journey, I would not. So I parked up and paid a local to take me down. Very glad I did as I have no fear with riding, and that journey unnerved me.

    But the view at the bottom? Worth it.

    At the base of this descent was a further few hundred steps down to the water level. From there you had two options. On the right was a cave that opened onto a rock beach with an insane view. Or left where there were some shallow natural pools and the sea in all its glory.

    One of the pools was so close to the water that the waves would spray you when sitting on the edge. I was in heaven.

    The water was all fresh from the top of the waterfal partially hidden by trees, and fed down to the pools naturally with a little help from some pipes.

    Other than another couple I was the only one there. Meaning that when they moved to the cave side for photos I had the pool to myself. The silence where ocean meets forest is deafening. All I could hear was the power of the waves crashing against the rocks. I could have been alone in the world for all i knew or cared.

    I probably spent the thick end of an hour and a half down there before finally leaving. I could have spent far longer but I was getting a little cold from the water and my driver was waiting for me. I have met some people who take the ethos that you've paid for them to wait, so they make them wait. But that just doesn't feel quite right to me. And I'm glad I left when I did as a group of Americans were heading down as I was going up and they definitely would have ruined my blissfully silent meditation.

    On the way back up I saw a monkey which is hardly my first time, however I was the first time completely wild I've seen one so that was cool.

    The ride back up was not cool. Going down was definitely worse because it was steep. But going up the bike was struggling a lot, very unnerving. Worth it though.
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  • And round and up

    20 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Now this, this made me rethink my ideas of devotion.

    Yesterday, I found myself in a cave formed by nature and religion. This temple, this is a testament to the astonishingly resilient nature of man and the lengths devotion can push you too. I was blown away.

    The temple itself was very simple but the pure dedication that the builders must have had to their gods to pull it off is incredible. We were at the literally bottom of the cliff, the sea was splashing me at times. Hewn into the cliff face was a natural ledge that had been extended slightly to accommodate the temple and unveil Guyangan waterfall that ran down the side of the cliff.

    The cliff face itself was just as amazing. The sea holds so much power and down there, you could feel it. I was completely alone the entire time and could feel it all. Nature and religion combining once again to form this. So worth the trek through the rain and down the cliff.

    The way up, is a blacked out part of my memory. I never want to think of those 45mins again. Torturous.
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  • Down and round

    20 апреля 2023 г., Индонезия ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Did I wake up at 6am again, yes I did. Did I then end up driving through torrential rain for 40mins, yes i did. Once i arrived did the rain magically stop and the sun came out beautiful lighting the place i had gotten up to see, yes, yes it did.

    Despite my rather arduous experience riding through the streets of Nusa Penida at dawn in the rain, that was not the hardest part of my journey.

    The hardest part came in the 20minute descent down the edge of the cliff face on rather old, slightly dodgy, blue staircases.

    At first I was having a great time, unaware of how long it would take me. At photo 5 and 6, I was loving it. The beautiful blue sea and rain clouds holding off. By photo 8, I had lost any faith I had in my own sanity and seriously began to wonder what I had gotten myself into.

    But photo 10 made ot all worth it. The view from the bottom. Amazing.
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