Saturday, still chugging along

A quickie from somewhere NW of Flores. We've snorkelled and walked on deserted islands, seen lazy Komodos sunning themselves by the ranger station and more active ones swimming nearby in the sea. We've slept down below and on the deck under the stars, seen amazing sunrises and sunsets, and showered in 1/2 cup of fresh water.  we've eaten fresh cooked meals 3 times a day, and rediscovered the joy of Nutella on fresh papaya and pineapple. We're living in semi-squalor, with mould, bedbugs and salt water spray, but we're no longer seasick and are happy :-) 

Wed 3rd, Satonda, somewhere remote

Who'd have thought that our trip would pass towers, 3 in sight atm. 

Our boat is named "the camping boat" with good reason! It sleeps 8: Swiss man, Californian couple, oz born but bali-living mum and 12yo daughter, and Austrian guide, plus 4 crew. 

We set off late Monday arvo, into rough conditions, choppy, windy and rain squalls, with constant spray. Hmmm. We both hit the drugs early, so maybe they helped? Ian stayed firmly on deck, I ventured below 3 times to retrieve essentials from our hot, stuffy, diesel-fumed cabin, and threw up 3 times after. Positive? I'd had a bout of (TMI) the day before and had eaten v little so only erupted from 1 end and bugger-all in my tummy to come out. It was a long, uncomfortable night. Positive? Ian and I lucked into the only dryish bit on deck, and others gradually went below, we had a few extra paper-thin bedrolls and beanbags to pad the hard wooden deck.

This island has been bought by a Balinese man, with an Eco-resort slowly under construction. Great snorkelling, huge volcanic salt water lake in centre for canoe,sailboat....

Gili T to Flores 1/7

We are about to board a sailing ship for a week's trip (alas by engine) to Flores, with 6 other passengers

 

Not sure about Internet so I'll write when I can. Mmm, fresh fish to look at and eat. 

 http://www.bluewatercruises.com/page1/page4/page4.html

Gili T CE

Guess what, we know someone here too... Norah and her brother Abdullah remember us (or more likely Ian's parents Bob and Joan) from way back when. We are proudly introduced to family and friends, and yesterday go on a day trip to visit Norah's house in Mataram. We are the only foreigners on the public boat, in the karaoke enhanced restaurant and at the market, and once again scare small children. 

$15 buys a feast for 5

 

Norah's brother

Mataram market

 

Loaded boat trip back to the island

Today is much more relaxing: a slow ride/push through sand around this tiny island, massage, several swims, read on a beach beanbag then dinner watching sunset and fire twirlers. 

Gili Trawangan 27 June - 1 July

Gili T is a tiny island off the coast of Lombok, 1st discovered by travellers (and Ian's parents!) in the 80's. We came here when kids were 4 and 7, and very popular little blonde beauties they were to the locals. Back then there were only a few shacks for  accommodation and food, some showing movies at night, and incredible snorkelling. Now there are beds for 5000, 7 ATM, and a thriving tourism industry. The fish and coral haven't grown at the same rate, but the dive shops are ensuring that regeneration and conservation is happening. Transport is by horse and cart, there are no motorbikes or dogs to ruin the serenity, and goods are delivered by people or horse power. 

Unloading the boat

Does it get much better?

Ian and his sister Heather

Handcart ready to go

And who thought eggs were fragile?!

PS Lipah

EWe have assisted with 15 yo Putu's school fees for the last few years, and she has just now got into a middle school of her choice, with a goal of studying nursing. It means living away during the week, but she will share with a friend and is happy about this. An American couple is also helping and will buy her a laptop. Wow. So we decided to buy 10 yo brother Resa a bike. BIG WOW! Was first overwhelmed and unsure, but soon had a huge grin. Happily accepted mum Made's decision that it must be blessed first, and that night sat solemnly and received his blessing from her, then blessed his bike.  He waited for us to wake up the next morning before riding it, even bigger wow. Very humbling moment of cultural exchange....

Dodgy nighttime photo but 2 offerings adorn his bike. 

Yes he's wearing his ripcurl rashie and has done since we gave it to him 5 days ago. Thanks Ronni!

Cultural exchanges

Apparently last weekends Age/Australian had travel feature on 'real' exchange rather than just observation; plenty of opportunity for that in this small community. 

Ian-initiated Men's shed? production line for bamboo amplifiers. P.S. 7 sold/ordered after market research on the beach this morning!

 Showing little ones that old white ladies (moi?, surely not!) aren't scary

Managing a small conversation with locals going about their daily chores, in indoglish on both sides.....

Ian having pool fun with a crowd of kids