Okay so I should probably mention that on my last night in Singapore my wallet with ATM & Visa was stolen in the hostel. Sooooooo annoying but at least some of the tour group were around and I wasn’t alone. Liam and Alis very kindly lent me some money to keep me going until I got sorted with replacements. I know you’re probably thinking I should keep my cards in a safe place and I really was in the habit of taking just a money purse when we headed out. In this case though, we were staying in which means it was taken by another traveller. Boo to them – scum 🙂 (Oh wait, I’m one of them, right?? ……Really???)

Anyway I headed off for my flight to Lombok. Had a short layover in Jakarta which was kinda funny. I was flying from the domestic terminal and think I was the only non-indonesian speaking person there!! It’s the most relaxed airport I’ve ever been in. I brought a big bottle of water in plain view (simply forgot about it) through security and then had a look around to see everyone smoking right under the no-smoking signs!!! They are pretty relaxed about schedules there too. We used to have an expression called “Lao Time” when we were travelling through Laos – and basically it meant everything happened at a snail’s pace. WELL Laos isn’t a patch on Indonesian time – it’s nuts, as my flight was meant to be taking off, I’d said I’d ask what time it would leave and she just said “soon I think”. So another hour or so later we finally boarded the plane and I made the rest of my journey to Sengiggi, Lombok without any hassles.

Sengiggi is nice but nothing exceptional, it’s really more of a jumping off spot for island hopping and diving, so it was a pity to spend so much time there but it was where I needed to wait for my cards and western union (and also my phone which was stolen in Sengiggi – come on, give me a break!!!) which Mr. Steve so kindly arranged for me with a lotta effort I might add 🙂 So thank you so much for that. The Indonesians are really friendly and while some of them are trying to sell you nick-nacks or tours, the majority are genuinely interested in finding out about you and trying out their english skills. I had a funny incident on the beach where a young fella came over to me while I was sunbathing and asked could he practice his english so I said no problem. Then his friend came over and then another. So it was still all good and they were firing the usual sorts of questions. Where are you from? How long have you been here? Etc, etc, etc. So then their teacher came over and sat down on the other side of me and thanked me for spending the time talking with them. Feeling a little bit underdressed in bikini at this stage but tried to keep it cool. We chatted for a little while and then you know when you get a sense that something is behind you…… well it was, about 15 school kids!!!!!! Just wanted to sink into the sand!!

I also met a girl who works with a school friend and childhood neighbour of mine and we hit it off really well. As soon as I was sorted, I packed two small bags and headed off to the Gilli Islands where Louise had high-tailed it to and we spent a couple of fun nights there. The Gilli Islands are really beautiful, tiny little islands with no cars just horse and carts to bring you around but you really don’t need them. There are also very few street lights which makes it somewhat of a challenge to walk home at night when you’ve had a couple of drinks and forgot your torch! Still though the moon and loads of stars lent their assistance. Ah nice!

I also met a guy called Tom, an ex-army American who’s been sailing around the world for the last 10 years – tough life, huh? He reminds me of Pat Inginlesby (probably spelt incorrectly I know) remember that kids tv show…..Pat’s Hat – well what do you think?????? (Tom, that’s not an insult if you reading this – okay Pat was a bit mad in the head but you’re far more balanced believe me 🙂 )

 

Anyway Louise decided to join him on the boat and they were planned to sail to Borneo. I was toying with it for a while but for a few reasons I decided not to go and I hope I don’t end up regretting that decision.

There are three islands to choose from and I picked Gilli Air which lies somewhere between “is there anyone out there……..” and Santa Ponsa 🙂 When you get off the boat you wade in to shore and almost all of the bungalows are on the beach. I stayed in one that had a deck with hammock and day bed.

Upstairs was a bedroom and a balcony with a view of the ocean. Bliss 🙂 This was my little house for the few days…….

All of the restaurants are right on the sand and there is such a chilled out vibe there and look a little like this.

We did some snorkelling there and spotted a few turtles along the way. I spent three nights there and wish I had one more but I was heading on a boat trip to go to a little island hopping (including hunting for Komodo dragons!!) ending up in Flores and then back again to Lombok.

P.S. More photos on http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindybear/sets/72157606481135838/