Ferry Terminal, Padang Bai, Bali, Indonesia
Took a boat to Bali. 60,000 Rupiah motorbike ride to Pemuteran Beach. Finally slept at Putu Guesthouse for 150,000 Rupiah per night. Walked from Pemuteran with heavy pack for 8 km in the rain until a guy on a motorcycle, named Gada, picked me up. He kindly offered a free place to stay. Learned about Hinduism and a bit of the Balinese language. He showed me his Hindu rituals and put rice on my forehead and had me drink holy water.
Rainy motorbike ride across Bali
Rainy and terrifying motorbike ride with Gada from Lovina to Canggu Beach – incredible generosity. He even insisted on buying my meal. I paid 200,000 for Nita Guesthouse but ended up staying at Lucia, Willa and Kelly’s Villa for 2 nights. Great seeing familiar faces from Austin, Texas. Hitched two rides to get to villa.
Getting to Padang Bai
Walked from Seminyak – Kuta bus stand. 75,000 ride to Padang Bai. Met German engineer and talked about the Thai economy – he works for Porsche. I’m a target here in Padang Bai.
Back of minibus, Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia
Perhaps at night it’s worse, but the fantasies about the mafia and dangers lurking at the ferry port in Lembar were completely unfounded. Just 2 touts. Minibus from Lembar to Mataram (30,000). Sitting alone in minibus for one hour now, awaiting more passengers. Bali beaches failed to impress. Far too much trash in parts. Hotel owners should join forces and make an effort to clean up the trash.
Indonesia travel entails many sleepless nights. Slow ferry bathroom nearly made me vomit, revolting filth. New year approaching and I must take pride in my accomplishments this year. Not a single day of 2014 spent “working” but I’ve pushed myself to the limit, enduring less than ideal conditions in an effort to see the world. Confident in my ability to share valuable knowledge in each conversation. Solo travel means no complaining and less fantasized stress regarding future events. The locals in Java are incredibly kind and welcoming. Wish I spoke more Bahasa so I could understand what locals say about me – I hear the words “tourist” and “bulee” and often chuckles follow. Contemplating Mount Rinjani. Wondering if they will let me ascend in a single day. No idea how I’ll get back to Jakarta.
Need to apply for Sri Lanka visa and book flight to India – research whether or not I’ll be able to get a visa in Sri Lanka. After India, perhaps Burma, Laos, China, back to Nepal. Still need a few more countries under my belt before I consider myself a seasoned traveler. Well on my way.
