Finally managed to drag myself away from the Island of Gili Trawangan this morning. I didn’t mention in my previous journal entries but the boat I was previously booked on for the 2nd January sank! Fortunately there were no casualties; however everyone’s belongings were ruined. It was just as well I called the operating company that morning to change my booking!
I had got quite attached to the Gilis, although I only stayed on one of the three islands, and didn’t move much even on that. For me it was a nice place to relax (yes, I know...relax from what?), and stay in one place for a few days and enjoy the beautiful setting and get to know some people.
Got to Bali in good time on a boat which didn’t sink. As a note to one’s self....I still need to travel at speed on the sea, as even on the dive boats I was still getting sea sick.
So once back on Bali I blagged a free ride to Ubud. (I think the others had previously booked and paid for a ticket). On the bus I met a couple of Finnish girls who had already made a reservation in a guest house in Ubud, and since I hadn’t made any bookings, I decided to tag along and check into the same place. It was lovely! I must have had the best room there, and compared to what I’ve been used to...it was luxury. I had huge double room, cable TV, DVD (complete with an “interesting” collection of films!) and the place even had a pool...all this for £11!
I had previously arranged to meet the Finnish girls (from the bus) and a group of their friends for dinner. It was a great evening and the food at the restaurant (Nomad) was exceptional. The food was something I would expect from a top restaurant back home, but here it was a fraction of the price.
Later stopped off in a bar with a live Reggae band. I’d heard that Ubud was bohemian but judging by some of the people dancing...no one had told them that Woodstock had finished a long time ago. Very entertaining.
Spent the rest of the night back at the Guest House talking and drinking around/in the pool.
