Gili Trawangan (Sept 10-15)

Splish, splash and totally soaking wet, I watched the water rising in the canoe sized fishing boat fitted with no safety equipment but much needed stabilizers which we were truly thankful for. Sand art in the bottom of the boat took my mind off the constant face slapping salty sea which kept stinging my face.

Almost four exhilarating hours later, we are dropped on the beach in Gili Trawangan. We set up post near in a near by bar and surveyed our surroundings. We quickly realized that we had landed on a party island on the backpackers circuit. The main strip consisted of a row restaurants and bars with mostly reggae music blaring to give the island a distinctly carribean feel.

After a short horse drawn taxi ride and many stops, we ended up a good distance from the harbor on the quiet northern point of the island at a little place called Windy Hotel & Cafe. It turned out to be a true blessing and a place that became like a family home over the next five days.

Upon arrival, we met Ibi, a fun loving, mult-talented young man from Lombok who became our primary host and good friend during our stay. He even treated us to a fantastic private fire dancing display our first night on the island.

A evening later, we headed to the center of the main strip for dinner where we joined forces with fellow Scots and Irish who were true to form and drank us under the table. The following days, we ended up fasting. One due to Tyler being severly ill, and two, out of my respect for our hosts who in the middle of Ramadan.

After Tyler headed to bed early, I found myself being pampered by four indonesians who liked to think of themselves as my four husbands. A novelty I enjoyed, but thankful that I only had one.

I befriended Ali especially who turned out to share my passion for yoga and knew how to fix my dreads which were beginning to come undone. During one snorkling adventure with him, were blessed with seeing, not just one, but two soaring olive Ridley sea turtles. Truly lucky.

Upon a later search, Tyler, Ibi and I became frighteningly close to a black and white sea snake which came up for air in a dramatic winding display. That said, we saw a truly amazing, technicoloured variety of fish and clams. Hours in the sea left our backs nice and toasty, our fronts still yet to be sunkissed...possible option for Oz.

Our days and evenings were spent listening to music, either locals play guitar or Tyler's ipod, whilst our new family tried to teach us how to fire dance. A spectacular deja vu experience, which made us dizzy with delight.

Every day our morning greetings with Hari, the two year old, joined us together. The enlightened, usually naked, little boy touched our hearts. On one occassion, he had two bills, amounting to 200,000 rupiah, he pondered over what to purchased. Then he decided to spin on the spot and decided to give me one saying "I am one, and you are one. We are all one." As his father translated, tears welled in my eyes, and I returned the bill to his father saying, "Yes, we are all one." Laughing at our bond being sealed.

Our final day of fasting, we were invited by the family and workers to join them for an Indo style dinner. We shared stories and smoked the night away.

My charity upon departing nearly flipped Tyler's lid, but I hope our gifts of money, knowledge, paints and books will used to the fullest. We are so sad to leave our family: Usman, Anik, Hari, Ibi, Jakof, Rama, Surya and Ali. We wish them all the best always!