Kuta (Sept 15 - 17)

It is a good job that I am not left to my own devices. I would not have left.
We were only in Kuta a few hours before I mistakenly communicated that I need my hair braided when all I really wished was to purchase a weaving needle for my hair. A couple of young girls shortly came to our room to braid my hair - something that was really not needed because if you have not realised my hair is in a natural style that has been well received by all the cultures we have met. I have dreadlocks. Its Perfect - to travel, to unify people and to show fellow love for the environment. A language barrier prevented smooth communication, so body language took precedence.
I left Tyler at the hotel and piled on a bike with the two girls ( yep on one bike). Whizzing along, through back alleys and under carparks. I have not the foggiest where the hell I was when I got off, but I was taken straight into a shop with others, all wishing to fix my hair. After a few minutes trying to explain that I didn't need my hair braiding. I had forgoton that my hair was tied up! So I let it down so show, I think finally got through. So back on the bike it was to another shop; this time a tattoo place. Oh my goodness, no tattoo for me thanks! After the same arm flapping and face pulling trying to explain myself, a phone call later two young rastas pop there heads round the door... smiling, and to my delight, they spoke broken English. Yehh!
They played with my hair and decided it needed their touch. How could I say no? For barely any money, I got treated not to the studio (too expensive), but to their home where I spent the next enjoyable hours making friends with all the locals who swung by. Somehow I had managed to fall into the home of the most famous rasta in town - Barong! I was even fortunate enough to meet the artist of the music that I loved in Gili Trawanga. His name is Richard. (I have CD to share but who like to give something back if I do share.)
Many hours we sat on the tiled porch sharing stories and laughter. I felt very comfortable with these not so strange strangers. A wonderfully tranquil place in the very busy town of Kuta. Lenny and I shared yoga :-). Edwin had exceptional English. Barong was such a friendly magnet that anyone in his company reflected his calm friendly warmth. We even knew the same people from the island. It was like a mini reunion. So fortunate for me.
Barong took me for a hair raising spin thought town before dropping back at the hotel where we saw Tyler at the local Internet cafe. Both of us a little ill, we managed to eat a little before hitting the sack to leave the next day. I must point out, my head hurt from all the pulling. I am also missing my semi soft dreads. The new improved not to be budged dreads are growing on me, and my headache is subsiding!
I wanted Tyler to meet my new friends, so the following day before we headed out, we went round and hung out. Of course, we were welcomed once again. I was sad to leave, but we had to get to the airport. Not without a quick photo of our new family. Fun and memorable times for sure!