I know it's not October yet, but I just couldn't stay away any longer. I missed blogging. No one in real life listens to my nonsense on a regular basis and it feels wrong to not get it out somewhere. So I am back with nothing in particular to talk about, so I'll update on my trip to Indonesia.
In short this holiday was really nice. My good mate from the US and I met in Bali for what has become our yearly trip. She usually comes over to London and then we venture off somewhere from here. This year, all things considered (me working the whole time while she is in London, Bush royally screwing America for yet another year meaning the dollar is worth like 2 Pesos and the fact the we haven't had a proper summer in Blighty for at least 2 years) we decided to pick a new destination. Last xmas we discussed Costa Rica or Indonesia. We each researched one and together we unanimously decided on Indo. We travel really well together, but amazingly have a lot of interests that don't converge. I am sporty and have far more energy then any one person should have. I like to hike, bike, run, surf and do anything that involves risk and adventure. She doesn't, so where we go needs to make us both happy. We do both enjoy good food, good wine, nice beaches and cheap spas. All of which Indonesia had plenty, except the wine, which Bali Hai and Bin Tang served as suitable substitutes.
We travelled all through Bali and then stayed on the Gili Islands for 5 days. We had intended to go to Lombok as well, but too much faffing about regarding anti malaria tablets changed our minds. We met amazing people along the way, I think that was really the highlight of our trip. Well, that and the cheap massages. I am pretty sure we only went 1 or 2 days of the whole 16 day trip without some sort of body indulgence. It was like we stumbled on spa heaven. But back to the people. Balinese people were all so very friendly, kind and open. In addition, we met a crazy Dutch girl (don't worry S, you're still our favourite Netherlander), a really fun group of Kiwis, a marine biologist from Kenya who was studying the bleaching of the coral reefs and a few nutty Italians. We were pleasantly surprised that there weren't nearly as many obnoxious holiday makers as we had expected, but then I guess we mostly stay off the beaten path.
During the whole holiday we did loads of "romantic" things that we both laughed about. We would be watching the sunset on the beach and just burst out in laughter at the irony of it all. The last hotel we stayed in was our big splash out hotel. It was really expensive and included all kinds of things that we would remind ourselves of when we were in the dodgy villas with no fresh water or electricity that only worked for certain hours of the day. Welcome drinks and welcome massages were just two of the perks on offer at this special hotel. When we got the our last hotel, somewhere between nowhere and no mans land, we quickly realised that this was a destination resort. As in honeymoon destination. After we nearly wet ourselves laughing, we milked it for all it was worth. We bathed in the tub for 2 with flowers and bubbles whilst toasting with champagne, we raced down to the private beach to grab the "love bed" for sunset (see photo below) before the honeymooning couples and then we collapsed in a heap on the plush bed and watched E! all night. I have always loathed those people who go on holiday and eat food from their country, watch telly the whole time and only visit very touristy places. But alas, at the end of the trip all we wanted was de-salinated water, towels with no holes, soap by the sink, fruit we could eat and wash clothes. E! was merely a bonus.
We had a really lovely time, but I was happy as a pig in poo to be back in the Big Smoke, despite the dreadful weather. I did a lot of soul searching over in Indo (sunrises, sunsets and salt water showers will do that to a person) and it was nice to come back and start implementing some of the changes I had put my mind to making. So September (whilst the end rather then the beginning) is a good time for setting good patterns, I am determined to do so myself. This despite the fact that I will be gone for 75% of October. Oh and I have been back for 2 weeks and haven't actually done any of the daily things I promised myself I would. But, I appreciate what I have and that which I luckily don't have, a whole lot more.
**Yes, I took that starfish photo. It's one of my favs
I watched this programme on telly last night that was so fascinating I couldn't even talk to my friend on the phone for fear of missing even one minute of the train wreck that was unfolding in front of me. When I say fascinating, that is code for FREAK SHOW AMERICAN RELIGIOUS MOVEMENT WHICH BRITS DID DOCUMENTARY ON. Just so that we're clear. Very well then, it was called The Virgin Daughters and profiled these people in BFE America who request that their children (daughters and sons) not so much as hold hands with someone of the opposite sex before marriage. Alright, I am not some big ho bag, but are you having a laugh? The movement was started by fathers (well one in particular, but we'll get to him later) who wanted their daughters to feel as special and treasured as possible. Fair enough, we all want to feel that way. Obviously this dude was taking it to an extreme. So said leader of strange underworld cult is interviewed throughout the programme, as is his entire family. 7 children from ages 20-3 and a weepy wife who endured 5 miscarriages as well. I guess I would be a sobbing mess if I had been knocked up 13 times too. These people believe that any relationship you have before you are married is cheating on your future spouse. I suppose they also believe there is ONE person for everyone. Right. Anyway, they also said that any emotional trials one deals with in their adult relationships are a direct result of having held hands with someone before you signed a piece of paper saying you would give them half of your assets if ever you decided to part ways. It was honestly so ghastly that I couldn't look away. And then I felt guilty for watching it as all it did was reinforce the stereotypes that all of us Yanks are barking mad. Well I guess we sort of are, but not as insane as those people. They didn't discuss masturbation, but I wonder if that counts as cheating on yourself?
