Falling in love abroad

Can one fall in love whilst traveling? 

How about romantic relationships? 

One night stands? 

Anything is possible right? 

I just wanted to write a post about relationships abroad,
maybe it will shed some light
though it is just me rambling on about idealized moments.

Somewhere on a sun-kissed beach, a tranquil hostel lounge, a cramped dormitory or any sort of overcrowded transportation (long or short) a brilliant person will shake your hand and introduce themselves into your life that you just cannot forget. Whether it be a 5 minute conversation where journeys intersect, or a long poolside analysis of the meaning of life under the glimmering stars. Anyone can instantaneously steal your heart. It can even be the next person you sit beside. 

We value the experiences that take place during our lives, that bring smiles to our hearts. However, personal interactions while traveling alone has a whole new angle. It is that everything we do as a traveler has a short life expectancy, not to be overly dramatic...but every 'Hello' is a 'Goodbye' and every arrival is a departure. And, YES it can be lonely. 

'Travel is the only thing that you can buy that makes you richer' Or was it love?

Time is consigned to oblivion leaving us with the only priceless currency that we have that we cannot buy nor earn. A intended target we work towards becomes the present and inadvertently becomes a memory. 

So what about love? 

A lingering hug that is superseded by a star struck kiss and an inconsequential yet still a bittersweet goodbye. Is it worth it? 

Jenny says, ''Of course it is, no matter how much heart wrenching instances one might face. As a human being life isn't about living so cautiously that pre/post-liminary to an intimate interaction one just runs away, shuts themselves off or becomes 'broken'. 

Love abroad isn't always about being in pursuit of a idealized future with the person you're infatuated with. It is about the respect and compassion that you can give to a person in that present moment. Adhering to the extraordinary fantasies of romantic traveler. Those extra 5 minutes to leave a noteworthy message, a sleepy eyed kiss and my choice soft passionate whispers of a lucid dream. 

Love when you can, you can still be honest about the life style you have chosen as a traveler. Who knows maybe you might one of those lucky ones that gets to travel in the same direction as your soul-mate. Like I dream to share a rooftop kiss in the arms of a like minded vagabond.''

In our minds we recall these events, frozen in our memory banks where they will flourish until our last waking breath. Building friendships with noteworthy people and most of all still obtaining that companionship a lonely traveler needs to continue on-wards. We wish to follow their journey in hopes that we can meet them at the juncture on a future date, making just another exquisitely magical moment.

Keep your heart open, know when to let go, always say goodbye, leave them with a smile and know that it is okay to miss them for 5 minutes everyday. But, the rest of your life is yours. 

Return to Taipei & Christmas!

As I landed in Taipei I was overwhelmed with how clam everything felt. I realize that this is my 5th Christmas away from home. My friends know that one day I will return but in the winter (seems unlikely) but one day I will come back. The weather here is perfect just about 13C and not too hot or cold, which is really what I was looking forward to strangely enough. Super comfortable weather for me right now. :P

Soon I was off working into my routine going to the gym and getting settled into my little room hidden behind the wooden door. :)

I was surprised that I got a gift from my boss and a full vegan meal with Rice! Thank you Christmas wasn't all that lonely. 

Even watching old Doctor who Christmas specials with some vegetarian Chinese street while working feels like a great way to spend the day. 

Singapore

Back in Singapore for a two day lay over, when I first arrived my mastercard didn't work and I was fretting about not having any money for my stay in Singapore. I was told time and time again that things were really expensive. I guess things aren't cheap since I just came from Indonesia. 

The iconic sights in Singapore are quite impressive, the buildings are big and very eccentric. It was an experience to see and with the amalgamation of different cultures I found that it lacked a bit of solid traditions. Though during my 48 hours here it felt more like Christmas than anything. 

I was able to visit with some friends, thanks Amir for taking me around and walking 10kms! Though the high blasts of air con and the humid heat made me feel a bit ill. Damn, I couldn't live this kind of hot cold lifestyle. 

Kuan, you are amazing thank you so much for hosting me during my time in Singapore. I owe you one and we have so much more Doctor who to chat about! 

Bye- Bye Singapore. 

Hidden fees in Indonesia

I started off from Gili Air island, from there I had to make it to Lombok airport. I got a speed boat and a shuttle bus ticket for 175,000 rupiah ($17.50). The boat was a bit late, we took off at about 8:45am instead of 8:30am. The ride was about 30 minutes and we were at the pier on Lombok.

Watch out for hustlers! There will be people who will try their best to port your things to a tuk tuk. Then they'll take off to the bus stop which is only about a 15 minute walk away. I know it isn't easy to just instantly know where you are going when you only have 30 minutes before the shuttle bus departs at 9:30am. 

The porter will ask for money, I gave him a dollar so that wasn't so bad. Before I could even say no I was at the bus stop, he asked for 100,000rupiah. I was choked since it was less than a 5 minute ride. I argued with the driver for a good 5 minutes and after I was flustered and out of breath I gave him $5 just so I could leave. It was about 9:15am. 

I waited at the so called bus stop restaurant, I was asked to buy goods like 3 times in 5 minutes. The man checking the tickets kept asking me where I was from, I just wasn't in the mood to be having this conversation. So I just said yes to whatever he guessed I was. Today I was Japanese. 

The mini bus was late and there was no air con, by about 9:50am we were finally on our way. We stopped three separate times with the addition of his stop start driving up and down hill through dusty village roads and the smell of burning garbage of a jet coaster. Well this is all about the experience I had a window seat so I couldn't complain that much. 

I was told that the bus ride would get me to the airport by 11:30am, at 12:35pm I arrival at Lombok airport. I had to go tothe  counter to get a piece of paper printed out. From there off to check in, I was 5kgs over their 10kg allowance with wings air, lion air has 15kg just for your information. So I ended up paying 27,500 which I thought was super cheap, 3 bucks isn't that bad. Compared to western airlines this was a steal of a deal. 

So I go through 'security' which is just a person at a desk that checks your boarding pass and tells you that you have to pay an airport tax of 45,000rupiah for domestic flights.  Another $4.50 to get on this plane. 

Okay I'm at $30 now, I didn't think it would be this costly. In retrospect it isn't a lot but you know it is all about the principle. I found out when I fly out of Denpasar I have to pay 200,000rupiah another $20 to leave Bali. So including my flight to avoid the several hour boat ride after the bus trip to make it to Denpasar airport I will have spent $80 hmmmmm....

Okay so in still breathing after the flight was delayed by about 2 hours though the flight itself was a 30 minute rise and fall. I hit the ATM knowing that I have to pay money before going through security and my master card doesn't work. I go down to the bank on the first floor of Denpasar airport, they kindly ask me  to use another machine and another card,. Like I didn't think of these possible solutions already. My debit card doesn't seem to do the trick, I exchange the last of my singapore dollars for the 200,000rupiah needed. Thank god for sketchy free airport wifi where I called MasterCard and explained to them the situation. They unlocked the card and I should work now so I can grab some food before the flight...maybe Air Asia will feed me. 

Goodbye Indonesia

As I awoke this morning, I glided out of bed and stepped outside. I sat and smoked my last Indonesian clove cigarette and stared into the glistening pool. I knew that this was the moment that I had to make my peace and say goodbye. This was the beginning of an end, even though I have been coming and going for years it never gets any easier. My thoughts say that if it becomes easy that I am no longer living each moment as I should be. We live in the present moment loving each spontaneous development with an open mind. Most importantly we embrace these times with an open heart. 

Last night was heartfelt, during the days here I have been here meeting locals on the island. They have taught me about their lives, the Bahasa language and much more about kindness towards strangers. Their curiosity surpasses my own in some sense and I love their calm way of living. Although this maybe a an enhanced feeling due to a shortened amount of time here, I could envision myself living in this country for a long time.

Thank you harmony family for showing me hospitality and taking me into your family.

I arrived at the pier at 8:15am after my farewell with my lovely roommate. (I'll see you in Belgium) We shared our last cup of coffee together and it was time to depart this island. The emotions ebb and flow in unison with the sound of the ocean waves. 

Again another heartfelt good-bye!
I'll be back Indonesia, I promise. 

Yoga on Gili Air

In the early morning between 3:30-4:30am the locals do a chant. A song which sounds like a long mantra, then the roosters start there wake up call shortly after their prayers. 

As planned I seeked out a yoga studio and started classes. I found H2O which isn't far from the village and if you stay there you get a discount on the classes they provide. 

Normal classes are 100,000 and 75,000 if you stay in their bungalows. Downside, no internet for the wifi junkies. I bought a package of 4 classes, 90 minute classes (includes meditation as well)  for 350,000 and there is another price if you buy 10.

Once in the morning 9-10:30 and again in the evening from 5-6:30. The yoga classes I was taking in Tokyo was just a renewal for the couple classes at had taken at home. 

Since leaving Japan I have decided to go back to being a full vegetarian and soon I will even try my hand at riding myself of cigarettes (this one is the more troublesome one).  

Vegetarian food here is lovely and I am obsessed with tempe. A pressed and fermented bean, I love natto so this is no surprise tho it's quite different.  

The rest of this week I'll be doing yoga every morning and possibly in the evening. I have been rejuvenated and have found a new love for yoga and meditation. (Been practicing meditation for a solid month now :) I've already looked up studios in Taipei and will be joining the gym shortly after my arrival. My first day of work will be Christmas and this will be my fifth Christmas away from home. Seriously, I can't believe that I have spent five Christmases away!! Each one in a new country China, Vietnam, England, Japan, and now soon Taiwan. I Want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas wherever you are and thank you so much for following me and reading the my travel diary. I love you all Jenny.

Lovin' the beach

This morning was heavenly, I hopped in the pool in front off bungalow and rented a bike I met a lot of Indonesian, Balinese people playing guitar. Poking around each corner to see what I could find. I really love biking,  I think I've done it in every country I have ever visited and I'll continue to do so :)

I could post a million pictures and it would just go on and on. There is peace a serine taste in the ocean breeze that one would only dream of. 

The heat gives you a sense of warmth that only people of cold countries could only imagine in their dreams. The humidity isn't that bad here and with a bottle of sunscreen you are good to go. 

I biked from one side of the island to another, learning where is best to catch the sunset and how long it would take me. It looks like I'll be biking around this island everyday. 

I could live here forever with warm comforting sand in between my toes but eventually my thirst for adventure would get to me. Why is it that even sitting on the beach a place I would call paradise I still dream of far away lands? 

I guess this is the life style that I was born to live. 

Living life on Gili Air

I checked into the hostel I booked from hostel world and found out very quickly that the rooms were blistering hot. There was two fans that circulated hot air around the room. I said hello to the Swedish  girl in my dorm room before heading off for lunch. 

This is an island that caters to tourists so there are bungalows everywhere. Depending on how much you want to spend and what kind of accommodations you wanted you could easily find something that is more suitable for your liking. 

I just wanted a private room with air con so I could write music and get a tan. Besides that I wasn't looking for much, I met a girl from Belgium and we hit it off. We went wandering around asking for prices, it ranged from 150,000 with no AC to 600,000 a night with a lot of perks. 

Finally after asking about 4 places we were waved down by a guy on the street and ushered around the back to beautiful new bungalows where he wanted 250,000 rupiah per night (breakfast, pool and air con) we opted out of breakfast and told him we would stay for the rest of our stay making it one week. We got a twin room, with a bit of bartering I got him down to 185,000 no breakfast...split two ways that's about $9.25 a night each. 

Back to 7seas dorm I asked for a refund out of my $14 they gave me back $6 and I was happy to leave that place behind. 

The food here is a bit more, about double what you would find in Ubud but it is a small island. You really have to seek out the little places around to find reasonable priced local food. The weather here is amazingly hot and the nights are filled with stars in the sky and clam waves. I'm glad I didn't hit the party island this place is a little piece of paradise. :) 

Getting to Gili Air

I'm departing from Ubud, a one way ticket. Is averaged at 400,000rupiah, I haggled quite a bit to get 325,000 I think I could have gotten it for 300,000 if I had tried harder. Pick up times were 7:30am, 9:30am and 11am. Of course I picked 11am so I could have my last breakfast from the guest house.

The owner of balimoon was saddened by the fact that we didn't book all of our tours through him. (Including my ticket) Though he didn't meantion to us that he even sold them in the first place. 

The driver showed up at 10:50am and I was off. We stopped and picked up 10 other people before making it to the port. Where you exchange your ticket for a boarding pass and you are ushered around to the pier. Here there are hawkers selling snacks, sunglasses and sarongs. We weren't given a time for when the speed boat would arrive. 

I think about 30 minutes later it showed up and people immediately disembarked and bags were loaded on. 

Our first stop was Lombok it was pouring rain when we docked. The stop was about 5 minutes net thing we knew we were on our way to Gili air! 

As you can see from the pictures above it was lovely weather. 

Balinese cooking class

The driver came and picked us up at 7:45am and drove us to the morning market in Ubud. 

This is where we learned about the ingredients used for today's cooking class. Afterwards we went to a traditional Balinese house where we learned how to make offerings to the gods. 

Let the cooking begin! There were so many dishes and recipes! All the ingredients were very fresh and wonderfully tantalizing to the eyes. 

There was about 12 of us cooking together, the staff cleaned and organized everything for us. They divided us into groups and gave us all little jobs as we created each dish. 

We made all our own sauces, our host was very eccentric and did a lovely job keeping us entertained. 

The finished product had us all stuffed to the brim. 

Not to forget dessert, which was a sweet potato dish that was boiled in sugar cane syrup and coconut milk. 

They even adjusted it to the three vegetarians. :) 

A lovely class!  I would highly recommend attending one when you get the chance. 

Coffee plantation, rice patties and The water temple

The coffee plantation was a little taste tester and a short yet informative drop in. The coffee beans weren't very ripe but we got to see the flowers of the coffee plant and the 'little cat' that picks the best beans to eat. Re-harvested then made into a new espresso coffee! 

They gave us tasters with all sorts of different herbs and ingredients. 

Second was the rice patties, the ones that they brought us to were really beautiful. It was soon to be high noon and the heat was out full force. 

(Picture taken by Jeff) 

Lastly was the spring temple, when we went in we just wanted to jump in. Next thing we knew we had been recruited by a local tour guide. His demeanor wasn't one that we favoured. Unfortunately we couldn't bring it upon ourselves to tell him to leave us to our own accord. 

He told us all about the spring fountains, each one represented something. (Health, good dreams, ridding bad luck, no confrontations and lastly a good home life) we had to wear a sarong into the water and he insisted that we do an offering to the gods before going in the water. I felt like he was yelling at us at points and had started ruining my experience. This was the first time that I really wished that I could have been that outsider doing everything wrong. 

So if you go to the temple read up on it and not get the guide.

Mount Batur, Bali island

I2:30am start an hour drive for our deep fried banana breakfast. Then another km up, from here the hike begins, the fist half is fairly easy. We are all given a water and a flash light. The last 20 minutes are jagged rocks but the guide will pull you up. Most of all hold your hand most of the way up. 

Compared to kawa Ijen I was relieved to find out that it wasn't nearly as difficult. At the top we got breakfast, a photo op and a run down of the history of Batur. 

That every year they do an animal sacrifice (usually a buffalo) to keep the volcano from erupting a third time. The view was breathtaking, if you're in Bali this is a don't miss!!

The decent after breakfast was down an easier route and at times it turned into a sprint. 

Don't forget about the monkeys!

This was fantastic, now it's 8:45am time for part two. 

Ubud, Indonesia

Entering Ubud there is a feeling of entering the idealized 'Indonesia' a more peaceful way of life. There are tonnes of foreigners and tourists taking in a life that one of an active healthier, romantic quieter people might dream of. 

The streets are lined with clothing stalls, tourist centres, cafes and restaurants. There isn't a shortage of activities that you could sign yourself up for. 

The dorms were fully booked when we arrived and I would count this as the best blessing. Since we ended up finding a guest house that fit all of our requirements with a splash of luxury. My journey so far has been nothing but transportation, squished dorms rooms and running around getting up at sunrise if not earlier! 

The guest house we found was called Bali Moon which is owned by one of three brothers. Each owning their own guest house. We got a king size bed with a single one on the side which includes the bathroom for a very posh person. :) all of this was $45 a night making it only $15 per person. Remember if you check into happy mango hostel it is already $11 a night. 

I've separated from the group before and have ironically teamed up with two Canadians, from Calgary no less! 

We finished this successful day with an organic meal that gives a percentage of the profits to a medical intuition. Great food for a good cause! 

Time for the sleep of my life. 

Part 2! 

This morning we started our morning with a lovely breakfast provided by the guest house, which we are calling our villa. 

It wasn't our standard toast and jam. We were served a green pancake will fruit inside and shaved coconut. Also, a decent sized tropical fruit salad. 

First stop get a tour to mount Batur. A recommendation from many friends of mine and people along the way. 

Sunrise hike to mount Batur, rice patties, coffeee plantation with the hot-spring temple at the end. Colin stood firm and got the agent to come down to 250,000rupiah. *round of applause* they had initially quoted us 350,000? Or was it more? This was our win. 

Next stop the market the never ending stalls of sarongs, souvenirs and heaps more. 

What's the deal with all the penises? A fertility thing? 

On our way to check the visa office I found a yoga studio. 70,000rupiah for 90 minutes is perfect. 

Lunch time! Jeff had his heart set on Borneio 8 so off we go. 

Time to regroup, I found out that you can just fly from Lombok to Denpasar. Since I want to spend more time on the Gili Islands for $36 I was happy to save myself the hassle of getting to the port, 5 hour boat then into Denpasar, checking-in and then lastly finding a way to the airport. 

Hostel booked for gili air, time for yoga. :) 

A fantastic wind down day before the next sunrise mountain climb.