Leaving Indonesia

---

My time in Indonesia has come to a close. I've been cut up in two places by coral reef, I've now got a slight scar under my eye where I got clipped by my board and I think I might weigh about four kilos lighter than when I left London. I can definitely say, I've had an absolute ball! I feel pretty lucky to have scored some epic waves at G-land and an uncountable number of almost-epic waves so that for the first time in about 5 years I feel like the surf gods have smiled upon me with unrelenting benevolence. I was even lucky enough to surf Outside Corner at Uluwatu in Bali the afternoon before I flew out of Indonesia (it only breaks when the swell gets a big bigger). I feel very grateful for the good Karma coming my way.

Have I learnt anything from my time here in Indonesia? As I've been coming here for many years, I didn't really encounter anything new culturally. The Indonesian people displayed their usual natural friendliness and hospitality so that I've come away feeling like I've had a warm reunion with old friends. Nothing new there. I've had the pleasure of dining on the unique Sumatran dishes of the Masakan Padang restaurants in both Java and Bali. I should have taken pics but I was enjoying the food too much to remember to pull out the camera ;-) I saw plenty of travellers and surfers in Indonesia which is a healthy sign that tells me that no matter how the fanatical zealots (on both sides) may try to persuade us otherwise, the people of the world still have a healthy respect and an intelligent interest in seeing the land and people of other countries with open eyes and minds. I guess that's as good a lesson as any.

So my journey takes me to tropical North Australia. I'm catching up with my Dad and my brother for a week's fishing and maybe even a bit of Darwin partying. Or is that an oxymoron? I'll find out one way or another.

ps. Matt, I'm happy to say I never had that wheelchair race through the desert! I left it until now to tell you as I was never quite sure whether it might come true or not.

---

Photos

My bungalow at G-land
I got a bungalow to myself. On the edge of the jungle. Someone did mention something about snoring? I only the caught the end of it tho ;-)

Board rack
My trusty boards and my lucky boardshorts

boat ride out of G-land
most people are pretty tired when they leave

Javanese guys diving for coins
at the wharf before leaving Java

Ferry ride to Bali
and home to Australia!