The Germans and the Gilis

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On our flight to Lombok we met a German couple called Roman and Yvonne. They are from Heidelberg and on their honeymoon. Roman comes to Bredbury occasionally to repair the flour machinery at a bakery.

Some days later we met again in a restaurant at Senggigi. This turned out to be the cleanest and best value restaurant ever, called The Asmara. We had a meal each with beers for a total of 7pounds, which included transport to and from our hotel to the restaurant which was 8km each way.

Next day, Saturday, off we set for Gili Trawangan in our 20ft open boat. Michelle fearing the worst but by paying 30p to have our bags carried on she was reassured that the luggage was safe. It seems we were also taking most of the local market with us as about 10 local women had brought it with them, however, we can hardly complain as the ticket cost 60p. This time we had calm seas. With the help of 2 nice Belgian lads we put our luggage on shore and went to our bungalow which had full ashtrays, toothpaste in the sink and a dirty shower, so we uprooted to a better one.

We have still not made up our mind what to do next. The planes leaving Bali for Singapore are all booked up so we need to return to Lombok for the flight. This place, Gili Trawangan, is nice and lively so we may stay here for a while. We are paying 15pounds per night for the bungalow with breakfast served on the balcony.

Last night who do we meet on the island but Roman and Yvonne who have come to do some diving. We arranged to meet for a meal and had a great night with them. What a lovely couple!

Today we walked around the island which took 2 hours between 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm. What do they say about "mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun"? The locals live in the shade and we stagger back gasping for water.

Monday. We have decided that we will leave here on Thursday, 2nd October on the fast ferry to Bali.

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Photos

Us on the boat
We had all the local market with us.

Terry in the rain
It's not always sunny in Lombok.

Terry Roman Michelle and Yvonne
Finishing our meal

Comments

[Janette Jones]

Germany
What a small world, (probably nothing to do with my brother-in-law) but he is the great grandson of the German family that invented the machines that took over from the grinding stones in flour mills, which McDoodles(is that spelt right) used. He lives in Alderley Edge.