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Published: June 25th 2017
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Feeling Like Divers This Year
Last year we took the courses and got the paper work, learned about all the things you can do wrong, and practiced a few of them. But this year, after a focused number of dives on a bunch of stuff that needed fixing, we have a much better understanding of the sport, and are now really feeling like we are getting a grasp on what it means to be a diver, and enjoying the diving experience so much more. Much, much better. We discovered the Gillie Islands in May 2013, on our first trip to Indonesia, and have come back every year since, as it has become one of our favorite island locations. Last year we acquired our Open Water Dive Certification at Gillie Trawangan, and I went on to complete another level of dive training as an Advanced Adventurer, but we both felt we needed more practice to master our buoyancy - the most important diving skill - so we returned this year to train specifically in buoyancy control. After a refresher course and five five additional focused training dives,we are now feeling that we have moved beyond entry level and are willing to take on, albeit cautiously, the more advanced diving conditions that we hope to explore later this year when we return to Flores Indonesia to complete last year's mission of swimming with the giant manta rays.
In addition to diving, good food, beautiful sunsets, and a whole lot of positive energy, the Gillies live music scene is impossible to miss, as street musicians and acoustic restaurants are plentiful. I have performed spontaneously here every year we have visited. However, this year I had an actual gig booked at
My Massive Turtle Swimming Buddy
Yes, he really was that big. At least my body length, so 6 metres of gentle calmness in motion. our beach guest house - Genius Bungalows - a week in advance, promoted by the Austrian management team Gabby and Gerhardt, and accompanied by a popular local musician. It was an event that attracted a semi full house of wonderful energy that I affectionately referred to as the Bev Zizzy World Tour debut concert. While it is possible that they all came for the FREE fries that the management was offering with every large Bintang beer, I am choosing to think otherwise. I am, though, considering offering FREE fries to anyone who buys my new CD to be released in June, but they will be redeemable only at Genius Beach Bungalows on Gillie Trawangan 😊 The concert provided a lovely opportunity to share some original music, and play a few cover tune requests. The audience response proved once again my theory that music is the great cultural connector; that our similarities are far greater than our differences, and that the most significant reason for which I perform and share my music is for connections like these.
Our time on the Gillies is always filled with precious moments, as we continue to meet friends and build a community there. It
I've Always Got Your Back Stan
Even here, in this underwater world, I'm always lookin' out for you, as you are me, Stanley. Discovering new marine adventures together. is always difficult to leave, and much easier when we know we are returning soon - which we will do again this year before we head back to Canada.
But now, our next destination awaits us in Ubud, where we will become even more familiar with and involved in this spiritual epicentre, and direct attention to other learning curves - yoga, language, guitar - as well as meeting new and reconnecting with old friends for the next few weeks.
GENIUS BEACH BAR AND RESTAURANT
My husband and I were warmly welcomed at Genius Beach Bar and Restaurant by the lovely Austrian proprietors, Gabby and Gerhardt. In true Austrian format, the bungalows and gardens were meticulously clean, and the menu, which featured Indonesian, Asian, European as well as Austrian food, also included a delightful collection of typical tourist questions that they answered with a humorous flair - indicative of the warm atmosphere to be expected at this lovely accommodation with the absolutely stellar location right on the beach. Rooms were cleaned every day, and they always an added artistic welcoming touch in the shape of a puppy, a monkey, or a swan family created out of towels. The
Great Dive
Good experiences with new friends make for fond memories and renewed commitments to collect more experiences than things. Same philosophy we've lived by always. only drawback was that the air conditioning did not keep the huts very cool during the day, but the fans worked well so the evenings were not an issue. However, if you are the type of traveller who likes a very cold room, this accomodation may not be your best choice.
We were very happy with our stay at Genius Beach Bar and Bungalows and definitely plan to stay there again when we next visit the Gillies.
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