Poor in the pocket, rich in experience! Like you, I'm a long-term, budget traveler, but I feel rich. I spend my money on experiences rather than restaurants or fancy, ensuite rooms (though this cabin of yours looks excellent!). Having a longer time to travel, we can waft along beaches, trails or streets, and as you say, come upon magic and interactions with locals that the richer, faster travelers may not have time to experience as they are guided from one site to another. Thank goodness that there are so many ways to travel to fit budgets and temperaments, but I'd take time over money any day. May the magic continue!
The cabin was excellent! And none too expensive either, 17 euro's including 3 meals a day and all the coffee and tea you like. It was the cheapest spot in Lembeh, and I was lucky to find it. On the internet I could only find really, really, expensive resorts in Lembeh (because of its reputation of special marine life), so I had actually already given up on diving in Lembeh, when somebody told me about this place. Staff were great, rooms were great, it was just fantastic...
beautiful read As I get older I find myself craving company more when I travel. but not the 20-year-olds commonly found in hostels who just want to get drunk and party
I know what you mean... i have a feeling it has something to do with age for me as well. I can't remember minding it that much say 10 years ago. Or maybe it is that I have been so long on the road alone that it gets more difficult as time goes on. And no thank you to the drunk party crowd for me as well... Meeting them mostly just makes me depressed.
Money & Travel Great essay contemplating where money fits with your travel experience Ralf. I do not like regrets when traveling, most of which seem to arise when I feel i don't have enough money to do this or that and makes me forget I am probably better off than the local in front of me, tempting me to be mean or retarding me going with the flow. Money can be the way and the means but one cannot forget that without it one can often have just as rewarding a travel experience. Attitude beats money in so many instances. So does contemplating my navel as words are just words!
Regrets Regrets I have few luckily. I try to do everything I really, really, want to do, regardless of budget. It does mean making hard choices at times, but so far I can't say I look back in regret thinking, I should have done that instead of this.
Budgets reflect our choices... Your could spend more and take shorter trips or less for longer trips, etc. However, you seem to have found the right balance for being able to stay on the road, visiting exotic off the beaten path destinations, and still enjoying yourself. As for a travel partner, besides sharing costs, perhaps you need a little romance in your life. Anyway, talking about spicing up your life, the Spice Islands have some interesting history regarding the Dutch and other Europeans wanting to dominate the spice trade. I read the history of Banda Island which was the only place in the world with nutmeg. The British claimed the island and the Dutch did everything to take it away from them. Finally the Dutch gave the British Manhattan in exchange for getting Banda Island.
Romance Tsja, romance is even harder to find off the beaten track... As for the Banda Island, yep they did trade away an island for Manhatten, but it wasn't actually the Banda Islands itself it was a totally worthless piece of rock near the islands. The fact that the British were there just irritated the Dutch, probably because it could be used as a base to harrass them. Anyway, in the end the deal wasn't so bad, the British lost Manhattan after all...
Don't tempt me please, I'm trying to eat my dinner I'd happily buddy up and harpoon rare tropical fish with you if it wasn't for this pesky day job. And I fully share the pains of limited budget. Keep moving slow ox. Polynesia is waiting.
The little things You obviously were having a good time and getting into the place Ralf...gives it away when there are pics of spiders, flowers, butterflies, critters...little things. Brilliant!
I had 4 leisurely days to get into things But I still only got one good butterfly picture. They kept fluttering around, avoiding my camera as if I was a paparazzi
Yeah, I thought so too... Unfortunately I forgot the name of it... Probably Sulawesi such and such flower... Everything seems to be Sulawesi something in Tangkoko
Nice, Dude! Hi Ralf, nice report once again. I can understand your feelings about traveling slowly and then seeing all those hyperactive travelers. Oh well, you have what they crave for - the luxury of time. By the way, I also like that image with the monkey on the beach. Nice composition .... Cheers his Dudeness ;)
The dude abides The grass is always greener on the other side... So, while I sometimes envy all that energy and efficiency, they probably envy my time.
Here's to slow travel So many people rush to see all the sights the books say they should see, while missing so much more. I value the time I spent sitting on the floor in a small Buddhist temple on a side street in a little town in Thailand, or the conversation I had with a lady while waiting for shop to open in Indonesia. I'm happy you took the time to watch the cuscuses.
Yes, I take my time if I can Basically because it is very difficult for me to go faster than I do. But even now I feel I have been going far too fast, though the last few days have been good.
Slow boat to somewhere Seems you are savouring the journey Ralf. Why rush when you have travelled so far? The destination beckons...may it be the pinnacle of your dreams.
Slow and steady wins the race I always prefer slower if possible, you see much more that way. And there are still many slow boats to go, and many destinations that beckon... the dream continues
nice :) still have time to read and your journey sounded so nice, but pictures must see on another gadget...I am sure, it's paradise. Wonder, how often Irena gets russian guests?. Not sure how well i can follow you in the future, busy times already started. tc
taracloud
Tara Cloud
Poor in the pocket, rich in experience!
Like you, I'm a long-term, budget traveler, but I feel rich. I spend my money on experiences rather than restaurants or fancy, ensuite rooms (though this cabin of yours looks excellent!). Having a longer time to travel, we can waft along beaches, trails or streets, and as you say, come upon magic and interactions with locals that the richer, faster travelers may not have time to experience as they are guided from one site to another. Thank goodness that there are so many ways to travel to fit budgets and temperaments, but I'd take time over money any day. May the magic continue!