Friends So funny, Suzanne & I were also saying that we feel so lucky that we are still in touch and every time we meet up it's just like the good old days. Although I have to say I think girls are better at keeping in touch than men are. I think it is really special that the three of you have managed to keep up your friendship after all these years...well done! And I have to say hat's off to Eelko & Kathy for having you all over to stay for such a long time...they are truly amazing!!
Happy New Year! We had Floris join us for Christmas & New Year. You probably know him as he is from Amsterdam...195cm or 6 feet 5 he's hard to miss. Great to have your close friends join you at this time 'cos that's what this time is about...getting together. This pic for the pool room...trust it carries enduring memories that you can carry in your quieter moments. Happy New year Ralf. And may your aspirations for this year bloom.
Ah, yes of course Floris... From Amsterdam, which Dutch person doesn't know him. Thanks for the well wishes and obviously I trust this year will bring you much joy and fortitude as well! May it be a good one!
I'm like your present me... a flashpacker. I would add air conditioning to the list of must have amenities...unless there is a sea breeze. I once raised the issue of cost benefit with a couple who spent three months in India in the lowest price category rooms and restaurants. They contracted Delhi Belly numerous times. I ask why the didn't spend three times as much and stayed one month without all the health problems and squalor. I guess I just don't understand.
Air conditioning versus fan Whether I go for air conditioning depends on various variables. Sometimes a fan is actually nicer, plus it keeps mosquito's away, but at other times it is extremely pleasant to return to a nice and cool room. The major drawback for me with air conditioning is that the temperature changes when going in and out of the room can cause a cold. Therefore it is not a must (unlike a fan, I would never forgo a fan), but I do appreciate it and I would say that I stay in air conditioned rooms about half the time.
"There's a certain tragedy in travelling with lots of time but very little money" You had me hooked with the first line...because the converse of that statement in also tragic in many ways. It's very interesting reflecting on how we have changed in our travel habits. Older and wiser? Or older and less able to compromise on what we want? :)
The reverse is indeed equally tragic But I am not unhappy with the change, I think to keep travel interesting we have to change. Otherwise we wouldn't keep it up.
yesss I struggle with that often, being a travel writer. Places want people to come but how do we get the "right" people who will cherish what's already there and not need infinity pools. I'll definitely head here. Sounds like heaven. Miss you!
I think the answer lies with the locals And the government. They have to set the bounds. And as a travel writer, I guess one can express ones own opinion and explain that the island has it charm precisely because it doesn't have the infinity pool yet... And yes, do come, you will enjoy it!
Have you read Indonesia, Etc.? It’s a book written by Elizabeth Pisano. It details her travels through the archipelago. Given how you travel, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Enjoyed that, maybe you should think of publishing like Franz. The only thing I think anyone who s travelled with you would take issue with is ever thinking you'd choose creature comforts over economy Ralf
Strange encounters Hi Ralf. Your story of the meeting with the gay driver reminds me of something that happened to me in the least expected circumstances. It was 2008. I had spent the entire day walking the coast of SW Sumbawa heading for Lunyuk. It was about to get dark. I was done in. I'd been cramping on and off for an hour. I took off my pack intending to sleep by the track. Just then I heard a motor roaring and a minute later a wreck of a truck appeared. There were 6 guys in the back. They were going from farm to farm to collect produce to take to Lunyuk market. So they offered me a lift. As soon as I climbed into the truck both my legs were wracked with the most intense cramps. I was in agony. What happened next I could not have predicted in a million years. In this most isolated place this crazy truck driver takes out his mobile and thrusts it in front of my face. "Take a look at this!" he yells. And on the screen is some guy screwing this woman. I thought "My god. I'm in the company of some sort of creep." I was in so much pain. I said, " Can't you see I'm in fucking agony. I"m not interested." He left it at that and turned out to be a really good guy.
Strange encounter
Your travels really interest me Hi Ralf. I stumbled across your page because I want to visit the Dutch cemetery in Kupang on my next trip to Indonesia. Your appreciation of history and local culture is very impressive and you have really sparked my interest in exploring West Timor in greater depth. I have been there a few times since 1970 but have really only scratched the surface. If you ever come to Lombok get in touch. My wife and I have a homestay in Kuta. We are usually there from April to October each year. Regards
Nice to hear Glad you enjoyed my blog and that it piqued your interest. West Timor is an interesting place, and I too have really only seen a few places. It's a bit like Indonesia, I have both seen a lot of it and seen almost nothing of it. It would be impossible to see all. I do feel I have got a fair glimpse of the country. Thanks for the offer on Kuta, it's a nice spot, so who knows I might pop by one day.
Linn
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Friends
So funny, Suzanne & I were also saying that we feel so lucky that we are still in touch and every time we meet up it's just like the good old days. Although I have to say I think girls are better at keeping in touch than men are. I think it is really special that the three of you have managed to keep up your friendship after all these years...well done! And I have to say hat's off to Eelko & Kathy for having you all over to stay for such a long time...they are truly amazing!!