Of muck, cloves and budget restraints (not particularly in that order)
November 27th 2016 Money, I seem to talk about it a lot in my blogs, or rather the lack of it. I realise this, and I wonder whether my readers think that money is all I ever think about. It is, alas, the bane of the budget traveller, the eternal enemy on the road. It mocks you from that resort on the perfect white sandy beach surrounded by turquoise waters which you know you can never afford. It teases you with acti
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The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; the islands were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hos... ... read more 
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!