Off to Gili Trawangan

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We were up bright and early this morning - earlier than usual as I'm usually awake by 6:45. We were showered, packed, had eaten and were read to go by 6:30 and our ride picked us up promptly at that time so it was a good thing we were ready. It was a long ride to Paidang Bay where we took the Gili Fast Boat to the Island. The ride over was uneventful and not too rough so fortunately I did not get sick. I don't think Joan and I shut up the whole trip - catching up with each other. When we got to the Island we were transported to Blu d Mare by horse and cart as no cars or scooters are on the island. I hardly had sat my ass down and the cart was off.. help me!!!! It was not a smooth ride at all!!! We negotiated the guy down from $7.00 to $5.00. I don't know what we would have done if he'd of said kiss my rosy red ass and get yourselves there but bartering is expected so good thing.
Our accommodation to give you some comparisons is $60.00 a day taxes in;; the fancy resort at the end, which really is not all that fancy and DEFINITELY NOT the Mirage is $340.00 a day but she said she could give me a better price if we stayed 2 or 3 days. I was just checking for interests sake. Of course the amenities we have are only worth $60.00 a day... well I wouldn't say even that much but it is different.....
Our accommodation is the equivalent of the camping cabins we have rented in the USA but with a big bathroom - clean water - but not cold. We have electricity from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 am. after that none. The owners are Italian and very nice people and GREAT cooks... no I won't be coming back smaller like I had thought. It is a small - I'm sitting beside asking Joan what these places are called and she says you mean villa - hut; and now we are laughing because a villa they are NOT... We do have a nice porch though - very nice where we sat tonight and had a vodka - no ice so we had a cold tonic and left over orange juice... We have a mosquito net on our bed so that does not help the A/C get to us very easily. It is very primitive but we are enjoying it.
The beach is about 12 steps from our restaurant and our beach chairs are about 6 steps from our dining table also on the beach... so for $30.00 each it is a steal.
The snorkelling we do right off our beach and the fish are very pretty and we saw a sea turtle yesterday. I have taken many pictures on my underwater camera so I hope they turn out.
We met a real nice couple from England - Mike and Veronica.

Had banana pancakes today - unlike any pancakes I have ever had AND Italian coffee - very dark and very good. This couple makes their own pasta and it is to die for. We are very lucky in that regard.
This morning we took a walk around half of the island. Tomorrow we will do the other half. You can easily walk around the entire island in about 3 hours.
This evening Joan and I are going to treat ourselves .. ha ha... with a nice Valentine's Dinner - no expectations...
Life is good...
Miss you all though... home seems very far away this evening.
Love you all.

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Comments

[suzanne and craig]

we are enjoying reading about your trip. craig's question- what are the day and night temperatures? my question- is the water as clear as in mexico? and the same temperature, that is, tepid and inviting? is it safe? are you having fun trying to communicate or is english spoken at all? sounds like your accomodation would possibly be like a cabin. rustic but servicable. your'e no pansy, fay, you can do rustic AND still get your lipstick on straight if you want to. at least before the vodka comes out. maybe not AFTER the vodka comes out, but by then who the hell cares. this little island sounds like a place where you can really start to unwind. relax and enjoy......suzanne and craig...ps happy valentines day!