Travel stories written while I’m on the road exploring. So many adventures and experiences pop up each day, I’ll begin by managing them under travel stories and invite you to follow along.
I’ve been here almost one week. It doesn’t seem possible it’s been that long?! Ubud has it’s own vibe and while it’s a spiritual center of sorts, there is definitely a buzz in the air to get out and do something, go somewhere, have a massage, try a different meal, or take a walk. Hitting […]
A quiet lull in Ubud Read More »
I left after my last writing to meet the car. The woman who was going and had walked by much earlier was still sitting there in the center of the family compound arguing with Dewa about a price he’d given her for the tour she wanted to do the next day. She’d been up there
Another perfect twist! Read More »
I was having lunch at Artini’s before going by motor bike with Dewa to Kintamani and the markets. During lunch, I realized I felt so mellow from the work with Eddy this morning, it would probably be better if I waited until tomorrow morning to go. Eddy did acupuncture with me for nearly two hours,
Another amazing moment AND more healers! Read More »
I’ve only been in Ubud a few days and time seems to be flying by. Now that I’m here, I’m not traveling anymore. I’ve got no more long bus rides, don’t plan to involve any ferries, no flights to book, lodging it taken care of and my most demanding activity is deciding if to get
I heard that phrase several years ago. It was used in reference to how much life is changing. In the past, people looked “down the road” at their life goals, where they wanted to be, what they wanted to do, planning for retirement and career and life. Recently, with the changes in the economy, culture,
The light shines on your next step Read More »
I made it here to Seraya Island. My French friends I met early in my trip, when I landed in Penang, were so enthusiastic about it and wrote down all the instructions for how to get here. I put those instructions in my computer case so they would remain handy for the duration of my
Our boat cruised noisily through the islands, no muffler on one of the engines only added to the uniqueness of the experience. The green hills were unlike anything I’d seen on my trip and reminded me a little of photo’s of Ireland. After a long haul, sitting on top in the sun, and watching several
Komodo and Rinca Island Read More »
I went to Kuta Beach yesterday from Ubud to be closer to my flight this morning. I ran into “Yoda” again and he remembered me! I guess I’m really a Jedi Knight now!!! Kuta is still busy and a bit crazy. I love the people watching and forgot how much walking was involved in getting
Komodo: it’s happening! Read More »
Remember when I went shopping to six different stores in Penang looking for the book “Shantaram”? Many people told me about it in the US before I left, even a man while I was waiting in line to be admitted to The “GoLite” factory sale. Once on my trip, more people mentioned it and even
“Shantaram”, what’s in store for me Read More »
If you are bothered by reading about decidedly unmanly behavior, stop reading now! The following information may be disturbing to you! On the other hand, if you are flexible, curious and open minded, read on. Before leaving Makassar, I went shopping for an external hard drive. My laptop was quickly filling up with the 5,500
Caution: “UNMANLY” behavior described below!!! Read More »
As I’m writing from Ubud, you are guessing correctly, I was unable to find a flight out of Denpasar two days ago to Labuan Bajo. My flight in from Makassar was good, I was moved to an exit row that I had to myself, and the Lion Air Flight landed relatively smoothly which they are
Ubud return, a few days later Read More »
As I’m writing from Ubud, you are guessing correctly, I was unable to find a flight out of Denpasar two days ago to Labuan Bajo. My flight in from Makassar was good, I was moved to an exit row that I had to myself, and the Lion Air Flight landed relatively smoothly which they are
Ubud return, a couple days after arrival Read More »
My first day here, I hired a guide, a man named Newman, to give me a tour of the Southern part of this country. I hadn’t intended to go with a guide. When I stumbled upon his “tourist information” place on a side street and asked him a couple questions, he got out a map
Touring Toraja with Newman Read More »
A cloudy Saturday here and rain is threatening. I’ve been very fortunate with the weather! Many travelers I meet are planning their trip by looking up weather forecast on the web. It’s driving them crazy!!! They ask me what I think about going to the Togian Islands because they heard….blah, blah, blah, rain every day
Rantepao reflections, leaving on the overnight bus tonight Read More »
Today, I’m NOT traveling. One long day to Tentena, one day in Tentena on motor bike exploring, one long day yesterday on bus to get here and now, walking and relaxing. It’s strange being around a city again after being on the islands for so long. I’m carrying wallet and watch, found ice cream, am
Travel pause in Rantepao and Tana Toraja Read More »
I’ve arrived! It was quite an interesting trip. Last night, I wasn’t sure if Mr. Rudi was going to bring me all the way or not. I thought so then he mentioned there are three boats. He also told me there was no reason to call Fadhila’s as they would probably be at the dock.
Fadhila’s Cottages near Katupat Read More »
I’ve been here for three days but it feels like I’ve been here for a week or more. Slow pace, deep quiet, silence at night so penetrating it wakes me up. No dogs barking, no honking horns, no traffic, just the slight sound of the generator on the other side of the island, muffled by
Last night in Lestari Melenge Read More »
I’m sitting at the East end of the Island of Melenge in Lestari Bungalows. There are two Lestari’s here. The one near the dock in Melenge is the Losmen. Take a boat from there to the bungalows about 20 minutes away. Lovely beach, very quiet, hammocks on the porch of bungalows. Newer bungalows with private
From Lestari Kadidiri to Lestari Melenge Read More »
While sitting in Melenge Lestari, I did some writing reflecting on my experiences so I’d have them ready when posting. This is one of those. The last day in Gorontalo was a lazy day of relaxing, eating, writing and waiting for the evening ferry. As the day passed, more people showed up who were going
Togian Islands, trip from Gorontalo Read More »
Yes, I’ve been relaxing on the islands for the past 10 days. No internet, no phone, generator for electricity a few hours every evening, quiet so stunning it woke me up at night and the softest white sand beach ever! One ferry broke, the other two were loaded to the gills, it was market day,