Thoughts while in Bali

Three days left in Bali and by now it leaves me with a smile driving through the city streets. I have accustomed well and got myself a scooter. Amazing how being mobil has changed my experience here. I am no longer being hazzeled by the never ending – transport or taxi – call outs when walking on the sidewalk, or what they call sidewalk but actually is more like an obsticale course and made me always nervous to catch my flip flop or worse my whole foot in the concrete cracks. The walk into the town of Ubud in total was never enjoyable and I felt irritable by the time we get anywhere. Not wanting to stay in this energetic at any time while being here I did what worked for me and got myself some wheels. I don’t feel quiet like a local yet driving as there are no traffic rules and I still have to concentrate so much that I am sure I am a funny sight to watch, all serious under my way too big half shelf helmet. I realize there are still parts of town I have not explored and so it is my mission to do so in the remainder time. The people are lovely here – so friendly so peaceful and can I just say what I enjoy so much as well , there is no stealing here. You know how nice it is to just put your helmet on top of the mirror at your bike and not have to worry. I see people leaving there entire groceries behind. Wouldn’t that be nice to go back to these days where one would think that a stinking helmet is not something anyone could desire. I have spent two days on the gilli T island as the white people called it in slang. The proper name is Gili Tranwangan, the largest of the three Gili islands belonging to Lombok. Gili T is said to be the party island and I contest to the truth of that matter. I was not there for the party but rather it is the easiest island to get to and honestly I was dying to get away a bit from all the couples. I knew Bali was honeymoon destination number one and I get why but traveling as a single I found myself annoyed by looking at all the happy couples. (We did see some unhappy ones, too. I’de say I give them at least two more years before their relationship will end in inreconsilable differences.) I did find what I was looking for on the island: Cristal clear water, white sand beach and sun. Once you leave the party scene behind on one street you can actually find beaches all around the island that are deserted, only me, endlessly screening my eyes over the aboundance of shells and coral peaces carpeting the entire stretch of beach. And so I splourged spending two nights in a geourgeos bungalow, all dark wood with the large white bed, dancing white sheer courtains all around for moskito protection. Yes, it, too, was the perfect honeymoon room, but this I didn’t mind, to stretch my legs in all directions, fully enjoying my room, my time, my bed, The place had front beach access and all lawn chairs reserved for little me. One of the owners was German, post or present hippie, usually living in Berlin, when not in Bali. We had a beer and chatted. You can appreciate that even the most hippiest looking person coming from Germany atually has had a most qualified education, including University and therefore the conversations with Martin were interesting, lasting and wordly. We set front row, watching all the white people walking by on their way to the next coctail party and every once in a while a local would greet Martin, saying something in Indonesian, a language which I in the one month did not pick up at all, not even the hello and thank you. I don’t know, but this language does not stick with me at all. Oh well. Gilli T is entrily taken over by tourism, there is no doubt about that. Water shortage and trash mountains are creating a huge problem and for me a personal conflict for being there. I asked Martin all sorts of questions as I was worried about the additional water plastic bottle I just consumed and personally curious where the water came from, provided in the outdoor shower for me. Martin shared all the concerns this island is going to face with the ever increasing tourism on the island and the very little solutions for the problems. I am afraid there weren’t too many concerned visitors and I want to perhaps simply blame that on the age range of all the travelers there. 99% of all people coming to Gilli T are young hipsters, surfers from all over the world, age range 18 – 24, I guessed. And for them I have to say it truly is heaven. If I had a daughter or son that age I would absolutely support them to come here. Its safe haven, beach time, fun as fun happens at that age and also perhaps a fun way to be introduced to your first mushroom experience.