the windy fates have landed jen and i in nesu lombagon, a small island off the coast of bali. i will paraphrase the single pearl of wisdom we have found in lonely planet to describe the island: it is the mystical dream of bali that never actually existed in bali. white sand beaches, ragged cliffs, mangrove forests, cold aqua-marine water with perfect surfing waves, snorkeling and diving. quiet thatched bungalows, cheap and without hassle. the town is car-free and is dotted with gorgeous hindu temples. calming incense, fruit, rice and water offerings appear in front of every doorstep at sunrise and sunset. long boats dotting the harbor to harvest seaweed, the local enterprise, with men an women balancing a mountains of rainbow-colored seaweed in baskets on their heads. gorgeous children, well cared for dogs and honest, friendly people. we are happy.
a few months ago, half-way into our trip, jen reflected a bit on our travels. we are now exactly 3 weeks away from boarding our final plane from honolulu so perhaps it is time i reflect as well. i could wax philosophical about lessons in love, strength, perseverance, communication, commitment or friendship… but instead i will keep it simple: i will talk about my relationship with things! my favorite days are when i have fewer things when i tuck into bed than i had at breakfast. worn out, used up, stolen, gifted, forgotten, recycled…. no matter how a thing has departed, my soul is lighter (not to mention my pack!). as my friends and family know, i am a horrible transitioner; recently my days are dotted with an unfortunately familiar flutter of anxiety about returning home — but i do look forward to two specific days in the near future! the first will be my last night christchurch, where i will ceremoniously gift all of my cold weather clothes to my fellow travelers that will undoubtedly relish the feel of “new” fabric on their skin. the second will be in a backpackers hut in maui, where my warm-weather clothes will meet the same fate. i will return home almost with a light pack and — universe willing — a light heart.
okay! phew, that was a lot for one post! we are off to new zealand in a couple days (wish us luck in avoiding the insanity surrounding the rugby world cup!) and from there to hawaii. we be able to chitchat on the phone when we get to hawaii on the 16th — if anyone wants the local number to reach us, just send me an email!
k, as always, love you all. sorry for lack of pictures — the internet is the pits, and, very unfortunately, my camera suffered a staggering injury in sanur :( all new pics will be from jen!
xx kara
