Gili Trawagan

The Gili islands are a small group of 3 islands off the west coast of Lombok, the island due east of Bali. Getting there was more painful than advertised. We choose the cheap option of transport on the sluggish ferry across a stormier than expected sea, one of these ferries capsized a week earlier claiming 200 lives, we would never choose this option again and don't reccomend it to anyone. One man wore a motorcycle helmet and prayed for his life, while Sam's projectile vomiting over the side amused some passengers but made others lose their grip on their tastier on the way down breakfast, proving that he still hasn't developed his sea legs. A bus ride through Lombok and then another ferry out to Gili Trawangan made it a nine hour travel day. The island is small enough to walk around in two hours, and there are no cars or motorbikes on the island, only a pony and carriage that runs up and down the main beach strip. We rented some bikes with Dan and Dj for a few days and biked around the island, which was nice for finding secluded beaches but the road quickly turned to sand paths so we walked our bikes here and there. We found some stairs up a hill into the jungle and discovered an amazing view point to see all around the island and watch the sunset. The island itself was full of drealocked balinese rastas with live reggae music every night, little kids who were always followed by a baby black goat, flying homemade kites, or playing in the surf, signs selling magic mushrooms, and mosques that went off a little loud for comfort at the most awkward times throughout the night. Also, cats and/or roosters would start a chorus in the middle of the night that filled warm tropical air. We ended up staying a few days longer than expected, partly because the fast boats back to Bali were full, but moreso because we were enjoying the small island vibes.
We are now back in Ubud staying in a beautiful room for $25 a night, hanging with Dj and Dan who are almost polar opposites, just picture a hyperactive squirrel and eyore. They have been showing us around Ubud, introducing to different open mic bars, restaraunts groups of ex pats who live in incredible houses and have potlucks everyday it feels like. We watched the inaguration on CNN live at 1:30am in a bar full of ex pats and inspired tourists. The next day we went to Dan's uncles house for an incredible Obama potluck, and we brought a deadly chocolate cake from the local bakery with OBAMA written on it. Tomorrow is our last day in Bali before our journey to Perth, so we are soaking up every moment!