End of the road - Blogabond

I decided that I'd take a few days off from doing anything when I got to Kuta (the tourist/backpacker haven in the south of Bali), and spent the time sleeping, eating and going to the beach. I had 2 weeks in which to accomplish more, and had great plans to travel the Island, and maybe even brave the 11 hour trip to the Gilli Islands just off Lombok. However, I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't even left Kuta these past 2 weeks. I simply couldn't be arsed (plus the fact that I was so pissed off by the constant harrassment from taxi-drivers and moped people offering transport, that I decided I'd start a one-man stand against them). I've been caught in a coma enduced by excess sleep, cheap food, cheap beer and baking hot weather.

The sun sets on Kuta Beach

So, accomplishments during the last 14 days:

-I've kept a pretty regular sleeping pattern
-This has been composed of the main sleep at night, and early afternoon kip (usually just after lunch) and an early evening kip (between 6-8pm)
-I've managed to become a regular at a sports bar. When I arrive, all I need to do is pull up my stool, and a cool Bintang will already be waiting for me
-I've found a quiet restaurant down a back-alley that puts on Family Guy every time I come in
-I've worked on my tan

So, other news from Bali...

Over the past few days Kuta has been invaded by Japan. Luckily for me and my natural aversion to hard work, the invaders are tourists, and as far as I know, have no desire to annex Bali in a violent coup, round up all the residents and foreigners and begin a brutal regime. But that's only as far as I know...

A game of football on the beach

Anyway, the snap-happy little chaps have given the town a little more life, as it's been remarkably quiet until now. Speaking to people that have been visiting Bali for years, I've found that it's been as quiet as this pretty much ever since the first bombing. The second one last year really was a hammer blow. The backpacker party scene has now moved to Thailand.

Symbolism. A final sunset

Well, apologies for the lack of variety in photos. As I mentioned above, I haven't actually seen anything interesting, so I just took a stroll down to the beach for sunset last night and snapped away.

I'm off to Melbourne in about 10 hours to begin my mission to make 'birthday friends'. The big day itself is next Thursday, and as of now, I have 0 people to celebrate it with.

So, that's it. End of the road. No sooner do I make it as the posterboy of Blogabond, then my reign at the top is cruelly cut short. Just like James Dean, Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Except that I won't actually be dead of course. Having said all that, I'll probably write one more blog in a week or 2 from Melbourne. Just to let everyone know how I'm settling in.

written by

olliejohnson on October 28, 2006 from Kuta, Indonesia

from the travel blog: A man from Cockshutt.

Send a Compliment

I see no mention of the American girl who just wanted to play soccer with Kim. Certainly deserving, maybe she'll be getting a whole blog entry when you get to Melbourne.

Also, I think you skipped the lesson in naming your photos. It's supposed to go something like this (for a picture of people on a beach at sunset): big beach sun people lotsa people getting dark wasted cool.

I guess you're in the air right now! Hope the flight is OK and you're not too tired when you arrive in Melbourne!

written by Angela on October 28, 2006

Oliver,

I can't believe you made me ride the baggage compartment. I am so upset right now. There's a komodo dragon in the cage next to me and he's scaring me. I am definitely giving you the silent treatment when we land. As harsh as conditions are back here in baggage, strangely, they have the internet.

Love,

T-dogg

written by Trevor on October 28, 2006

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday lieber Ollie, happy birthday to you! Hoch soll er leben, hoch soll er leben, dreimal hoch! Kinder soll er kriegen, Kinder soll er kriegen drei mal neun!

Hi Ollie, happy birthday from Marcus and me! I know, we are a bit late, sorry for that, but even in NZ not every town has internet. Hope you are doing fine in Melbourne and I am really looking forward to read more stories, it is hillarious and even the two germans seem as nice and clever, maybe one of them a bit gay but, neverthless thanks!
I am pretty sure you enjoyed your birthday yesterday and hopefully the next time we can probably have a chat if you are online too.

So, stay healthy (directlt translated from german), indulge yourself and always take care of your morning glory...

See ya mate,

Marcus and Flo!

written by Flo on November 2, 2006

Ollie, I've just spent a very entertaining hour (God - an HOUR?!) looking through your posts. I am both entertained and jealous of your adventues. I shall have to check back in soon. Glad to hear you are having fun and all that jazz... London is much the same as ever - for that, read dull. Anyway - take care!

written by Nicki on November 6, 2006

G'day mate!

It's me, the McGuigmeister here. No one beats your 3 months of blogging integrity. No one. You have been writing a blog for over 3 months and because of your diligence and your unparalleled English wit, I believe you are dependable and trustworthy. This means a lot coming from a man like me. You can trust me. Why? Because I say you can.

written by The Guig-ster on November 8, 2006

Hey Ollie,

Due to funding issues we are on a sprint down to Melbourne to get jobs asap. This means we shall be arriving early next week. Send Big Murph your aussie phone number and we'll give you a call when we arrive. Found anywhere good to stay?

The smug adventurers x

written by Murph on November 9, 2006

Wonderful experience in Bali....wish you luck for your future travel forays...in fact, I have also been planning an adventure tour to Bali, comparable to Flores in many respects. I hope to enjoy sailing, kayaking and live aboard diving amongst other things here. Here is a tour I thought could be great, what do you think about it: http://www.ekoventure.com/trips/south_east_asia-indonesia-bali-boat_cruises-snorkeling-cultural_tours-family_travel-hiking-luxury_travel-sailing-wildlife_tours-cultural-exploration-luxury-active_sport-sea-trek-sailing-adventures-14330

written by

gertrudeyoung58 on May 22, 2009

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