Part 54: Going our separate ways...

The next few days were as much a struggle to walk as I ever remembered in my life.
Like a 100 gym sessions rolled into one, my legs and back were so stiff I could barely step down a kerb let alone walk.
The stink of pungent tiger balm rubbed into my immobile legs, was doing its best to offer me relief from the dull and deep pain I felt from the gruelling climb.
And it continued like this for the best part of 5 long days, until the mobility slowly but surely returned.
And finally the cold I felt was a distant memory as the next days were a welcome heatwave - It was heavenly bliss!
We decided to spend time chilling at the hostel and all chipped in for supplies and alcohol.
The common area at the Bunibon lodge hostel in Kota Kinabalu was amongst the best I had seen on my travels, with comfy sofas and huge bean bags making it practically impossible to not relax.
Aaron was eager to show us his didgeridoo playing skills that he'd been telling us about, and treated us to his surprisingly good rendition of Jamiroquai's Didjital Vibrations. We drank beer and wine all night, sharing more stories and plenty of laughs.
Aaron the cool German Rasta really was a multi talented guy, as he also demonstrated with his culinary skills, serving us up a delightful chilli con carne one day, with fresh ingredients he purchased from the Arabic market, followed by freshly ground burgers the next, and finally a delicious fresh pasta sauce - l literally didn't have to move from the bean bag whilst my friends served me delicious food. This was the life.
A full week of pure relaxing had passed before Aaron and Tracy decided to head to the Philippines, I kind of wish I didn't spend so much time telling them how amazing it was there, that way they may well have stayed a bit longer.
And Steve my Tasmanian buddy headed West across the South China Sea to Thailand in pursuit of a girl he met in Indonesia.
It was not easy saying good bye to these guys, especially after we bonded, laughed and suffered together up Mount Kinabalu.
I felt really sad the day they all left and came extremely close to joining Aaron and Tracey back in the Philippines, a country so close to my heart. But for now, my path lay elsewhere.
This was another part of travelling I was still getting used to - first meeting then bidding farewell to great new friends.
I was grateful to each and everyone of them for welcoming me so warmly into their group. We all hugged as we said our goodbyes - It was a lonely and quiet night later with out them.
The next day I decided to try and distract myself by blog writing and couldn't make my mind up to move on to Kula Lumpur or stay on the magnificent Borneo. I really couldn't decide.
But after much deliberation, thought it best to stay here. Isn't that just one of the many beauties of travel.
A super chilled American guy called Dan and his wife, Christine who were on honeymoon touring Asia introduced themselves and before I knew we were all deep in conversation.
This is exactly what I needed after my friends had left - these guys were really friendly and a most welcome company.
Then for the first time for a while I decided to explore Kota Kinabalu after regaining the use of my legs.
I found a great spot late afternoon on the water front staring at the sunset, having a little time to myself and reflecting again was a great way to reevaluate and get a clear perspective on things, savouring all my experiences so far.
Not only has travel provided me with new found self confidence, I’m much less shy and take more risks now.
Getting out of the UK and leaving behind everything that was familiar has helped me redefine my priorities based on what’s important to me, rather than what I think I should be doing.
And if anyone had told me a year ago that I would be writing this from the other side of the world on a beach in Borneo I would have responded “Yeah, right…”
But here I am, and damn does it feel good.
All this thinking was making me hungry so I decided to try some of the delicious local cuisine at a nearby eatery.
And whilst enjoying some of the local Laksa (a spicy coconut noodle soup) I was approached by a couple of really friendly American girls who just decided to randomly join me.
'Hey' one said.
'Err, hello' I replied.
'Ooo nice accent, are you british?'
Then before I knew it I was being asked to accompany these two girls camping on an secret island and in their own words 'do man things' like make a fire, chop logs and catch fish.
Turns out they were staying at the same hostel as me and asked if I knew anyone else who would like to join us. My new American friend sprang to mind.
So with that we all headed back to the hostel, where Dan and his wife were already in the lounge and they were well up for joining us!
No sooner had I waved goodbye to my friends, I'd made 4 new ones. And we were all going on another adventure...