Hi all,

Getting there was interesting but I've got use to these types of trips now!

The minibus arrives at the hotel to take us to the port early doors and we arrived at the port at about 7:30 am. After waiting in a cafe until the ferry arrived, these little Indonesian man had picked up julie's rucksack and my diving bag and was hurrying off up the street with it! Nice one! So after we had paid for breakfast we rushed after them to find them standing at the dock with the bags. We confronted then to be greeted with now you pay for porter service! I think I said something a long the lines of 'ur havin a laugh my mate'. More of them appeared demanding money but we held our ground and they left pretty pis*ed off!

The ferry was basically a cargo ferry so we were on the top deck, sat on the floor with only our rucksack to lean on for comfort. We entertained ourselves by playing cards, reading books and listening to music. Five hours later we arrived at the next port in Lombok which is the next Island to Bali. We then got on another minibus and after being harassed to buy water, rice, fruit? The bus set of across Lombok to the next port. After an hour or so (and getting cash out as there are no ATM's on the Gilli's) we arrived at the next port. Again, the porters came and tried to take our bags but we were ready for them this time, they still try and take them out of your hands! After being hassled to buy water, rice, fruit again? we began the final leg of the journal on a long boat to the Island. Well, after the stoned Aussie guy got stung for mosquito repellent, he paid about 10 quid to the sellers that pester you and it costs about 80p from any shop! Oh and they also got him for porter service, the boat set off. We passed Gilli Air, Gilli Meno and arrived at Gilli Trawenga which is the main back packer island. Shattered, we found a nice place to stay, nice clean room with brekkie thrown in for about 3 quid. We went out to eat and sat in a lovely restaurant right on the beach, the sea was lapping up practically at the side of the table. It was so peaceful and chilled, there are no motorbikes, the only methods of transport are horse and carts and push bikes! After eating we found an Irish bar where they have all pub games free of charge, darts, football table, jenga etc and you can have your own TV and DVD in your booth and pick any film from about 2000, again free of charge! I took an instant liking to the Island and if I was looking for a paradise island! This was it!

After a lovely day spent sunbathing on an almost secluded beach with lovely white sand and the clearest turquoise sea, we decided to look into the diving on the island. We went with the Manta Dive shop who where cool. The dives were OK but not amazing but I just love diving and being under water and in a totally different world.

The next day we decided to go on the snorkeling trip. For about 3 quid you get the snorkel mask and are taken around the 3 Gilli Islands of Trewenga, Meno, and Air to snorkel around the reefs. There were about 12 of us on the boat and the guides would stop at the each of the reefs so that we could jump in and have a nosey under the water. This was really cool as I saw about 3 turtles, a trigger fish, a puffer fish and some clams, as well as hundreds of other things. We had dinner on Gilli Air, a very quite island, if you wanted to get away from it all, this would be the place as there would probably be just you and the odd bar man! Other than that, it was a brilliant trip, well worth the 3 quid.

The rest of the time on Gilli Trewenga was spent chillin out on the beach, eating lovely food, drinking Bintang - Bali lager, and watching films. After the diving day we watched Finding Nemo - it would of been rude not to! However, I fell asleep - how does it end??

One really random day we bumped into the Aussie guy who was sat giggling with 2 other lads as they had just finished the magic mushroom shakes that you can buy of the Gili's as there is no police. Just as we were being entertained by them in their crazy state, Bill Bailey (comedian on Never Mind the Buzzcocks) walked past and said hello! Was a surreal moment.

Gilli Trawenga is just a magical little place that I loved!! Back to Bali please

Bye for now

Miffy x x x