Hi all,

After another night in Kuta, Bali I was looking forward to going to some little islands and relaxing. Most people that I know who have been there love it so I was excited. It was an early bus ride to get to the boat on time but once we were there it wasn't long till we were off. I think I slept most of the way or at least tried to. Sometimes I would wake myself realising my head had fallen backwards on the bar behind my seat and my mouth was wide open. I opted for getting a stiff neck by cramming my head in the little space next to me rather me looking stupid with my mouth hanging open.

Once I had arrived it was time to escape the heat and get a room quickly. I did treat myself to a nicer room than normal but it was still the same price Darren and I had been paying for two. It sucks when you get to these little islands, to get a room by yourself you can end up paying the same as two people sharing but I always try and barter them down a bit. I thought I would treat myself to a nice big clean room and to be honest I couldn't be bothered to keep looking around. It was a cute little bungalow tucked away in a little dirt road off the main street. Close to everything but away from the noise. The only way to get around the island is by horse and carriage or bike. It was lovely to walk around and not get beeped at by a moped to move. The island Trawagan (spelt wrong I think) is lovely. There are 3 islands Gilli Air, Gilli Meno and the one I was on. So tiny and just between Bali and Lombok. The sun was really hot and I ventured off to see what was about. The main street which goes around the whole island is filled with places to eat and tiny little shops but it's not overpacked or crowded. There is enough so people aren't rammed everywhere but not too much that it fills like a tourist spot. There are some slightly fancier beach restaurants or little cafes to go and grab food. Most of the tables are stretched out onto the beach at night so your sitting amongst the sand, listening to the ocean- perfect.

For my time on Gilli I really didn't do a lot, my days consisted of reading and lying around on the beach, then out for dinner and try to get home before a storm rolled in. It rained most nights and heavily. One time I got caught in it and I was soaked through by the time I made it to get dinner. The waiter actually went and got me a warm towel so I could dry myself with I was that wet. But just as quick at the rain comes and you have to wade your way down the streets, it's gone. On the way that night the street was like a river and the water came half way up my leg but on the way back nothing left but a puddle. I had some great meals, deep fried prawns with wedges and homemade lime mayo was just one of some yummy food I had. I even found a place called Scally-wags which is what my dad used to call me as a kid (it means playful and up to mischief), so obviously I had to go there, it was a sign. The nights were the rain did last a while I curled up in bed and watched a DVD. The thunder would be really loud, it sounded at time like the waves were crashing down around your head and it cause a fair few power cuts which always scared the crap out of me when it first happened. I mean I really did nothing while I was here, walked around a fair chunk of the island but just like wandering around or sitting on the beach having a drink. It's the perfect place to just relax and do nothing.

I had the best time here, gorgeous views of the other islands. It's the first time I have really felt like I was on an island. When you look out to the sea you can see two other islands and they are covered in green. Beautiful, you feel like you are a million miles away from everything.

Sadly I had to leave Gilli a day earlier than I planned but I'll explain that in a bit. The boat back was hectic, it was two hours late and very rocky. It was so bad I couldn't move with sea sickness and laid down and tried to sleep the whole way. It was pretty rough but I made back to Kuta in one piece and met a lovely couple who are on the same flight with me back to Singapore which is nice especially as we have to stay in the hotel tomorrow. Tomorrow or I should say today as I am writing this now is 'silent day'. It's a Hindu festival where last night they has a big parade of scary looking figures going down the streets. I have seen them being made all over Bali and now know what they were being made for. The idea behind it is that they are scaring all the evil spirits away. This statues are huge and all different kinds of things with monsters having a bow and arrow in their hands etc etc. These kids carry them on huge platforms and some must reach 15-20 ft in the air. They are made out of chicken wire and things so I don't know how heavy they are but there was a big parade and all the other streets were very quiet with hardly anyone on them. So today is part of the festival where you have to be quiet to make the evil spirits think that no one is here so they leave forever. Now here is the tricky bit for me. No lights should be on, you can't leave the hotel or the police will fine you big time, the atms went offline last night and I have no money, you aren't allowed to make noise or have fun you have to be quiet. Last night was a bit tricky finding somewhere for food as we had to find a place that took card. Julian and Betina ( the couple I met) were in the same boat and we had to hunt around until we found somewhere. Everywhere was closed or closing up and the streets were empty it was really bizarre seeing such a busy place like this so quiet. So today is an interesting day, I am living off cookies, bread and pringles as I have no money to buy dinner at my guesthouse restaurant. Bit worried how I might pay for my room tomorrow as my flight is early and I am hoping the atms are back online early in the morning. It has been a strange day where everyone has crowded round the pool with nothing to do and no where to go. It's an interesting festival, I just wished I had been warned about it lol. The whole of Bali is closed with no lights on, even the street lights are shut off for today.

Right so next time I write it will be Singapore.

Think of me sat in the dark won't you.

xxxx