Hi all! Here is a small recap of our exploits thus far (minus photos, which will follow when we reach a city that can cope with our technological requirements)... Spent a few days in Ubud, roaming around the rice terraces and paddies, taking in the deafening sound of the crickets, giant bullfrogs and lizards singing to us every night. Walked along the Sungai Ayung (river) and got hawked (local chap decided we needed him as a guide - which we did neither ask for or need - and accompanied us on our walk and would not go away. He clearly expected payment when we reached the road, but no chance mate! If we need a guide, we'll bloody ask! Our hosts at the guesthouse were fantastic and keen to practice their English. The local bread dripping with ghee and fresh papaya and pineapple has been our best breakfast to date. Left for Padangbai on the east coast of Bali but due to me being harassed all day to buy some memorabilia or services or whatever, we'd had enough come sundown and booked a boat to Gili Trawangan. Pity as it was a beautiful little harbour with a fabulous beach, and it was soooo good at last to see the sea. Too many bloody salespeople though! You may be wondering why i was being harassed and where sid was during this time.... Well he was scootering back to Ubud to collect our passports which he had left under the mattress. Enough said about that. Arrived in Gili Trawangan after a 'challenging' 9 hour journey from Padangbai via Lembar, Mataram and Bangsal. Had our rucksacks quite literally snatched at the ferry port by self-styled, so-called 'porters' who run off with your bag and then demand payment for their services! Pretty intimidating stuff to be honest, which we are now wise to and have them firmly strapped to our backs during all transit. We are also well practiced at hissing "PERGI!!!" to anyone trying it on. Met a couple of crazy Canadian lasses (HI girls!) en route and shared a fabulous pad for a few days until they left and we could afford such luxury no longer! Have now downgraded meaning we can afford to eat like kings. Much sunning, swimming, snorkelling (although the jellyfish hamper this somewhat, particularly after my experience of going into shock on the boat!), aimlessly strolling, eating of wierd and wonderful fresh seafare and card playing (i am currently winning the 2-man international rummy tournament). Leaving tomorrow for Lombok to take on Gunung Rinjani (or at least the area at the base of it) then back to Bali for more volcano-related antics. Island life has been most relaxing, but we've both agreed it's now time to get physical. Bloody glad we got a 60 day visa as there's no way 30 days would have been enough for this incredible country. Love and hellos to all, Sasha and Sidney xxx