My neighbors: Jared, Becky, and their daughter Cara Grace were my travel buddies. We left just before noon and made it to the airport a little later than expected. We almost got kicked off our flight for being five whopping minutes late for check-in.
The flight was short, just an hour and a half. We got picked up by the hotel driver and traveled another two hours north to a small town called Amed. It was pitch black when we arrived - which is a lot different than towns like Legion and Kuta, where I spent my last holiday.
I went straight to bed, which was a good thing because the glaring sunrise happened at 4 am. It was so bright that it would wake even the dead. As much as I didn't want to get up that early, it was definitely beautiful. And apart from that, I was able to actually see the gorgeous hotel grounds.
The hotel was very quaint, only five bungalows, an infinity pool, access to a black sand beach, and a small restaurant perched over the ocean. All of the grounds are terraced and decorated with hindu statues. It was everything you'd think an island paradise should be.
I must say the week was very uneventful for the most part. Every day was routine - breakfast, swimming in the pool, nap, lunch, snorkeling or swimming, another nap, and dinner. There was no sense of time or urgency and it was everything I needed.
The only thing that put a little dent in my peaceful week was the motorbike accident I was in. I was riding with my friend Josh into town, to get some fresh fruit, and we hit a patch of sand and gravel the wrong way and went flying. I lost vision for 10 minutes (which was terrifying), scraped up my legs and arms, and had 4 huge gashes: one on my knee and the rest on my forearm/elbow. It was a blessing to have Josh there because the whole ordeal was terrifying.
However, as scary as the accident was, the locals were so helpful in getting a doctor and supplying me with water and a bed to lie down on. The doctor was just as painful as the accident. She gave me a shot of anesthesia for my leg and didn't wait for it to settle in before beginning to stitch me up. I felt every bit of pain I wasn't supposed to, screaming "sakit, sakit" - which means "pain, pain." So instead of waiting, she gave me another shot before continuing.
Anyway, after the stitches and clean up, the hotel manager (who graciously drove out to pick us up) brought us back. I spent the rest of the day in bed and watching Al Jazeera, the Arab news base.
I contemplated hitching an early flight home, but then I realized I would be sulking in my bed and decided that there was as good as anywhere to heal and rest up. It was a good decision. I was able to soak my wounds in the salt water ocean, swim, and see the most awe-striking sunrises I've ever seen in my life.
The rest of the week was relaxing, which consequently included a trip to Kuta for shopping (of course). The plane was delayed a bit, which was fine because I could grab some free internet and catch up on my emails. However, when we arrived in Jakarta we were in for a never road trip back home. Normally it would take an hour and a half to get home. We were stuck in the car for five freaking hours with a whiny six year old complaining about everything under the moon.
When I finally got home, I hopped in bed and crashed. With a few blips aside from the trip, I definitely think it was a thoroughly enjoyable vacation. I am looking forward to the next trip to Bali in June. Although it is about 2 months away, time seems to fly by here in Indonesia.
Until next time...much love and Happy Easter!
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