These last few days life has been pretty simple. Mom and I have been traveling through Flores, Indonesia. It is a road less traveled by tourists. Nothing fancy like Bali, just traditional villages sprinkled throughout the mountains. Like clockwork, mom wakes up with the roosters, waiting thankfully a few more hours before she wakes me up. We have the typical "breakfast included" meal - tea or coffee, banana pancake or toast, and if we are lucky, fruit. Don't be fooled, the banana pancake is flat, a little oily, and mushy. The toast, just plain white bread. The instant coffee is so strong, you need to let the powder settle to the bottom before you can even drink it. I can't wait to have a bagel with cream cheese, turkey bacon, and Starbucks coffee! Ahhh, the simple things in life.
The region we are in is high in the mountains, which means it is super cold in the mornings and at night. With no hot water, that pretty much means showers are a no-go. At home, showers are a daily ritual. Here, if I haven't taken a shower in two days, I might consider one the next day. Seriously, that is not an exaggeration. Yesterday, I was delighted to shower under a waterfall of luke warm water. Mom and I were in our bathing suits washing each other's backs (the first time my back has been washed proper in 4 months!) while this weird local guy watched. I can't wait for my own shower, in my own bathroom, with hot water, and no creepy guys watching. Ahhh, the simple things in life.
Animals of all types are everywhere in Indonesia. Similar to most third-world countries, mangy cats and dogs on the street are common. Here, I have seen the most unusual. Chickens cooped up in a box tied to the back of the boat...fresh meat for dinner on our boat tour. Two chickens on the side of the road convulsing after their heads have been cut off. A goat being shoved into the public bus right next to its human passengers and another one tied the the roof. Today, strolling along a beautiful black-sand beach there were goats feeding on garbage, chickens and their baby chics running next to the boys playing football (soccer for you Americans), and a dead rooster. I can't wait to see my cute, clean, domesticated dog back home. Ahhh, the simple things in life.
*Note, I am so happy to hear a new song. The internet cafe has been playing the same two songs in rotation for the last 45 minutes. Ooooh, an iPod playlist would be great right now.
Pretty soon, 4 days to be exact, I will be returning to the typical busy life back home. I'm actually a little scared. Can I maintain the balance of life I have so preciously attained while traveling? **And now, that new song a few minutes ago has been repeated for a third time. I think that means it is time for me to go. Until next time...
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