Gili Trawangan days 1-3

The Gili Islands are three small islands right off of the coast of Lombok; the largest being Gili Trawangan, the smallest Gili Air and middle sized island, Gili Meno. We decided to spend our time exploring Gili Trawangan because of all the good things we had heard about it before hand- tons of accommodation, great food, friendly people, laid back areas, party areas, beautiful beaches with snorkeling right off the beach, oh and no motorbike, cars or DOGS allowed. 

The only type of transportation on the island: 

Right when we got off of the crammed local ferry we headed straight to a bungalow complex called SoundWaves, thanks our prior introduction with the Scottish woman named Helen in Sengigi owns the bungalows. Helen told us that many local people refer to her as "mom with the 7 boys" on the island because she employees 7 young men who live, cook, hang around and tend to the 12 bungalows that she owns. "Mom" has acquired more and more employees over the years because one kid after the other will simply show up one day, start working at the hotel and insist or prove that they are worthy of a job. It's a funny little dynamic, but so charming at the same time. 

We spent four nights (so far...) at SoundsWaves. It is $200,000rp/ $17usd per night (breakfast/ wifi/ private ensuite included), also right across from the beach and a turtle sanctuary. Over the past days we spent on Gili Trawangan we became very attached to mom and her 7 boys and spent hours talking, singing and hanging out with them everyday. Each of the employees could speak English, some better than others, but it was neat being able to communicate with them and learn about where they are from, what it's like to live in Indonesia, and also help them learn new words and improve their overall ability. Brilliant really. 

Aidan and some of the boys: (we bought them beers) I

Day one or Feb. 14th we checked into our "economy" bungalow and ordered cheese and onion Australian beef burgers and fries from SoundWaves' restaurant. Amazing burgers and hands down the best french fries we have ever had! After, we lounged on the beach and swam in the water until it started to down pour and thunder.  

Aidan at SoundWaves Restaurant with "mom" in the background:

I think the secret is all in the oil: 

Sign at turtle sanctuary in front of our hotel: (for Kelly) 

The rainy beach: 

We went to an Italian restaurant that night to celebrate Valentine's Day with an all you can eat soup and salad bar, and $35,000rp/ $3usd pizza and $20,000rp/ $1.70usd pasta! Delicious, however I never received my meal until we asked for the check and they realized my order was never placed so naturally they ran into the kitchen and brought it to me when we were getting up to pay...I said no thank you we would like to cancel the order. 

We have come to learn that many restaurants in tourist areas do not care whether or not their customers receive great service since so many people filter in and out of the town quickly. Even the Trip Advisor rated eats that focus on prime service will still "forget" your order or just bring you a completely different dish than what you ordered. This happens so often/ daily that we have learned to just go with it and always laugh at the fact that you never know what you are really going to get when they bring you your meal...hey it's all part of the adventure.

 

A nice view from the restaurant: 

Day 2 we rented bikes and biked around the whole island. At times we we forced to push our bikes through the sand or mud, but it only took us about an hour and a half to loop the island. Afterwards we parked our bikes and found a nice beach area to snorkel and lounge at. We saw many beautiful fish, an eel and a massive turtle munching on the coral below! We went back to SoundWaves and ordered the delectable cheese and onion burger with fries, along with two piña coladas:) 

For dinner that night we went to the night market, where tons of pop up food stand sell local Indonesian cusine and tons of freshly caught fish. 

Chicken and shrimp kababs, corn, rice, veggies: 

The night market: 

After dinner we met a local who worked at a small bar/liquor store across from the night market.  After buying two Bintangs (Indonesian beers) he invited us to sit on stools infront of the shop.  He was egar to talk with us and asked about our lives and we did the same, hearing about his life as he asked about ours. Throughout our conversation we could hear the sounds of building in the background, and shortly after the sounds stopped a newly built table materialized for us to sit at! He mixed us a few of his 'speciality shooters,' the 4th of July and the reggae. He also taught us how to split straws in half by vigorously rubbing them between your hands and fingers haha... A funny new party trick.

Mark and Aidan: 

Shooters: 

The straw trick:

Day 3 we took a nice stroll to the Gili Viewpoint, where you can see the other Gili Islands from afar. Along the way we passed tons of cattle, baby goats and horses all grazing on the fertile land. The viewpoint wasn't too easy to get to ( not sure if we actually made it), but it was an adventure maneuvering our way through plants and hidden pathways. All the plant life and land was so green and beautiful and very well groomed. 

Some local housing: 

Recycling?: 

Tiny kitten (cats are allowed but no dogs): 

 

After our hike we headed to the beach and soaked up some of the fading sun rays and went for a sunset snorkel. At that time of the day there are fish everywhere and the water is so clear and calm... It has become part of Aidan's daily ritual to snorkel and swim at sunset:)

We went to night market for dinner later that evening and I ordered a whole red snapper; I was able to choose from the array of seafood on display and had it sliced in half and barbaqued to perfection YUM. We went back to SoundWaves that night and listened to one of the boys, Ejan, jam out on his guitar... Amazing musician! 

Days 4- when we leave to be continued...