Hanging Ten

I am keeping the phone line open. Expecting a call to be in the sequel to the movie ‘Blue Crush’. Haven’t seen it? A surfer chick movie that is admittedly much better than anticipated… not quite Oscar worthy but close.

Exchanged the nearly un-crossable streets of Denpasar for the sands of Kuta. Kuta is Bali. At least in tourist terms. It’s the beach. It’s the surfing. It’s the shopping. It’s the Australians. Like the Bahamas is to Americans, Kuta is to Aussies.

About 15 minutes away but a world different. The atmosphere less traditional. The locals heavily ‘Australian-ized’ … from boardshorts to expressions to food. Even most things stocked on the shelves of the Circle K convenience stores are imported to cater to the southern neighbors. This is where the 2002 Bali bombings occurred. The site of a hopping club, now a memorial.

My travel companions, the typical bunch.

Rachel and Andy, early 30’s married couple from England, spending the next year on West Timor working as hospital management advisors. Amiable and excited to explore.

Sonia, also 30-something English, an ob-gyn. West Timor bound. Although just for a brief 6 month stint as this is a re-placement location after being evacuated from Kenya earlier in the year. Candid and adventurous.

We all seemingly share the notion of making the most out of this Indonesian experience.

While Rachel and Andy sought out a lush hotel with pool, Sonia and I took off for an ally. True, we live just minutes away, but the transport costs add up quickly. So a cheapy dive it was. The price drops quickly without modern amenities. No need for a pool with the sea at the door. No need for topsheet and blanket. No need for hot water… only when we went to shower, we realize no hot water translated into no any water.

While Rachel and Andy frolicked in their crystal blue pool, Sonia and I took to find a surf school. Tumbling into the waves, the surf board tugged on the ankle strap. The sun hot and water warm. Salt on my skin. Salt in my mouth and nose. I seemingly gulp in the entire sea. Learning to surf was top of my ‘to do in indonesia’ list before even arriving. Check…….. still working on perfecting the standing part.