Lombok: Woman Vs Grasshopper

My arrival into Lombok was somewhat stressful. 15 minutes before my airport transfer arrives, I learn that the volcano on the island had erupted the previous day. 13 news articles, volcano eruption research and a conversation with the British Embassy later…I call mum to ask her what I should do!

After much toing and froing in the taxi (heading to a new area in Bali Vs the airport) I dramatically announce ‘I’m going to go…to the airport please!!’ only we were now stuck in traffic so that didn’t follow with a dramatic u-turn, just a nod from the driver. Now aware of my desperation to hurry for my flight, he takes the opportunity to put the fare up, for ‘keep changing mind’, even though we were still on the only road out of Seminyak.

I made my flight with seconds to spare and seemed to be the only one on the plane looking out of the window to assess the ash cloud situation. Safely on the ground now, I exit the airport to find my organised taxi hasn’t turned up. If ever you’ve been to Indonesia you’ll know how intimidating leaving an airport can be. Everyone’s a taxi driver and everyone’s pulling you in the direction of their car. With my most British accent (annoyed now) I shake them all off and tell them to back off and stop being rude. I point to a guy in uniform stood in the back and ask him to take me to Senggigi. I quickly learn he was stood at the back because he doesn’t know a word of English, so giving him my instructions of how to find the yoga retreat in the jungle was useless.

A couple of hours and several wrong turns later we finally arrive. Boy do I need this retreat. I’m shown to my room and am left to settle in. I’m in an ACTUAL jungle. Not a few trees and pot plants, no. It’s pitch black out, and I can hear monkeys and owls and geckos and crickets and, oh right there’s an oversized grasshopper on my bed! I literally jumped out of my skin, then the grasshopper jumped onto my pillow. I totally considered giving up my bed to this creature. Why did I think I could be at one with nature?! I gently coaxed it off my bed and got to work putting up the greatest invention on earth…

If it wasn’t for this net i’d be back in London right now…

That night was interesting to say the least. Not a wink of sleep, nature was deafening. And when I finally dropped off at 4am my resident gecko started singing. At this point I’m hoping I’ll either find my zen at yoga tomorrow, or I’ll have to admit defeat and move on to a hotel.

Note to self, if I ever get famous never agree to go on I’m A Celebrity…

I awoke in the morning and cautiously opened the door to my bungalow to see my surroundings for the first time. Good morning Lombok! A tropical paradise, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I quickly felt very stupid for feeling so very scared last night. Whilst stood there taking it all in, a massive grin on my face, the oversized grasshopper made a go for me and jumped onto my head! I.could.not.believe.it. I decided it was time to be brave and escorted the cheeky critter out of my new home for the next week. 

My daily commute…

I have LOVED Lombok. Highlights of my time on this beautiful island are…

Chasing waterfalls

Trekking round Mount Rinjani, wading through a couple streams and over a bridge later we reached this breathtaking sight. We jumped right into the freezing water and paddled until we couldn’t feel our fingers (myself and Signe, a friend from the yoga retreat).

Surfs up

My first ever surf lesson. Quote of the day, ‘I SAID PADDLE CHRISTINE, COME ON FASTER NOW, PADDLEEEE!!! Sorry I shout at you, this my character’. A pushy coach at Andre Surf school got me riding waves within the hour!

Due to the seriousness of the lesson, photography was considered a distraction by said shouty instructor, so I’m going to let Elle demo exactly how I looked out there…

Stunning beaches

Black sand, white sand, pink sand, Lombok has it all. My favourite is a fishing village beach called Nipah Beach. They catch the fish in the day, then cook it on charcoal at dusk. 

Not something you see every day…

Gypsea Yoga

The retreat has made my stay in Lombok all the more memorable. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. I actually find myself leaving the beach early to come and have some girl / chill / play time.

I’ll definitely be sad to leave this island, I’ve really fallen in love with it. And whilst I’m still not quite at one with nature, I’m a lot closer to it than I was a week ago!

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