And on to the islands of Indonesia

Ooohh how I love the island vibe!

I've been in Indonesia for a little over a week-in Bali and for some days now in the Gili Islands. I can't believe I'm here already and doing so many different things I never anticipated nor planned.  I'm definitely on "Holiday" that's what they call it in the islands and I'm totally loving it! It's been a while since I've just chilled for more than just a weekend. The people here are so curious. I say curious because their curiosity is reflected not only in how intrigued they are by my friend Carolina and I because we are not the typical Caucasian looking tourist on the island but also, because they live by mottoes such as "You never know unless you try" or "Why not" and "be happy, follow your heart." The most interesting thing is that we have come during the time of Ramadan so every establishment except one bar, the Surf Bar closes at 11pm. Most of the locals therefore are not out and about and are strict devotees to their beliefs for they fast until sunset. But the men mainly although they may follow those beliefs are in no way shy about their other doings. They have continuously offered Carolina and I weed and shroom shakes, yes, mushrooms are completely legal and normal here at least in Bali and on the Trawangan Island.  The vibe here is just chill, the locals who work at the restaurants and bars are very nice and this whole island actually caters to the tourists (just a bit conflicted about this in more ways than one), EVERYONE here are tourists mainly from Europe and Australia although we've met an Argentinian, Spaniard and a couple of guys from Jordan and Syria and all this happened in one night at the Surf Bar, the day we saw the sunrise. 

My eyes have seen so much beauty this last week! Bali is beautiful and the country side of Ubud is gorgeous. We went water rafting the day we went to to Ubud...WOW. It reminded me of the Jason Mraz video "I'm Yours" because of that scene when people are jumping from the waterfalls. Wow, the green always amazes me and I can honestly say that there are images in my mind now and places that simply are indescribable because there are no words to accurately portray their beauty and aesthetic perfection. God's beauty is indescribable. It's amazing really. Today was also one of those days I became breathless by the beauty. We took a half hour boat ride to the Island of Lombok, which is a lot quieter. Many of the workers here on Trawangan come from there. Most of the young men that work at the bungalow we are staying at are from Lombok and one of them invited us to visit his village today. When we arrived we got on some motorbikes. We drove about an hour or longer up to one of the mountains where he is from and where the waterfalls are at. Astonishing!!! The route there was once again indescribable. Words could simply not do this place justice. We passed so many trees, rice fields, mountains and the ocean. Lombok is definitely on the top of my list of the most beautiful places I have visited! Whoa the waterfalls were beautiful and the water freezing cold! But it was worth it! Oh and the food here is delicious! Nasi Goreng and Nasi Campur...oh man! This entire trip has been filled with the most delicious foods ever!! I'm truly going to miss this diet! My time abroad has definitely been nothing short of amazing. Being in Indo has been great however, I also know that it means that my time traveling is coming to an end soon. Next week we head to Australia and a few weeks later back to the states...I have mixed emotions. 

I'm excited for what is ahead. I'm excited for my life in San Diego. God willing, I will begin and finish my second year of grad school and get my MSW degree. I'm also looking forward to my internship at San Diego Youth Services. But then another part of me doesn't want to go back yet. I don't want to go back to "reality" although that's all I think about oddly. Reality regarding the plethora of mishaps, injustices and turbulent situations happening around the world. Nonetheless, these realities impel me to keep striving to make our world a better one. I can't describe also the feelings of disgust and sadness I felt when I heard the Zimmerman verdict but, at the same time it didn't shock me that this would happen in the US...not at all. The injustice that pervades North American Society encompasses all sectors especially the big powerful establishments, such as the "judicial" system. And I see all these things on facebook and people demanding justice and I think wow, I am so far removed from all of that on this island. I'm in a bubble, just living life but at the same time, not entirely as they are. I talk with the locals, they look so happy, they sound so content with their lives when I speak to them and I can't help to wonder if they feel injustice in any way or form or do they know or even care about such a concept that is so prevalent around and throughout the world. And are they okay with that? Yesterday morning when we stayed up to see the sunrise at the Surf bar we were chillin with some of the bartenders and Caro was telling them that we were social workers and how we want to make this a better world and their response was, "You never know, until you try." I thought, "ExACLY."  I loved it. It's not being idealist. It's being realistic and it's a personal challenge.

I have many questions, like always haha. I wonder if there are people here that want to leave the islands because there's no work or because they feel unhappy. I know for a fact a lot of youth leave Lombok to come to Trawangan to work and to live. I also know however, that there are some that although they like their life they are also bored and want to see the world but can't because they have no money like in Mougly's case. Or what about Trouble's case, he said he has the  "mind but not the money to go to school" (both young men I've met on the island at Rudy's Bar & Restaurant). There are definitely social problems on the islands including education but, I do not know the extent of it all. So, I guess the question is, do they want the money to leave? Will they stay and feel like they never lived at all? Or will they stay and be happy as the older men I have met here on the island? I don't know. But as of tonight, I can say is they are living their lives as best as they can and most are doing it with a smile on their face, following their hearts and beliefs. 

I love this island vibe...tudo tranquilo as they said in Brazil. Gosh this island reminds me of Ilha Grande, I want to go back so bad! But for now, I'm enjoying my stay here, where my eyes have witnessed a beautiful sunrise, beautiful sunsets, sweet and funny people, not enough change so I get paid back in bananas, delicious foods and most of all, I'm bearing witness to God's beauty all around the world every day and I remain speechless like I was today. I'm so utterly grateful to be living all these experiences.  

The Homie Baiyon from Lombok

One love, One Heart. They love reggae on this island :) ! Reggae is about being creative and educating. I hope every reggae artist is living up to it just as Bob Marley did.