100m: New World Record!

The past months compiled...

Boat rides from hell

South Lombok, a piece of paradise

Even though we were delighted so far about our stay in magnificent Bali, we escaped towards closeby and less touristic Lombok. We rented scooters and speeded down to the Southern bay. That turned out to be a great decision: we ended up in paradise. Our own bungalow on the beach, in a truely magnificent setting with ample snorkling opportunities closeby, what more could you want? Graham relaxed and played football with the local youth (ed: soccer for the Americans). They were all wearing European jerseys and it took surprisingly little effort for Graham to convince them that he himself was a famous European football player. Meanwhile Dimitri scootered around exploring the island, discovering extra-ordinary beaches and a gold mine, meeting locals and even crashing a wedding. One thing is for sure, we have never encountered so many friendly people as in Indonesia so far!

beautiful people - wedding ceremony, Lombok

Next up was the Gili Island Trawangan. Going the adventerous route, we took a public motorboat with forty passengers or so. After a few minutes, Dimitri pointed out that two people were smoking some cigarettes next to the fuel tanks which were clearly not airtight. We devised an exit plan and sat tight the rest of the way. The island turned out a lot more touristy than Lombok but we loved it there as well. The days were laid-back and we explored the island and nearby corals in the clear blue water, chilled on the beach while reading, chatting to the locals, drinking cocktails and playing chess.

The nights were... - well suffice it to say that we don't remember everything that happened at night. We met and hung out with some great co-travelers on this island, a few among many: Niki and Lou, English ladies who go crazy at very specific songs; Gilles, a Belgian DJ who was pronounced by Dimitri as the ultimate wingman and Jess, a funny English girl who dared to join the Belgian crew for a few days.

We heading back to Bali on the "fastboat". Nobody anticipated any problems but after about an hour on the water the boat was no longer sailing but flying. It violently crashed down as we jumped over enormous wave after wave. The passengers within were soon petrified and screams became less and less subdued as someone mentioned the word 'tsunami'. A look on the face of the crew pretty much told us that this was not exactly normal.

The boat rocked from side to side and waves surpassed the top of the boat. A quick count soon learned that half of the people (no exaggeration) were vomiting and two lay passed out on a bench. Vomit bags were passed around but they soon ran out. A nauseating smell permeated the large passenger cabin, frightened grown-ups started putting on life vests and retreated into what we imagine to be silent prayer.

some people just didn't care

As we have spent many days afloat during our trip developing our sealegs, we were hardly impressed of course and we observed the spectacle with a mix of horror, sympathy and amusement. We decided not to let it get to our hearts and enjoyed our last two days in Bali on some amazing beaches with some amazing company.

...more than "some" amazing company: (ltr: Graham, Jess, Gilles, Dimitri)

Balintensity

Most people believe we are having a relaxed life. It couldn't be less true. Days are stuffed with activities, nights are used to either socialize or travel further, our bodies are pushed to the limits. You just can't imagine. A brief week overview.

The diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef was extremely intense. We did more than 10 dives/snorkels in three days (among which 2 night dives) and we hardly slept for more than 6 hours a night. The day after, we took two taxis and two planes, and we found ourselves in Ubud, on the Bali island of Indonesia. We walked around the village and we stumbled upon a few remarkable highlights. Ever seen a Holy Park with hidden temples in an 'Indiana Jones'-like jungle, invaded by hundreds of monkeys?

Monkeys everywhere! 

A few kilometers out of town, we got into a small alley with, compared to any other street in Bali, statistically way too many scooters, suggesting some kind of event. Under a sail, protecting a cheering crowd against the strong sun, we saw impressive cock fights. A local made us believe those fights became a tradition as they found this way more entertaining than just another ritual offer for their Gods.

A few kilometers out of town 

Cock fight 

That evening we went for a more peaceful ceremony in a temple, with traditional music and dance. We did some planning the next morning. We marked some highlights on the map and we headed out on two scooters for an amazing voyage through stunning green rice fields, black scattering beaches and ever greeting people in the small villages. Since we didn't want to be considered as mainstream tourists, we learned a few Indonesian catchy words. Eventually this helped us in the bargaining processes, resulting in (even more) cheap accommodation, food and... a traditional 'sarong', which we need every time to enter a temple.

Temple ceremony with traditional dancers 

That evening, we decided to triple the adventure level of the trip, and we decided to go for a hike on the highest mountain of the island, Mount Gunung Agung. We slept for 3 hours to be awakened at 11PM. We were pretty scared when, around midnight, a 4x4 arrived at the starting point of the trip, a temple bathing in moonlight. Not because these people were going to harm us, but because they started praying for our safety during the 6h climb and 6h descent! Blessed by the Gods, we hiked (or better: climbed) up to 3050 meters. The climb was extreme, but it was worth it, because we enjoyed an amazing sunrise high above the clouds, drifting around the mountain. It was one of the best experiences we had until now.

Sunset... a warm reward after a cold night trek 

After that adventure, we grabbed our scooters again and headed for the rest of Bali's beauty. Once introduced to us as a "touristy" place, we now consider Bali as one of the most surprising places. "Impossibly green rice terraces, enchanting Hindu temple ceremonies, mesmerizing dance performances and truly charming people." Lonely planet couldn't be more precise.

Bros 'n Boats!

The end in Australia is near and we must say we have had a beautiful time and met amazing people.

A memorable stop on the East Coast was Byron Bay, mostly because it was where we met two like-minded guys which would become a part of our 'travel posse'. There is Sebastian, the Swiss 'Argentinian wannabe' playboy. Happy to polish our French every now and then, we ran into him several times on our trip. The most surprising moment was when he organized a water-balloon attack from a rivaling sailboat in the Whitsunday Islands. Later during the night he literally entered our ship. Since we're on the topic, the Whitsunday Islands were a glorious stop with paradisaical white sand beaches marked by snorkel-ripe reefs with abundant sea life. Or as PJ, our fellow backpacker and friend from Holland would sarcastically say "een egte k*tvakantie".

Paradise on earth - Whitehaven beach

Sebastian, dM3 and PJ

In Byron Bay we also met Geoff. He voluntarily shared the information that Justin Bieber is in fact Canadian, so we decided to give him a hard time about it. He got his revenge by proving to be a true monopoly mastermind, and we only managed to beat him once in a legendary resource-pooling tactic some might refer to as "bending the rules".

In better times, right after winning Monopoly game 1

Luckily Geoff was a good sport and up north he joined us again for a road trip to Cape Tribulation where rain forests and beaches meet. We tasted crocodile and kangaroo burgers and discussed Geoff's everlasting love for Justin Bieber. Later we caught him red handed on the beach:

Geoff LOVES Justin Bieber

Meanwhile we also met hyperactive Marianne from Norway, who kept stalking us at hostels along the way, all the while jumping out of airplanes and helicopters. We didn't actually mind so much as she showed us her extravagant dance moves and 'not so gracious' poses in the background of our pictures. She traveled along with Kim, a hilarious guy who entertained a full bar with break-dancing moves only to be severely injured in the process.

Back in Cairns we headed out on a dive and snorkeling cruise on a luxury yacht. On the boat we met Rod and Daniel, not only true dive masters with an enormous amount of dives under their belt, Rod is also one of the funniest men we have ever met. They took Dimitri out under water and taught him some master skills, while Rod was making obscenely funny signals. He is the living example of what we want to grow up to be: a funny gentleman enjoying life to the fullest.

Dive masters preparing for a night dive

Rod with a Nemo "tasted like chicken"

We will miss Australia, lovely Tanya, crazy Sebastian, PJ, Marianne, Justin' Geoff, Chicken Rod, Mamy Bénédicte, the Whitsunday crew, the Pro-dive Cairns crew, and all the others who made our stay unforgettable. Thanks to all of you!

Politics and beach life

Our last weeks in Australia were pretty chill. We discovered amazing places, ranging from big cities to small towns.
As previously mentioned, Melbourne really blew us away. But also Sydney was simply amazing. I went to see an opera in that architectural highlight, walked happily over its huge bow bridge and let myself go during a famous 'Chinese Laundry' party. An unforgettable BBQ on the rooftop of our hostel, view over the skyline during the many projections of the light festival ánd a kangooroo on my plate made the stay even better. Although off the beaten track for many, we headed to Canberra where we learned about the history of the Aussies in its museums and got into their political system during a tour in the national parliament.

Serious business in Canberra

Very serious business at the Blue Mountains 

The rush of the cities was left behind with a rental car and we gave ourselves over to the bus driver and mother nature. We've seen lots of mountains, bush and jungles during our travels, but the Blue Mountains still surprised us: big valley, long hikes, great views.

Byron Bay, Noosa, Airlies Beach, Rainbow Beach,... The surf, the chill!

A short time later the sun dragged us over to an easy-going beach life. Long beach walks, watching the surf, orange sunsets and sand boarding became part of our daily life.

It could be worse.
Dimitri

Graham's wine

As announced, and after some ageing and detoxification processes in our mind, we are proud to present you the very best of the wineries around Adelaide. It took us some time; not only to cruise around the region and find the numerous pre-selected wineries in a woozy condition, but also the quite enjoyable 'study' of the wines itself. In-dept conversations with the wine cellar girls were often performed with glazy eyes, while our trembling hands were noting down marks. On the (wine) field, we learned about the oaking process, the different vines, the range of diseases and so on. Comparing high end wines is like choosing your favorite Victoria's Secret model (which is, frankly, Gisèle Bundchen). However, after tasting, negotiating and even more tasting, we came to a bright conclusion: Graham produces the best wine. I hear you say: "qué pasa!?" but don't worry, dear reader, it is not that actor from "Groene Vingers" but Mister Graham Stevens, a not so well-known winemaker in Australia.

"The World Is Not Enough - Golden Medal"
The Arrogant cleanskin, as Graham Stevens himself explained us, consists of 50% Shiraz and 50% Grenache and was matured in oak during15 months. The bottle hides behind a low-profile etiquette, saying "A Cleanskin with a label, because we only sell quality and we’re proud of this quality budget red wine." This red unfolds its palette as when a backpacker unzips his backpack: with great odors and packed to the brim with surprises. This wine, only 8 dollars a bottle at the cellar, is probably the best red wine we have ever tasted.

Graham and Graham

Were all submitted to our tastings:

  Serafino, Bellissimo Sauvignon, 2009: 7.0
  Serafino, Sharktooth Shiraz, 2008: 8.5
  Wirra wirra, Woodhenge, 2010: 8.0
  Wirra wirra, Sparrow's Lodge, 2010: 6.5
  Wirra wirra, Absconder, 2010: 8.0
  Wirra wirra, The Angelus: 8.5
  Graham Stevens, Arrogant Cleanskin, 2009: 9.5
  Graham Stevens, Graham's vat 52, 2006: 7.5
  Graham Stevens, Stevens family Shiraz: 8.0
  Graham Stevens, Fleurieu Cabernet Sauvignon: 8.5
  Woodstock, Octogenenian Grenache, 2010: 6.5
  Woodstock, Shiraz Cabernet, 2009: 8.0
  Woodstock, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010: 8.5
  Woodstock, Shiraz, 2010: 7.5
  Woodstock, Pilot's view, 2010: 8.5
  Woodstock, The stocks, 2009: 7.5
  d'Arenberg, d'Arry's original Shiraz Grenache, 2007: 7.0
  d'Arenberg, The love grass Shiraz, 2009: 6.5
  d'Arenberg, The beautiful view Grenache, 2009: 8.0
  d'Arenberg, The ironstone pressing, 2008: 8.0
  The Lane, Block 10, 2011: 7.0
  The Lane, Gathering Sauvignon blanc Semillon, 2009: 7.0
  The Lane, Block 3, Chardonay, 2009: 7.5
  The Lane, Unwooded Chardonay, 2009: 7.0
  The Lane, Beginning Chardonnay, 2009: 8.0
  The Lane, Block 5 Shiraz, 2010: 8.5
  The Lane, Block 14 Baskt Press Shiraz, 201: 7.5
  The Lane, Reunion Shiraz, 2009: 8.0
  The Lane, Reunion Shiraz, 2004: 9.3
  The Lane, 19th meeting Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010: 9.0
  The Lane, Dessert wine, 2009: 9.3