Bodhi Beach

Vi ble superhappy da vi fant ut at det ligger et surfesenter på Bodhi Beach, ikke langt unna der vi bor. Rickshawsjåførene rota fælt på vei dit, men vi kom oss frem til slutt. Nå vet vi hvor det er til neste gang! Jeg leide et surfebrett sammen med Catrin, mens noen av de andre tok surfetimer med instruktørene. Det var ganske rolig sjø, så det ble dessverre ikke så mye action. Morsomt var det uansett, fantastisk følelse å være tilbake på brettet etter nesten et år! Vi spiste lunsj på Bodhi Cafe, som var en ganske laidback strandbule. Litt kjipt å måtte vente en time på å få maten, men jeg tipper det er en helt grei plass å henge om du bare vil slappe av med en kald drink. Alt i alt så var det en bra dag, jeg skal definitivt tilbake til Bodhi Beach!

// We were thrilled to find out that there is a surf school at Bodhi Beach, which isn't too far from where we live. The autorickshaw drivers made quite a few wrong turns before we were able to get there, but at least now we know where it is. I rented a surf board together with Catrin, while some of the others took lessons with the instructors. The sea war pretty calm, so I didn't catch too many waves. But it was fun anyway, feels great to be back on the board after almost a year! We had lunch at Bodhi Café, which was very laid back. Too bad some of us had to wait an hour to get the food. I guess it's okay to hang out here if you just want to chill out with a cold drink. All in all it was a good day, I'm definitely going back to Bodhi Beach!

Arctic Beach Life

Kuldegrader og isende kald vind stoppet ikke meg og noen venner fra å dra på Volsdalsberga og grille! Vi pakket oss inn i tepper, og kokkelerte med pølser i pinnebrød. Vi hadde også tatt med varm sjokolade, appelsinsbåter og kvikklunsj. En gjennomført norsk piknik, med andre ord! Det er så vakkert her, spesielt med de snøkledde fjellene rundt oss. Ikke rart det er mye folk her på sommern.

// It was freezing cold the day my friends and I went to the beach, but as long as the sun shines, we're happy! We brought blankets and a grill, hot dogs and "pinnebrød", kvikklunsj (the all-Norwegian hiking chocolate) and oranges. A true Norwegian picnic! Volsdalsberga is a beach area not far from the city centre of Ålesund, and its usually very crowded in the summer. Look at this paradise, no wonder we love it here!

Lombok and The Sasaks

If you get tired of Bali's busy tourism, free yourself and run away to it's deadly gorgeous neighbor. Lombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, home of the Sasak people. It shares some heritage with Bali, but has it's own culture and traditions. The Sasaks are predominantly adherents of the Waktu Lima version of Islam. Others practise the Wetu Telu version, or Bodha (animistic religion, recognized as buddhists).

Rent a motorbike and ride along the coast highway. The beaches are breathtaking, and even better; mostly deserted. Don't be afraid to explore the untouched forest trails to find your own secret little hide-away. There is nothing more enchanting than trekking in the deep of the rainforest!

Be aware that you must be more cautious about diseases and hygiene here. Mosquito repellant and anti-bac is crucial. Sadly, I got sick from eating at a home stay after a couple of days, so I had to go back to Bali for treatment.