Are We There Yet???

My driver dropped me off at Honolulu airport and snapped this pic of me and my gainormous smile. He stores the car while I'm away close to the aiport so when I land, the car is washed and ready for me to hop in and head home... Or wherever.

My flight to Padang was not as glamorous as the first two. Immigration in Jakarta had taken forever, and the visa upon arrival process felt like a small nightmare of long lines. By the time the plane landed in Padang, I was exhausted and in desperate need of a shower.

As I walked to the luggage conveyor belt, I felt delirious from being awake so long. My body was trying hard to perform for me, but I felt my mind slipping and my muscles weak.

A friendly man who had helped me with my luggage on my last trip was there and  we remembered each other, which instantly put a big smile on my face and gave me a second wind. He was so kind and, to my surprise, remembered exactly what my luggage looked like and effortlessly picked it out of the dozens of revolving bags. He propped my giant surf bag onto his cart, and off we went toward the exit.

My new surf friend had shared the number for his go-to man in Padang. Martha, a very agreeable young Indonesian, was there to greet me and take me to my hotel. Even though it was around 9 p.m. by the time I was in his car, he took me to a friend’s shop, who opened his doors just for me and I was able to exchanged USD to Indonesian Rupiah. This was crucial, as I was headed to one of the most remote places in the world, where cash is king, and ATMs and credit card machines are little to nonexistent. It’s never a bad idea to have cash with you when traveling like this.

Next stop was the grocery store, where I bought all sorts of goodies for my month in paradise: three bottles of conditioner, shampoo, two giant lotions, limes for my favourite rum drink - Ti Punch, and even laundry detergent in case I had to do my own laundry while out there.

We made it to the hotel just as my body was shutting down. All I could do was give Martha a very grateful hug goodbye with the promise that we’d meet the next day at 6:30 a.m. to go to the ferry. I took a shower and crashed into the deepest sleep of happy exhaustion.

I woke up at 2:30 a.m. with a bit of jet lag and, after failing to fall back asleep, took the opportunity to write a bit more and tweak my blog. By 6 a.m. I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for the final leg of my trip: the fast ferry.

Martha was there promptly and drove me close to the pier. He had purchased the ticket for me beforehand and packaged my groceries in a box labeled "Sophia/Tito," which I found cute.  When we arrived to the pier the hustle and bustle of travel was apparent.  I went to sit down at the local breakfast place while Martha checked in my giant surf bag and luggage.

While we waited for boarding time, Martha and I shared a very sweet coffee and I had spicy fried noodles with an egg on top that cost less then 1 US Dollar.

I took the opportunity to find out a bit more about my new friend and discovered he has a wife and three kids: two older boys, 16 and 12, and a little girl, 6, whom he calls his princess. His face lit up so much when he talked about his family it warmed my heart. People in Indonesia are so lovely, sweet, and real. Having an opportunity to talk with him was very special to me.

The ferry ride was rough,  but it was fast and over soon for which I was grateful.   I napped and read my book, and during the final 45 minutes, when my back couldn’t take the awful seats anymore, I stood up, walked to the back, took in some sun, and stretched my legs. It’s a very crowded ordeal this ferry, but hey, it’s taking me to paradise, so I won’t complain much more about it. Just know and prepare yourself if you ever do this trip. Which I recommend 100% if you’re a surfer.

As the boat docked and we piled out like ants exiting their nest, the intensity of the moment hit me. The sun shone hot on our heads and the air smelled sour from so many sweaty bodies. I was sticky, and overwhelmed by everyone pushed so tightly together trying to retrieve their luggage. The bags, boxes, and coffin-like surf bags were being pushed overboard in a human chain by the staff. All I could do was watch and try to locate my belongings. Someone from the lodge found me, and a look of relief came over me. They must have noticed because the man gave me a knowing smile and proceeded to help me with everything.

A surf tax of two million Rupiah, approximately $140 USD, was collected, and a red rubber bracelet slapped on my wrist before I was ushered onto a very small boat that was so narrow it wobbled from side to side if you leaned even a few degrees in either direction.

The last boat ride was short and sweet, just a small crossing to the tiny island I would call home for the next month. As we approached the property, I found myself overwhelmed by its beauty. The tropical vibes were in full swing, with so many palm trees, some leaning almost parallel over the water’s edge. Beautiful white sandy beaches with boulders sprinkled along the shore. A little hut here, a small resort there, kids playing in the shallow water, splashing and laughing, a boat like ours slowly making its way somewhere.

I was home, home for the month and I felt so happy.

Marthas what’s app number + 6282174411171

Hotel in Padang Ox Ville Hotel

Tip. Get the online visa to enter Indonesia. It's way less hasstle and they offer two months instead of one for similar price. Also make sure you don't go over your visa expiration date, it's 70 USD extra per day.