After our AMAZING, will forever go down in history as “one of the best things we ever did together”, three week motorcycle trip across Indonesia we opted to lay low for a while. A large factor in that decision is the necessity of healing Rob’s smashed left foot as soon as possible so when we get to Bali next week we can continue trekking and exploring.  Given how poor the roads are on this island we are feeling fortunate that a smashed foot is all that happened and still hasn’t marred what a great time we had zipping around.  We really wanted to stay on Flores, but had been unable to find the kind of accommodation we were looking for – a place with our own kitchen, not too expensive, where we could play house for a bit and take it easy.  One of the undeniable benefits of traveling on the fly is meeting people along the way and them helping steer your next move. When we met Jessica in Ruteng she introduced us to Nina who has a beautiful home right on Waecicu beach.  Having never met Nina in person, we traveled to her place, stayed there four days and decided to stay another week. It’s incredibly serene with snorkeling and kayaking available a few steps from the front door. The house is completely open to the elements and invites you to be one with surroundings, which is great since we are removed from the hustle and bustle of Labuan Bajo proper. Transport to the market is by boat, reminding us of our month on Kenawa. Yesterday, in our second market trip, we found and bought cheese, cream and yogurt for the first time since we have been in Indonesia – what a serious treat to have in the house!  Rob is making fettucine Alfredo this week for me…one of my favorites. We fried fresh squid from the fish market 3 of the first 4 nights we were here. I was hooked! I have ordered fried squid in warungs or restaurants while traveling, but NO ONE makes it as good as Rob. Hence, the back to back squid nights.  To satisfy my endless desire for dragonfruit juice we purchased several and have been able to make it fresh with the blender in the house –  yay!

Sometimes the hardest part of my day is whether to relax in the lounge chair…

…or hammock

Life here is very relaxed and simple. We make coffee in the morning, lay by the beach and read, listen to music and play cards, kayak for sunset or just to get around and see the boats, I snorkel and swim (Rob can’t with his foot right now) and then cook delicious meals and read in bed.

Giz is a fan of cumi 🦑as well

Thai basil here costs about 6 cents a bundle and is a GREAT addition to fried rice…which we both adore now

Simple is nice and it’s perfect for Rob to heal. We are very grateful for the people we have met that helped facilitate us being able to be here right now.  Sunday we fly to Bali and begin some more exploring around that island.  We spent four quick days there when we picked up the bike, but there is obviously lots more to see.  We have several friends we have made along the way, having met in other islands, that we will be able to visit in Bali.  It’s fun to be here for such an extended period of time, form relationships, and meet back up with people.  When we began our SE Asia trip we assumed we would have moved on to another country by now, but, and I’ll only speak for myself, there is something special and captivating about Indonesia.  It’s easily one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and while perhaps not the easiest to navigate compared to other countries in the region (so I have heard), it is so rich in beauty, culture, taste and endless experience that I haven’t hesitated at all to spend 3 months soaking it all in.

My first kayak trip here where I was scouting out the best coral spots to swim back to

Kayaking is a great way for Rob to be mobile and not use his foot