Journal Entry from January 29 @ 5:41pm -
I'm at the airport ready to board a 6-hour flight to Bali. The Lonely Planet speaks of $5 massages on the beach, personal bungalows with ocean views, $1 meals and beers, and beautiful sunsets with friendly travelers and locals alike. Sounds perfect!
I'll miss the cappuccinos, cafes, accents, and ease of travel in Australia. It has come at a high cost ($$$). In exchange, I always had Western toilets, relatively safe surroundings, and most of the comforts of home. I think I'm not yet prepared for the culture shock I'm about to experience in Indonesia. Being polite (as usual) should help cover for any blatant ignorance of local customs - at least until I get my bearings. And then it will be time to leave again.
Staying for short periods in these various countries is good practice for non-attachment to say the least. I've found my final thoughts on each country help me deal better with the departures.
