Beautiful and miraculous

18/7/11

I am typing this whilst sitting on a beech on the beautiful island of Gilli Air. The sea is clear blue and gently lapping. The sun is out and there is a cool breeze. Not only is this beautiful but it is also miraculous that I have not been banished to the outer reaches of the island for failing to find suitable accommodation for our stay. This morning I set off with some trepidation as we did not have anywhere to stay on the island and we knew it was busy. I had formulated a backup plan of retuning to Seniggi should our accommodation search prove to be a failure or too expensive but James had told me he had faith in me!

On the journey over we got talking to a German girl called Doreen and by the end of the 30 minute trip I had agreed to try and find some accommodation for her as well (she was diving as soon as she got to the island). So with some parameters from James (no bed bugs, private toilet and a fan oh and AC if I could find it!) I set off on my search. Much of the beach front accommodation was either full or overpriced (800,000R/ 50 quid). Turning off the beech I hit the more local and rural area complete with cows, chickens and goats. After a little while I alighted upon blue moon huts and I was in luck. For 100,000 (7 quid) I had a room with bed (no bed bugs and a promise of a free night should I be bitten) indoor western toilet and a fan. What’s more there were two rooms (the last two) and breakfast was included!

After collecting James (it’s easier to trot round without the bags) we returned to the accommodation and were greeted by a 50 something Swiss German lady. The atmosphere was relaxed, the pace clean and the other guests friendly. James even acknowledged that I had done well and he likes the accommodation!!!