Packing Up for the Journey Ahead
On my final day in Bali, I began preparing for the next stage of my journey. My bicycle was loaded with bags, packed tightly so that nothing would fall. With the airport nearby, I aimed for a hotel where I would spend my last night in Indonesia.
Before heading there, I wandered through the city. Knowing how expensive Australia would be, I wanted to buy any useful items in Bali while prices were still reasonable. After picking up what I needed, I continued toward the hotel, noticing again how many European travelers filled the streets.
Finding the All-Important Bicycle Box
Once I arrived at the hotel, I realized the work wasn’t over. The biggest challenge remained—finding a cardboard box to pack my bicycle for the flight. Around the airport, such boxes were scarce.
While I worried about what to do, a past WarmShowers host kindly offered, “If you want, you can use our bicycle box.” Relieved, I made my way to their house. Soon I was carrying the box into a taxi, heading back to the hotel.
The taxi driver left a strong impression. Calm, open, and supportive, he simply said, “Just tell me what you need.” His kindness reminded me once again of the warmth I had felt throughout Indonesia.
Holding the box in my hands, I felt a deep sense of relief. Something so simple carried such weight. With it, I knew my bicycle could safely reach the next country.
A Final Indonesian Meal
For my last dinner in Indonesia, I chose cap cai, a simple but comforting dish. As I ate, memories of the past weeks returned—faces of the people who had helped me, meals shared, moments of laughter, and challenges overcome.
Without even noticing, tears filled my eyes. They were not tears of sadness, but of gratitude. This journey had been made possible because of the kindness of so many.
Evening Reflections
Back at the hotel, I took a bath and enjoyed one last moment of relaxation before departure. My hair had grown long over the months of travel, and I smiled at the thought of reaching my goal of growing it down to my waist.
Since my flight was early, leaving at 7 a.m., I set my alarm for 1 a.m. The plan was to wake, reassemble everything, and prepare for the airport. My journey through Indonesia was ending, but a new chapter—Australia—was waiting.
