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Writer's pictureGunilla Jensen

Goodbye and hello

Bye bye. I wave over my shoulder as I cycle down the road. The family waves back. It has been such a beautiful time with them and my heart is sad to leave. I wish, I could stay. There are still so many things we could talk about, but I'm on a visa that is running out of time and cannot be renewed.



The following day, I'm invited to stay with another family. It is a glorious time as we meet. Food is shared and conversations flow. The husband is an English teacher and four of his students come over. First, they are shy, but it doesn't take long before they gain confidence, and we are all laughing together.



I'm saying farewell to Indonesia. This country has smiled itself into my heart. This is the longest I've spent in a country outside of New Zealand for many years and I've enjoyed the kindness, hospitality and beauty of this country and I love it. I'm leaving a part of my heart here.



In a few days, I'm saying hello one of my most amazing and inspiring friends in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She is one of the reasons I'm on this journey, because when I could only see insurmountable obstacles, she suggested a simple solution that worked. This is a strong and brave woman, who have built her own tiny house, and I'm blessed to have her as a friend.


It will be her first time in Malaysia, and I can't wait to show her a part of the world, I love travelling in. It's my second time to Malaysia - one of my favourite countries in the world. We are going snorkeling on Kapas Island and sightseeing in KL. I'm looking forward to seeing things with her fresh eyes and creating more lasting memories together.



I have also said farewell to is the southern hemisphere. I crossed Equator two days ago. I've been biking on top of my own shadow during the noon sun.


Finally, the Indonesian statistics:

Total distance cycled: 2,242 km (this is 19 km longer than my trip around the South Island of NZ two years ago)

Number of flat tyres: 0 (Schwalbe makes great tyres and they are made in Indonesia)

Number of rainy days: 0

Longest day: 137km

Highest temperature: Too hot says my bike computer

Lowest temperature: 6°c before sunrise near the top of the volcano Bromo

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