Freddie's got a fringe

We've decided we really ought to move on so look more into the alternatives to get to Komodo. There are a few but none of them are exactly what we're looking for. We can take a bus/ferry combo that takes 24 hours to get no Flores which is just next.to Komodo. It sounds pretty horrendous and we've heard horror stories about the trip and also about scams. The next is the slow backpacker boat which takes about four days and either either three of four nights sleeping on the deck with other backpackers while the boat sails day and night. It stops at some cool places but we've heard horror stories like not enough food, one toilet for 30 people, no showers and no sleep. Even those who say it's ok just say it was an experience and that they wouldn't do it again. We've also heard it can be quite scary and dangerous as the seas around there are notorious and they sail whatever the conditions and don't always have enough life jackets etc. Another option is a live aboard boat and dive trip which sounds amazing but is way too expensive. So we take the fourth option and decide to fly. It's not the cheapest but also not too expensive and we're not sure how much we want to rough it in our last couple of weeks as we've done plenty of that over the year. We get some prices and times and decide to book tomorrow.

When we get back to our accommodation we find Ika upset. Apparently a young couple who arrived yesterday have just left without paying which is horrible. It's so cheap here for westerners and to rip people off like that just isn't on. Fred saw them leave this morning and for some weird reason her instinct told her they were doing something sneaky ...

Fred goes for a long needed hair cut as she's not had it done since we've been travelling except when she shaved the side which is now growing back. She gets a fringe cut in a very dodgy hairdressers but it looks ok(ish) and the rest gets a well needed trim. We only have salt water where we're staying to wash in so there's no glossy locks at the moment. She goes for a run around the island at dusk - it's getting a bit easier which is good. Perhaps all those breathing exercises have also helped.

Andy says he'll go in the morning and sets the alarm for 6am!