Hi, my name is Chris Hodges and, for the past three years my home away from home has been the beautiful island of Lombok, in tropical Indonesia.
Life in this simple, laid-back part of the world has been nothing short of incredible, and a safe haven, especially as the coronavirus pandemic ran riot around the globe and my friends and family back home in Melbourne endured one of the toughest lockdowns in the world.
Fate can be a cruel mistress.
Still, I’ve had family here to support and I’m a part owner of two businesses, a guesthouse in Lombok, Indonesia and a pub in Melbourne, Australia. Both were dramatically impacted by this crazy virus and of course, I had to do whatever I could to get myself, my family and my staff all safely to the other side.
As life starts getting back to normal, albeit against a backdrop of climate change, social change and a world in general turmoil, (let’s just call it the new normal shall we?) I’ve been busy posting stories of my time in Lombok to show you all the reasons why you should be adding a trip here to your bucket list.
From stunning beaches and mountain treks to ridiculously cheap and delicious street food and local culture. It’s an amazing part of the world and a place where you can still experience the real Indonesia.
For now though, stay positive and be kind to each other. You just never know what surprises await, just around the next corner.
Publisher’s Note: Chris completed a BA in Indonesian Language and Professional Writing some time last century. He presently derives no income from either pursuit though he hopes to, one day.
He presently lives in Lombok, Indonesia with his wife Dewi and twin children Kevin and Kezia.
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