Time To Say Goodbye

 







   This morning, we docked at Benoa, Bali around 4 am. I was awake at 3 am and I was the only person out on the deck (except crew) watching the docking process. It was a beautiful, quiet ride in and it gave me time to reflect on the past 16 days aboard the Norwegian Sun. 

   Taking this long of a cruise by oneself might sound crazy to some, relaxing to others, and it was definitely a bit of both. There were times I craved the comforts of home, the company of friends and family, or to just get off the boat. But for the most part, my daily routine and new friends became such a part of my life for these last 2.5 weeks that it is hard to say goodbye.

  My little state room was cozy and quiet and felt so good to come back to after any amount of time out in the sun. Towards the end, it was hard to walk around anymore without someone shouting "hey Cliff!" Of all the people I met, Jonathon from Phoenix kind of became my travel buddy and we did a lot together. We met at the LGBTQIA+ meeting on day 3 but it wasn't until the Great Barrier Reef excursion which we were both on that we really bonded. We shared many meals together, lots of stories, and I can truly say I think I've made a friend for life in him. And he doesn't live that far away! 

  I am officially off the ship as we speak, having lunch and killing time until I can check into my hotel for the night. Tomorrow, my friend Mike will fly in from Sydney and we will go check into a nicer hotel & spa focused on wellness. It's very bittersweet - I'm excited for the next adventure here in Bali but I miss my ship life already... 











Comments

  1. CliffordMarch 17, 2025 at 5:23 PM

    Sounds like you had a blast and I just knew you'd get along with most folks. Get home soon so I can hear all the stories first hand. Now we gotta get you on Amazing Race...

    ReplyDelete
  2. CharleneMarch 17, 2025 at 6:29 PM

    Hi Cliff. Incredible photos. Wow! I had no doubt you’d make friends everywhere you went. You’re a great traveler and blogger. Thanks for sharing such beautiful places with us. Miss you and hope to see you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mama DonnaMarch 21, 2025 at 4:23 PM

    Hey son! Catching up! I missed these photos. This place is incredibly beautiful. Just how I imagined after reading Eat Pray Love. Lol. So peaceful and serene. Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete

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