KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

We woke up to the sound of the damned bell one last time. If the end of the trip was heartbreaking for every reason, this was clearly not one of them. I’d probably have nightmares about that thing for years to come.

We had our last breakfast together before everyone started to disembark and head to the airport. First it was Nina, Daniel, and the Chinese gang. Then it was Casey and Melinda. And then, the last ones standing: Anurag and I. Saying goodbye to them in bursts made it even sadder than it already was. Over the previous week we had turned from complete strangers into close friends – united by our love for diving and adventure in general. 

When it was our turn to get off the Neptune One, I looked at the ship one last time – wistfully and longingly. I’d not only be leaving the ship, but also the gorgeous archipelago of Komodo, and pretty soon, the tropics in general. And, worst of all, ahead of me I had days of travelling. And so, having said goodbye to Anurag as he checked in, I started on that long road.