Day 32: The Final Countdown

31.07.2016

At this point, I would like to thank one of my longest companions. Although not always available one hundred percent and even terribly tired most of the time, I don't even want to mention the countless stupid ideas that I owe to him. Nevertheless, I owe my brain, to which this homage is dedicated, the following inspiration:

Early in the morning, I wake up, even before Gudi's first morning smack, mind you. Suddenly it becomes clear to me what I have to do. Apparently, my brain has remembered in its sleep the countless Mother's Days when, for lack of better ideas, I simply recited a poem. I also remember seeing a website that offers tours to the White Sunday Islands in Australia. That's it, that's what Gudi needs - or even more so: what I need, and I really needed this idea urgently and not a second too soon.

Spurred on by my enlightenment, I start to compose a poem while still in bed. After that's done - I discovered my rhetorical skills last month, so composing is no longer an obstacle for me - I go three houses down and to my horror, I realize that I'm waking Mama Ria up from her sleep! The idea of the cake seems to be fading into the distance, but the daughter knows what's going on and opens the fridge with full Sunday morning enthusiasm and reveals Ria's creation. I must admit, I have rarely felt so light-hearted as in this moment, what a weight off my shoulders.

Shortly thereafter, I not only lose the heart-hardening weight, but also 100,000 rupiah, which is about 7€. The cake finds its place on our terrace and Gudi decides, of all times, to go outside.

Surprised by the cake and amused by the following poem, she accepts my congratulations and let herself be celebrated.

Yes, today is a special day, which the whole world wants to celebrate with you.

But we are so far away from home, and you want the day to remain a secret.

Nevertheless, you should not be alone, which is why we are going out for a fish dinner tonight.

And Mama Ria has made a cake, not to celebrate you would be a shame.

It's not really easy to get you a present, because you have your own idea, who can blame you.

So here's a gift voucher, you love those so much, and the day is not far away.

In White Sunday Island you wanted a boat tour, it's already booked.

A little more shouldn't hurt, so I invite you to a dinner.

On the ship, of course, in a romantic style, don't worry, it doesn't cost that much.

For your birthday, I wish you nothing but the best, stay the way you are, and we will celebrate many more such festivals.

Now you are already 26 years old, but that is by no means the limit.

Mogu Power for the next few decades

With love, Matthias, let me give you a kiss

Yes, even I am amazed at what came to me between 7:45 and 7:55 last Sunday.

Anyway, the cake is huge, but its half-life is not that long. By the afternoon, we devour the last piece. It should be mentioned that we only share two small pieces, so we manage to consume a cake almost entirely in a few hours.

Despite the festive occasion, I go for a surf and experience a memorable event. While I, like ten other surfers, sit in the lineup and look out towards the ocean, always concentrated and eagerly awaiting the waves, a Barracuda suddenly jumps out of the water right in front of us. About five meters away from me, the fish shoots out of the water, soaring to about the same height as the force of gravity, and dives back into the cool water at a sharp angle. I don't think I have ever experienced a moment when no one in the water said or shouted anything. Even the locals admitted afterwards that they had never witnessed such a spectacle of nature. So I am very proud and grateful to have witnessed this moment.

During our shared fish dinner in the evening, I also consider the possibility of devouring my friend from the morning, which does not prevent me from enjoying the giant portion. Even today, several days later, I regret it every time I am hungry that we had to leave a part of the meal to the stray cats around us, as it was truly excellent and far too delicious for those annoying creatures.

Gudi's Glorious Laws

When dealing with Gudi, there is a very important rule:

Always remember, Gudi does not have a sense of satiety, but she can certainly complain when she is about to burst!

Unfortunately, I make this mistake twice today and offer Gudi the opportunity to overeat. She constantly surprises me, as she can really consume impressive amounts. Unfortunately, this habit also means that after eating, she lies there like a cocktail shrimp with alarming regularity, and I have to stroke and calm her down while she squirms.