Leaving Gili Air with all its underwater memories (which, for Jim, probably resembled a horror movie), the VVIP entourage began a new phase of their adventure: heading to Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park. The flight from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, the small port town and center for Komodo tourism, felt shorter than expected. Perhaps it was because The Corrs were too busy re-discussing Jim’s version of Nemo’s "savagery," or maybe because Andrea was busy reading (with a strained expression) the article "How to Survive a Komodo Dragon Attack for Beginner Tourists" she found online.
"This article says that running zig-zag is ineffective!" Andrea exclaimed to the others, her eyes radiating a new level of panic. "And it says they can smell blood from miles away! Is anyone currently on their... ahem... ladies' time among us? Because if so, we are in grave danger!"
Sharon and Caroline exchanged glances, then gave Andrea a flat stare. Nisa could only offer a calming smile. "Andrea, relax. We won't be trekking head-to-head with the komodo dragons in their habitat. We will enjoy them from... a different perspective. Safer, more comfortable."
And the "different perspective" Nisa referred to was a traditional Pinisi ship that had been modified to be extremely luxurious and comfortable, waiting for them at Labuan Bajo harbor. The two-masted wooden ship looked both majestic and romantic, with spacious decks featuring polished teak floors, air-conditioned cabins with sea-view windows, and, of course, a friendly and professional crew (who had been thoroughly briefed by the Palace protocol team on how to handle VVIP Irish guests who might be slightly... eccentric).
"WOW! We're going to live on a pirate ship?!" Caroline squealed excitedly upon seeing the Pinisi. She immediately ran up to the upper deck, posing like Captain Jack Sparrow at the edge of the bow.
"It's not a pirate ship, Caroline," Reza corrected, laughing. "It's a Pinisi, a proud traditional Indonesian sailboat. And we will be sailing comfortably, not searching for buried treasure."
Jim, naturally, was more interested in the ship's history and construction. He immediately engaged in a serious discussion with the captain about the type of wood used, the sail-making technique, and traditional versus modern navigation systems.
After all the luggage was brought aboard and the cabins were allocated (Andrea ensured her room was the farthest from the fresh meat storage area for the ship's kitchen, "Just in case the Komodo dragons can smell it from the ship," she reasoned), the Pinisi weighed anchor, sailing slowly through the calm blue waters of Flores toward the Komodo National Park area.
The gentle sea breeze, the view of small, brownish volcanic island clusters contrasting with the blue sea, and the soothing sound of the waves created a magical atmosphere. Nisa and Reza sat side-by-side on the front deck, enjoying the scenery in comfortable silence. Alex was busy flying his drone (this time with official permission and Presidential Guard supervision) to capture the beauty of the landscape from the air. Sharon took out her violin, playing a soft melody that seemed to blend with the rhythm of the sea. Caroline sunbathed on the upper deck (this time with SPF 1000 sunblock, having learned her lesson).
And Andrea? She sat in the farthest corner rattan chair, inseparable from... a massive, conspicuously pink pair of binoculars that she bought God knows where. Her eyes were keenly scanning every small island they passed.
"Andrea, what are you looking for with binoculars that big? A rare bird?" Nisa asked, amused.