The Magic Of Bali...

I've been home in South Gippsland's frosty, winter temperatures for almost two weeks, yet my thoughts continue to gravitate to the mesmerising island of Bali, Indonesia, which I visited after not having allowed myself a holiday, for various absurd reasons, in many years. I now realise how ludicrous that was.

Exiting Denpasar airport, I was so pleased my first contact abroad was with an enthusiastic, friendly, middle aged Balinese man named Ketut, who spoke quite good English while he drove to the hotel, which I had blindly and nervously booked on-line from home. It was nearly midnight and the traffic was apparently minimal during the hour long drive, however to me the roads seemed to be buzzing with life. I sensed this foreign place was somehow magical and I felt free and excited, wondering what was to come. As we approached the exquisite, lit up traditional Balinese accommodation, I already felt completely comfortable and 'at home'.

It was a lovely 27 degrees as I was shown to my spacious bungalow, which looked out onto green, luscious, maintained gardens lit up by symmetrical lanterns. I was excited and relieved, as I had also booked for two long-time German friends, whom I hadn't seen for some years and who were joining me in the next couple of days. Thankfully I had done well! So with that, my adventure commenced and with gratitude and an open heart and mind, I intended to wholeheartedly embrace and soak in as much of Bali as I possible could. I felt I was in another world, another lifetime and my soul infinitely sang with joy from the moment I stepped onto Indonesian soil.

I stayed in Seminyak (north-west of Bali), which portrayed a warm, calm, uplifting vibe during daylight. Toasty warm, regular temperatures of around 32 degrees and only swim suit or light clothing was needed. I swam in the ocean, in between pleasurable beach walks, and the inviting pool every day. Swimming was something of a memory, as I couldn't recall the last time I bathed in sea water or even wore bathers. I was in heaven!

The hustle and bustle of the narrow streets of Seminyak, were filled mainly with cars (manufactured narrower to suit Bali's roads), and electric scooters; some uniquely fun and creatively spray painted. There were no road rules. None! The speed was comfortably low and as each vehicle operator wished to overtake, or turn left or right, he gave a short toot of the horn to let commuters around him know he was about to change his stance. I found it to be organised chaos. There was no road rage, no anger or disrespect. It just seemed to work and I was told road accidents were minimal. Even stray dogs sometimes slept in the middle of streets during broad daylight, much to my initial horror, yet everyone detoured around them as if it were a usual occurrence.

I melted into the extraordinary, beautiful sunsets each evening. On the beach road I discovered a secluded, little rooftop above a cafe, where I found my front row seat overlooking a sea of brilliant, multicoloured umbrellas and beanbags. These were set up for the evening trade just in front of the hospitality venues, and reached half way down the surf beach towards the ocean. Right before sunset commenced, a Balinese acoustic guitarist and a singer would prepare for their nightly, three sets just short of the water's edge, perched on a large, wooden pallet to keep them and their equipment dry as the tide rolled slowly in during their gig. Their mood-fitting, soulful tunes sounded fantastic through their accompanying speakers and I seemed to feel every note in every emotional cell of my body.

By this time in the distance, the usually calm, relaxed beach came alive with joggers and teenage soccer players, people walking their leashed dogs (or groups of stray dogs joyfully running and socialising together), romantic strollers and children playing, while their happy voices echoed on the back of a gentle breeze. The soft winds soothed my warm skin as I sipped a cocktail and overlooked the vibrant surroundings; taking it all in and not quite believing I had finally permitted myself time out from my norm. Witnessing Bali's incredible sunsets, with ever-changing colors, as the backdrop to this tropical, spirited environment was indeed one of the highlights of my amazing holiday.

The beanbags quickly filled, mostly with tourists ready for a 'sunset drink'. The waft of delicious food filled the air too, which continually teased my taste buds. A few kites soared above, some cheeky drones drifted in the sky taking photos, and the local Balinese beach sellers would appear and approach any tourist who looked vaguely interested in their craft; often walking away after facing yet another rejection, however quite happy to move onto the next prospective buyer.

Suddenly luminous, colored lights would appear from all directions, as the nearby cafes, bars and restaurants prepared for the darkness. Beautiful, dancing lanterns flickered from huge, ancient trees, which stood proud, knowing the structures had been built around them. Fireworks would spasmodically light up above the beach, spraying more rainbows of colors into the already bright, lucent atmosphere. It was just so beautiful!

Each day I continually felt my worries melt away as I relaxed more and more. I was humbled and grateful for this stunning opportunity to visit this endearing part of the world, so close to home. Enjoying the adventure with two life-long German girlfriends proved to be the icing on the cake. We had much to catch up on and the many laughs we shared were priceless. I had intended, and did attempt, to assess and work through some personal imbalances, which I hoped to possibly see more clearly and objectively while away. However I was so continually drawn into, and in awe of, the present moment, I found that goal impossible. In hindsight, the way I feel post Bali, the concerns are insignificant anyway.

I look forward to sharing more of the magic of Bali in my next blog...  💗