Bali Life

"I was unmistakable part of the natural rhythm of a place and life itself seemed entirely worth living" ~ Alice Waters

So obviously it's been a while since I've written anything. The thing I've been busy doing who knows what. I guess the update is that I'm just enjoying myself. 

In short, I'm living in Bali and loving it. I have a job teaching english online and spend my days off at the beach or exploring new places. I would suggest to anyone that has the chance to come to Bali for yourself to experience the magic, like my sister calls it. And it really is magical. There truly is something special about this place and the people that live here. For some reason it's like a little oasis in the world. The generosity and respect Balinese have for each other and everyone else is like no other. They are caring and peaceful and pretty much the definition if laid back. And most of all they are accepting. Accepting of others, of their lives, of obstacles. The don't try to change things or control things.  I'm sure most if them ignore the things that could cause stress and focus on the beautiful things in life, thankful for what they have. And they are friendly, but not in a just being nice because they feel they have to be way. They are friendly in a long-lost-friend kind of way. They are welcoming to foreigners and want to share their culture. 

This is another thing to mention. Even though there are so many tourists and outside influences swarming the island, the Balinese culture is so rich. Of course there have been changes over the years, but they don't take away from the spirit of the culture. I don't know what it was like here 50 years ago, very different from what I hear, but today the Balinese still hold on to their traditions and way of life that identify them. This focuses around their religion. Balinese Hinduism is about honoring the gods and respecting life.  I do believe there is no other group of people like the ones living on this little island. 

Each day they take time to offer thanks to the gods by making a flower offering and placing it in their homes or family temples. 

There are also about a million ceremonies too, to honor specific things like the full moon, the goddess of education 'Sariswati', or recently there was one for transportation like bicycles, motorbikes, and cars. For these ceremonies offerings are taken I the community temple for praying. Everyday it seems there is something to celebrate and honor. It's hard to keep track of! There is a lot to learn about this way of life, it seems complex, but the theme of it all is to be thankful and respectful to life. It's a great place to learn about the pleasures of life. 

300 days in Asia and 300 reasons to love it!

"It's a wild and wonderful world; follow your heart and let the adventure unfold"

So apparently a few days ago was my three hundredth day of being away. I never planned on it, but then again sometimes those are the best kind of plans. 

Since being here I've met some truly incredible people that I hope to stay in contact with. I've also been to places I had never heard of, visited and explored with family, got the chance to travel Thailand with two of my favorite travel buddies, spent more time by myself than I ever have before (its rewarding and at times a little lonely), and eaten food that has been oh-so-delicioh-so good!! And besides bumming around I also got my dive master certification and taught balinese kids for a few months. If you asked me earlier this year about what I would be doing, I never would have known. I'm so grateful to have taken the first step for this journey nearly a year ago and continued it for longer than expected. Now that I'm here, it's been like a snowball rolling down a hill and now it's impossible to stop. (Which thankfully I'm enjoying it so much that I don't mind). 

So what do I love so much about it here?

I know I said 300 reasons, but we all know I won't write that many and you won't read them all, so let's not get so picky. 

•The food. 

Restaurants, food stalls, street food, tropical fruit, noodles noodles and more noodles, markets, hole on the walls, rice rice and more rice, chilis, sauces, and skewers. Everything needed to satisfy any sort of craving. 

• Durian. 

I know I just had a food category, but durian deserves one of its own. It's nicknamed the "king of fruits" probably because nothing compares. I'd say its one of the top reasons to come to Asia. Really. 

•Living out of hostels and guesthouses means strangers come into a room and clean up all the mess I've been working on for the last few days. It’s incredible. No making my bed or cleaning of any kind. Also, I have new "roommates" every week. If I like them I made a new friend and if I don't then I never have to see them again. 

•As for laundry well, it’s not necessary as long as you keep on the move. Wear your favorite t-shirt for a week, no-one will know, just don’t spill curry on it. But when you're afraid the whole subway car can smell you, just take it to a laundry place, drop it off, and pick it up. It comes back smelling like a floral shop, ironed, and folded perfectly. Viola! The worst chore done for you!

•The little things really count, like finding those little treasures you've missed from home, like a chocolate bar or salt and vinegar chips. Well, it's time to celebrate! (I'm still huting for that egg nog. Diary products are hard to come by)

•Sandles are still my go to footwear…if I need shoes at all. 

•They sell Crispy M&Ms in Asia. You remember those right? The are in the blue pack and personally are my favorite kind. For some reason they are nowhere to be found in the states...

• Its easy to get around. 

Just hop on a plane, train, city bus, coach bus, tuk-tuk, motorbike, taxi, ferry, metro, long-tail boat, bicycle, or just walk. 

• It's easy on the budget.

Lots of stuff is pretty cheap in comparison to US money. Makes it easy for a little to go a long way. 

• I guess I should mention one of the main reasons for going someplace else is the people and their culture. It's a learning experience everyday. Seeing how other people live and celebrate their lives is worth the journey!

• Markets. Food, knick-knacks, paintings, food, clothes, accessories, food, snacks and more food. 

• The weather.

This is both a blessing and a curse. I now understand what an endless summer feels like. It seems like I've been in the same season the entire time here. Even if it rains its still a nice 72 degrees. That's great and all, but I'm not sure how much more my body can sweat! 

•Anything is possible. 

The very best thing about traveling, that comes above all the rest, is the realization that it is very possible to live all of your wildest travel fantasies and once you’ve had a taste of one adventure it’s unlikely you’ll stop anytime soon.