Falling in love...

"We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed. And we travel, in essence, to become young fools again- to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more." Pico Iyer, Why We Travel

So there's something you should know about me. I fall in love a lot. Like, all the time. 

Usually it's something as basic as a glance, and before I know it, I'm head-over-heels infatuated, humming out some Bryan Adams tune.

Now, rarely do things get out of hand and get to the point of any real commitment (mainly because I'm too busy humming), but hardly does this have any impact on how its so easy to appreciate whats around and fall in love. 

So it should come as no surprise that after a few day fling in Bali I was humming the opening chords of some love song about the no nonsense lifestyle and beauty around every corner. 

I. LOVE. THIS. ISLAND. It has everything I love wrapped up conveniently in a little package. Clear turquoise waters. White sand. Black sand. Pebble sand. Jungle interior. Mountains. Whispering palm trees when you want to relax. Majestic temples everywhere you turn. Streets lined with flower offerings to the gods. Fields and fields of rice swaying in the breeze. Not only that, but the people here have such a rich culture that is celebrated everyday.

While there I was completely comfortable being in the natural rhythm of the community around me. What did I even do everyday? I'm not really sure how those few months went by so quickly. My days were filled with teaching the best class of 4th graders I could ask for. They are full of spirit and eager to learn. They joke around a lot and pick on each other even more (most of the time in good nature). Smiles that light up their eyes are plastered on their faces and they leave school piled on bikes, sometimes one peddler and two more hanging on! 

I never knew what to expect with those kids either. Like the time I came to class and the boys had collected buckets and buckets of crabs of all sizes from the river and brought them to class. No big deal at first until the class trouble maker poured one bucket that had momma crabs and literally hundreds of baby crabs onto the floor. There were crabs everywhere! The girls were screaming, the boys were picking them up and chasing the girls, and I was trying to herd the little critters back into the bucket without getting stepped on. It's kinda fun going to class and wondering what kind of excitement the students would create in class that day. I loved it! Never a dull day, that's for sure!

I enjoyed nearly every minute I was in Bali. It's been the highlight of my trip. After a few months here they've kicked me out, but I'm only trying to find a way to come back again, and soon! I just can't resist this place that has left it's mark. 

Little Rascals

"As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks - on your body or on your heart - are beautiful." ~Anthony Bourdain

I've lost track if time since being here. I often have no idea what the date is and time is an arbitrary thing. The thing is, life is simple here. The people are kind, the food is delicious, the weather is sunny, the ocean is blue. Not much else you could ask for really.

Of course not everywhere is perfect. The moment you get on a road in Bali you remember that life isn't stress free. The roads are skinny and drivers seem to think there are 5 more lanes than there actually are and that honking will clear any obstacles so there's no need for brakes, only gas. Somehow I'm still in one piece with not a scratch on me so I guess it's one of those organized systems of chaos. 

Speaking of chaos, I've been teaching 4th graders English. Just after I got here I started teaching at an elementary school. This has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I've ever done. (This and my divemaster course have tested my limits!). But what can I say about it other than that these Balinese kids have been such a joy. We have class every week day for a few hours, after their Balinese schooling. The English lessons are optional for them, but I usually have a full class of eager students. A few months together has given us the chance to really get to know each other and have lots of fun! We play lots of games and laugh most of the time. Of course there has been plenty of tears, and only some of them were my fault. When you get twenty competitive 10 year olds together and start playing games with stickers as the prize, things can get a little crazy! 

Despite the major language barrier that hopefully has been lessened since my teaching and their relentless energy that has often erupted into chaos, each one of them has wiggled their way into my heart. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity not only to teach the little rugrats, but also to learn so much from them as well. It's nearly time for me to say goodbye to them, but I'll think of their smiling faces often!

Out and About

"I'll never doubt myself in a strange land, never be scared of languages or funky rooms...I won't be cynical of human nature, because strangers have helped me out so many times. My ripped suitcase, as it rumbles onto the carousel, is bursting with life." ~Elizabeth Eaves, Wanderlust

So apparently I'm no good at keeping this blog updated. It's been quite a while since I've posted anything at all so I guess I should give a run down of what I've been up to. 

Here's the quick version in case you don't want to read a bunch. I'll start with saying that having no plan turns out to be the best plan. I came to Asia to scuba dive and see where it leads. I've chosen to bum around and get started on the responsible stuff on a little bit. No rush here. 

This no plan thing has worked out pretty well too. After doing my divemaster training in Thailand I went to Macau to visit my sister and brother in law. I was even able to do some tutoring for some kids at their school. Hong Kong is just a weekend trip away too! After some family time I went back to Thailand for a couple weeks with 2 of my roommates from Italy. Such a special experience to be able to travel all over with such exceptional ladies. After that I was on my own and took a train to Malaysia. Turns out this was one of my favorite spots. The people are exceptionally friendly and the food is spicy! I spent one month on the Peninsula and one month in Borneo. Malaysia wins the prizes for best jungles and best hosts at a guesthouse. Where to next? The place that has stolen my heart, Bali! 

I've been here nearly 3 months, but just because I'm leaving doesn't mean I'm saying goodbye. I'm already looking at flights to come back again! The people I've met here have made a big impact on me. This island really is a special place. The funny thing is that my sister and brother in law came here for their first Asian experience and have raved about it ever since. I know why now!

Continuing with the "no plans" theme, I'm leaving the future chapters blank for now. I do know that I'm going back to Malaysia when immigration kicks me out of Bali (they'll have a hard time keeping me out!). Then I'm off to Cambodia for Christmas with my sister and brother in law. After that, we'll see. 

This adventure I've been on is hard to describe. 

Memorable. 

Irreplaceable. 

Challenging. 

Influential. 

Meaningful. 

Unforgettable. 

It's also had a life of its own, taking me in directions I didn't consider at first. I've met people that will be a part of my future and also taken the time to enjoy traveling by myself. The memories I've made will stay with me and I am more than grateful to be collecting them. 

The best part is that this adventure of mine doesn't have to end...