Hi Gram!
I woke up early this morning, feeling refreshed and excited to explore my new surroundings. I took my time getting up, stretched a little, and looked up where I could find yogurt. Once I was finally ready, I popped out of bed and did my morning stretches and eye drops before heading to grab a few things. I walked down the lane, dodging scooters and vendors, and wound my way through a few streets to a local convenience store where I grabbed some yogurt, a power adapter, and a chocolate bar.

It was already warming up, so when I got back, I took some time and cooled off. I did a little reading and decided to follow through on my plans to get a massage to shake off the aches and pains of my flight. I chatted with my friend Amy, who recommended a place a couple of blocks away, then walked over. A sign pointed down a narrow passageway between houses, so I followed that until I was standing under a shingle hanging over a porch with a couple people sitting out. I pointed at the sign and asked “massage?” to which the woman responded “yes, sixty minutes?”. I answered “yes” and she led me to a couple doors down and instructed me to disrobe and lay on the table. Once I was set in and ready, she came in and spent the next few days (I’m sure it was only sixty minutes, but MAN it felt like forever) working out every ache and tight spot I could feel. There were a few times that I thought, “Well surely that’s been an hour and she’s been thorough. We must be wrapping up” only for her to return to a previous area or twist my arm or leg in a way to expose some new muscles to work through. When she was done wringing me out, I got up and paid her 110,000 IDR (just over $7 USD) and wandered back down the alley, my head in a cloud. There was a gauntlet of vendors along the road with many trinkets and items of clothing to catch one’s interest, but I looked forward to getting back to the house and collapsing on the couch. I reached the end of the road and turned right, then headed down what should have been a short block to take another right.

After a long while, I realized that I hadn’t turned right or had the opportunity but I’d seen some tempting restaurants and shops along the way. I got out the map on my phone and saw that I was supposed to have turned left initially. I was now a couple km from home but you know what? I just didn’t care. I turned around and started re-tracing my steps, soaking it all in. About halfway back, I stopped at one of the gorgeous restaurants for some lunch and found that I had a view of the water purification temple. I got to enjoy watching a trickle of people dressed in purple and white walk down a low bridge to the temple, then make their way inside while devouring my nasi goreng dan ayam (fried rice with chicken). Part way through my meal, a young lady parked herself at a table nearby and ordered a coconut drink. While she waited for her coconut to arrive, she got out her cameras and lighting because what’s the point of enjoying a view and food if you can’t share pictures of it with the whole world, right?

Lunch was delicious and I felt lucky as I finished it up, then realized that I would be heading to dinner soon to meet up with Amy, Matthew and Stacey. I paid my bill, thanked them for the delicious food, then continued my trek back to the house. Once there, I unloaded my backpack, re-loaded it with what I’d need for the evening, grabbed my motorcycle helmet and ordered a scooter. Here in Bali, and most of SE Asia from my understanding, because traffic is so congested you can decide when you order a ride whether you want to sit in a car or on the back of a scooter – the “small motorbike” kind, not the “stand on it and look like a hipster” kind. The latter option will get you there quicker, but that’s because they weave in and out of traffic and take your life in their hands. I’ve ridden on the back of plenty of bikes before, but I always knew the driver and had an idea of their skill level. I’ve always spoken the same language as them as well. Eager for a new experience, though, I placed my order, put on my helmet, and waited for him to arrive. He pulled up, lowered the foot pegs, and I climbed aboard. I rested my hands on his shoulders and we took off. It went really well, actually. A little scary at times as he pulled into the oncoming traffic lane to get a few cars ahead, then ducked back in just in time to miss oncoming cars. A little nerve-inducing when we had to climb a hill in stop-and-go traffic, relying on an engine that reminded me of Thomas the Tank Engine as it cried out “I think I can! I think I can!”. Very exhilarating as we navigated hairpin turns, passed pedestrians, and arrived at the restaurant quicker than I’d expected. I dismounted, thanked him, and he was on his way. I went into the app to rate him and complete the ride, where I happily agreed to the suggested amount and tipped him 2000 IDR for his professional service. I checked later and found that I’d tipped him the equivalent of $0.13. I’m still figuring out the conversion rates here..

Since I was a little early, I headed inside and looked out at the stunning view of a rice paddy while I waited for everyone else to arrive. Amy and Matthew came in a few minutes later and after hugging our hello’s and some negotiating on Amy’s behalf, we were led to our table. Safety isn’t handled here the same way it is in the USA. Our table was on the edge of a terrace with my seat backed up to it. There was no curb, railing, fence, or other obstacle. If I was close enough, I could have scooted back from the table absentmindedly and fallen down to the next level, about ten feet. This made Amy nervous and she made sure I remembered where I was every time I adjusted my chair. I am lucky to have friends who watch out for me so carefully! We caught up on what’s new in each of our lives, and ordered some drinks and food while we gazed out at the enormous terraced rice fields and diverse landscaping in front of us. Stacey was stuck in traffic, having taken a car instead of a scooter, but she to eventually arrived and came in to join us. The conversation was reignited as she brought new stories and perspective to us. As Stacey worked her way through dinner, the rest of us ordered dessert to keep her company and it was phenomenally delicious. I mean, melt-in-your-mouth textures with a swirl of sweet, savory, smooth and nutty flavors. I could go on for hours about our engaging conversation, spectacular views and delicious food but suffice it to say we had a good time.

After a few hours, the sandman started calling us to slumber, so we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. Stacey and I shared a cab part of the way, then I jumped out and walked the last few blocks while she continued on. I got back to the house as a very light drizzle started to fall and mere moments before a heavy rain came through. Grateful to have missed the rain, I took a quick shower and followed the call of my dreams.