It's 6:30am in Ubud as I'm composing this entry off-line. I can't sleep. The demented, soloist rooster has been practising his opera in a very off key squawk since about 4am - 8am for the past three days. I would like him if he was served as KFC right now (ha!). Although I despise him now, I know I'll miss these types of 'slice of life' noises after I return.
Since India, we did a full 180. We went from a crazy and hectic environment where locals outnumbered foreigners to a more mellow setting in Indonesia where there seems to be foreigners everywhere. From the spots we went to in Bali and Lombok which may be the more touristy ones, it feels like Indo is to the Europeans and Aussies what Mexico is to North Americans. It happened to be high season so everything was double the price. In these ways, it did not meet my backpacker mindset. Quickly though, with the inspiring, serene scenery and friendly people, I was quite okay with taking a vacation from my vacation. The highlights include the Gili Islands and Ubud. At the Gilis, we were so seduced by the beaches, the clear turqoise water, complete lack of motorized transport, and fresh seafood (yum..baby tuna) that we just became blobs and parked ourselves there with our books for what seemed like a blissful eternity.
When I started to get bored of tanning, I knew it was time for a change so we headed to the artisan town of Ubud. It's a busy little place with lots of interesting window shopping for hand crafted things including jewellery, textiles, paintings, and woodwork. Just a stone's throw away are rice paddies and jungles. The main highlight in Ubud was my first time driving a scooter and first time driving in Asian traffic. In most parts of Asia, there are simply no rules to driving and very few traffic lights. They follow the philosophy of flow and keep their focus in front of them (like skiing). I was so nervous the night before with visions of falling over, crashing, etc. Driving that scooter turned out to be the BEST thing ever! Within 20 minutes, I felt like a pro pinning my scooter at full throttle. There was so much freedom and so much to see. Along our way to some volcanoes (Gunung Batur and Gunung Agung), we passed by small villages, farmers, and rice paddies. It was so nice to get off the beaten path to see the real heart of the Balinese culture. I loved the pace of Ubud and would definately go again.
We stayed in Ubud right to the end which was great because we did not have to go back to Kuta. Kuta has a good surf break but it is super busy with its proximity to the airport. It is like one big college frat party. At one time, I would have liked it but now it would be like babysitting myself in my party years (horror!).
Our next stop is China as we wind down. I am so excited to go to Hong Kong to get in touch with my heritage that I so easily brushed off growing up self-defined as a Canadian.
Our next stop is China as we wind down. I am so excited to go to Hong Kong to get in touch with my heritage that I so easily brushed off growing up self-defined as a Canadian.
I see that Vancouver is getting prime time sun. Hope everyone is enjoying summer!
