Memories in Bali - Day 1 Highlights

They say, travelling makes you feel alive. Travelling heals your heart and travelling makes you human. I say... AMEN to that!

Here's our first day experience in Bali.

When we arrived at the airport we were already mesmirized by its architecture, Ngurah Rai Airport has these unique design outside that I never saw in any other airports I have been to. Upon checking out and exchanging some dollars inside, we wander a little outside to check how we're going to reach our hotel. Ha!

A local Balinese man approached us and said that he has a service car and can take us to our hotel. (Convenient right?!) When we asked him how much will he charge us for that he said, 400,000 IDR! We we're both overwhemled how he priced a 2km ride to our hotel. We decided to move on but he decided to bargain with us. Til we reached 170,000 IDR, and there we go. *winks*

Here's a glimpse of our paradise for 5 days. Whew! After seeing the hotel where we are staying, I felt so lucky and blessed! We only paid less than 5000 pesos for 2 pax for a 5 day stay in Bakung Sari. The location is very ideal. It's close to the famous surfing place, Kuta beach. And have lots of convenient stores nearby. There's also a foodcourt just right beside our hotel, so yay! Yes to local Balinese delish! 

We arrived past 8 in the morning and our check in time is not until 2 in the afternoon. So we walked around to check the places nearby. We were also both hungry so we tried to look for a familiar place where we can eat - then poof! Dunkin Donuts. Ha! Their coffee is priced from 20,000 IDR-25,000 IDR. Do the math. 100USD is 11,800,000 IDR. Hirap mag compute besh.

After our breakfast, we're on for the beach hunt. Yay! (Bali wouldn't be famous if it's not for the beach right?!) Kidding. There's a lot more in Bali than it's famous beaches. So we went back to the hotel and asked for a map. Luckily, there were foreigners (English I think) at the lobby asking where the beach is, sooo... wolah! No need to ask and no need for a map. Pays good if you're attentive and have a good listening skills. *high five* for that! Along the way we saw this temple. Majestic isn't it?! It's like a little piece of heaven.

Another selfie for Bali beach! Yay! I also had this blue shawl I bought along the way to Kuta Beach. We saw a lot of shops (like blocks of shops) on our way to the beach. It cost me 50,000 IDR for 2. Not bad. :) 

                                    Ugghh! Kuta Beach! Sooo good! Just shut up and look!

 

One of the belinese native we bumped into. He approached (okay scratch that) I APPROACHED him and asked if I could take a photo of him with his bow and arrow. He agreed. He then came to us and sat then a little bit of talking and sharing the places we should visit in Bali. He's very persistent though in selling his bow and arrow. Told him it's not on the budget. So guys, if you're interested. Look for him in Kuta. Saw him on our last day too. His name is Jone and he's really nice. We spoke with him for more than an hour while doing our sun bathing. Lol. It's around 20-30 USD.

After kuya Jone left... these kids came and sat with us too!!! We tried to ask for their names but they couldn't understand nor speak English. But... that doesn't stop them or ME to play and hang out with them right?! The girl is 5 years old and the little cutie patootie boy is 2. Check his candid shots below, I took it using Samsung S5 (if it matters).

Isn't he adorable?! (I know. I know.) When our clock striked 12 (Cinderella time) we decided to go back to our hotel. On our way back, we had our lunch at the food court beside our hotel. We finished our lunch before 1pm. (Will upload photos and story on my next blog posts).

They checked us in an hour earlier. Yey! Bed. Rest. Sleep! We're both full from our lunch, both tired from the trip and walking around.

Few minutes upon checking in, my best friend took her sweet dreams. Me,however, stayed up trying to let it all sink in.

(BALI - New place, new surroundings, new people, new culture, travel, growth, life, healing. :))

So, I opened our balcony and here was my view.

How about seeing this for 5 days and paying for roughly 500 pesos a night? Worth it!!! 

I decided to change into my swimming clothes and take a plunge. (Though I'm not really sure if I can swim. Haha!) But hey, I did. Told my besfriend i'll dip in the pool for a while and come back. So yey! for first day skinny dipping! (Well not literally) Haha!

After a few, I decided to come back to our room, my best friend is still sleeping and I'm still hyped and awake so I decided to read. Thank you, Gayle Forman for good books!

I brought the book I'm currently addicted to, Just One Year. It's a sequel of her novel, Just One Day. It's a story about 2 people, strangers, meeting in Europe who clicked in one day. But destiny decided to play with their lives and separated Willem and Lulu (2 main characters.) And yes. I read YA books. I'm corny like that. And I still believe in the end, they'll be together, no matter what. Because their love for each other is far greater than their time gaps and differences. (Playing Sam Smith's album, In This Lonely Hour, on the background. "Not In That Way" to be more specific. Good song. Good album. Listen ^^) (Whoooo move on the bessss!)

When I finished chapter 16, my best friend woke up. FINALLY! HAHA! I love you nay!

I asked her what she wants to do... also suggested grabbing few drinks from the store across our hotel to cap our night... and so we did.

Yey for irish beer, bali hai (local bali beer), raspberry smirnoff (that tastes like a cough syrup but I liked) and mogu mogu! 

We had cupcakes for dinner. Lemon square cheesecakes! Tipid tip - pack some snacks and canned goods, one good note to remember when you opt to go backpacking. You're welcome. 

We ended the night with these drinks. We had a heart to heart talk (finally!) while having these booze. And finally, I told her what really happened between me and Mike. We had fun. We enjoyed our talk. And we decided to come back to Bali soon. And the next time we come to Bali, it will be with the ones we love. Bali is love. Our first day sort of tiring but fun. Also, made me realize that our trip here in Bali is a good timing. Good timing for healing. Good timing for enjoying. Good timing for loving myself more. And good timing for having my life back. Thank you Bali. Thank you for doing your magic.