People go to Bali for many reasons, I think in the three times I went, I may have went for them all. Good reasons and bad reasons alike. In my opinion it is an utter shame that people will travel to Indonesia only to see Bali… even worse if its only to see Kuta Beach or Ubud, the two most popular destinations on the island. I hope my other posts show that there is so much more to Indonesia than Bali. That being said, I did go to Bali… and how could I not, I was as intrigued by it as everyone else is.
I first went to Bali to forget about things I couldn't deal with, wanting 4 days of sunshine, beach, nightlife, and mindless vacation. I left that time with a new tattoo and a headache.
I went the second to celebrate the great things in my life, to celebrate New Years with new friends. I left that time having rekindled an old friendship by a chance mirroring of schedules.
I went the third time to begin what would be a life changing experience and commit myself fully to my beloved Yoga practice, hopeful of the beautiful life ahead of me. I left that time with a Yoga teaching certificate, a feeling of being 100 pounds lighter from having shed emotional baggage, and a new appreciation of the lives around me.
It seemed no matter why I went to Bali I left with more than hoped for, feeling as though the island helped fulfill my purpose there. Its a magical place. Its all you've heard it is and so much more. Its a place that will meet you where you are, give you what you need, ask nothing in return, and send you on your way with nothing more than you came for… if that’s how you choose to enjoy your time there. As a warning though to travellers, look around you, look, see, and inquire. Bali gives more than it can at times, more than the people and the island can afford, and by asking nothing in return, receives very little. Be kind to this island.
I first went to Bali to forget about things I couldn't deal with, wanting 4 days of sunshine, beach, nightlife, and mindless vacation. I left that time with a new tattoo and a headache.
I went the second to celebrate the great things in my life, to celebrate New Years with new friends. I left that time having rekindled an old friendship by a chance mirroring of schedules.
I went the third time to begin what would be a life changing experience and commit myself fully to my beloved Yoga practice, hopeful of the beautiful life ahead of me. I left that time with a Yoga teaching certificate, a feeling of being 100 pounds lighter from having shed emotional baggage, and a new appreciation of the lives around me.
It seemed no matter why I went to Bali I left with more than hoped for, feeling as though the island helped fulfill my purpose there. Its a magical place. Its all you've heard it is and so much more. Its a place that will meet you where you are, give you what you need, ask nothing in return, and send you on your way with nothing more than you came for… if that’s how you choose to enjoy your time there. As a warning though to travellers, look around you, look, see, and inquire. Bali gives more than it can at times, more than the people and the island can afford, and by asking nothing in return, receives very little. Be kind to this island.
Here are a few pictures from my time in Kuta and Ubud.