What a day today was…
Last night I didn’t sleep well at all. My comforter didn’t feel right. It smelled like it was damp and been sitting like that for a bit. Also, there were all sorts of annoying sounds outside the walls. I heard loud crickets, barking, frogs, and other unrecognizable sounds. The mixture was deafening and aggravating. I managed to drift off but was woken up by an incessant dog barking at 7 am and roosters. This was not the best impression for my first night in Bali.
Today didn’t help my view of Bali. I took out the scooter to find a place to work and eat. On the way, I found a gym that’s literally down the street from my area and it’s cheap for daily access ($1.40). I’m pleased about it. I then went to the beach to get a feel for it, and I heard there was a shortcut from there to the street I wanted to access. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the right shortcut.
The beach, however, didn’t seem impressive. There were several places to eat, lounge, and surf. Bali is definitely a surf city. There were tons of surfers out in the ocean enjoying the waves.
I didn’t stay long. I headed out to find a breakfast spot and a workplace. While driving, I tried going up a steep incline to a complex and wiped out. I got scraped up pretty good, and I have a sizable bruise on my left hip. I’m incredibly thankful it wasn’t worse. I was wearing sandals and shorts just like everyone else, and I quickly learned that’s a stupid idea.
I don’t care if others are doing it, I plan to wear pants and shoes while I ride. I was a bit shaken up, but I didn’t want that experience to hold me back, so I got back on and rode again. I was more cautious riding now. The accident could have been much worse, and it could have with another scooter. Thankful to have learned in a small accident rather than a larger one.
I plan to avoid the main street and ride locally. I think it’s harder for Americans to get used to the riding because they drive on the left side of the road rather than the right. Europeans don’t have a problem riding here I’ve noticed. They seem to be very comfortable. I assume it’s because of the familiar traffic rules.
I eventually made it to where I needed to go after getting bandages and cleaning up after the fall. Luckily, where I stopped had a small shop that carried band-aids and water. I found an Acai bowl place with coffee. They have plenty of acai places here which I’m happy about. The one I had was good. I also got my coffee fix too. The day started picking up.
I stayed at that cafe until lunch time, and I headed off to another location because they didn’t have wifi and an outlet. I ended up at The Common and man was it a great find! The food was out of this world! One thing I love about Bali is their food selection. They make some of the freshest and healthy food you can find for a reasonable price. I’m starting to appreciate why so many people like this place, especially surfer types. It’s not exactly my cup of tea for remote work, but it has its charm.
I liked the food so much I decided to work there all day until dinner time so I can eat the same dish again. It was fresh, flavorful, and healthy. Just thinking about it I’m getting hungry again. I could eat that quite often, and it was only about 7 dollars.
Once I finished dinner, I headed out while there was still some light.
I got back home safely but I had to get more mangosteen and some supplies at the supermarket. I’ve been craving mangosteen all day. They are delicious and affordable here. I’m glad it’s a smooth ride to the market. It’s just down the street on the main road. I grabbed all my items and headed back.
I’ve been dealing with a runny nose and sneezing all day, so I wanted to get to bed early. I showered and redressed by cuts and bruises. Now off to bed and hopefully tomorrow will be safer and better.