Bali Belly Blues & Bintang Dreams
okay, so, let’s just get this out there. i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and questionable street food. 7338037 and 1360796329 - those numbers keep flashing in my head like a broken disco ball. it’s… unsettling. the humidity here is like being wrapped in a damp towel, seriously. it’s 23.01, feels like 23.79, temp min 23.01, temp max 23.01, pressure 1008, humidity 93, sea level 1008, ground level 958. basically, a sauna with a slight breeze. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
I landed in Canggu a few days ago, and honestly, it’s a weird mix. like, beautiful rice paddies and crashing waves, but also a million scooters weaving through traffic and guys blasting techno from their tiny warungs. it’s… intense. i’m staying in a little guesthouse near Echo Beach - it’s basically a glorified shed with a hammock, which is perfect. the owner, Wayan, keeps offering me extra nasi goreng, and i’m politely declining. i think he thinks i’m trying to starve myself.
I spent yesterday wandering around, mostly just getting lost. i stumbled upon this incredible little cafe called ‘The Lawn’ - seriously, the vibe is immaculate. they have these massive beanbags and fairy lights everywhere. someone told me that the owner, a guy named Leo, used to be a competitive surfer before he opened the place. i heard that he’s obsessed with collecting vintage surfboards. it’s a thing.
Speaking of things, i tried to take some photos for my Instagram, but my camera battery died. which, like, is a disaster. i’m relying on my phone, and the lighting is atrocious. i need a new battery pack, stat. I’m seriously considering just posting blurry pictures of my food. it’s a valid strategy, right?
I went to Tanah Lot temple this morning. it’s perched on this dramatic rock formation out in the ocean. it was packed with tourists, naturally. the sunset was pretty epic, though. i managed to snag a decent shot, even if it’s slightly overexposed. I’m trying to capture the feeling of Bali, you know? the laid-back energy, the spirituality, the slightly unsettling smell of incense. it’s hard to translate into pixels.
I’m also trying to avoid the tourist traps. someone warned me about the ‘massage parlors’ - apparently, they’re not always what they seem. i’m sticking to recommendations from locals, which is proving to be a mixed bag. I heard that the best warungs are hidden down side streets, far from the main tourist areas. if you get bored, Ubud is just a short drive away.
Here’s my gear list, because apparently, that’s what everyone wants to see:
Camera (and dying battery)
Phone (for documenting my misery)
Sunscreen (essential, obviously)
Mosquito repellent (also essential)
Flip-flops (my footwear of choice)
Sarong (for temple visits and general modesty)
A healthy dose of skepticism
I’m heading to Seminyak tomorrow to check out the beach clubs. i’m hoping to find a place with decent cocktails and even better music. I’m also planning on taking a surfing lesson, but i’m terrified of wiping out. i’m pretty sure i’ll spend most of the time clinging to the surfboard like a barnacle.
Okay, one more thing. I found this little notebook and pen - it’s perfect for jotting down my thoughts and observations. I’m trying to be more mindful of my surroundings, to really feel* the place. it’s a challenge, considering i’m constantly battling jet lag and a serious case of wanderlust.
I’m also trying to embrace the chaos. i mean, what’s the point of traveling if you’re not willing to get a little lost, a little dirty, a little… Bali belly-ed?
Check out some more local spots here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293969-Canggu_Bali-Vacations.html and https://www.yelp.com/map?fid=23811111&rid=93881111&click=search for some food recommendations. And if you're looking for more local events, this board is pretty good: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CangguBaliEvents/
Seriously, need coffee. Like, desperately.
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