Bye Bye Bali

It was hard to wake up this morning. I knew it was time to say goodbye to my beloved Bali, but I also knew it was time to say goodbye to my best friend and husband for the next two weeks. In addition, the many fears of the unknown in Jakarta unnerved me. We quickly shifted clothing between our suitcases and gathered our mementos. By the time we had packed and showered there was no time for breakfast. With one last look around our royal villa, we said goodbye to Ubud.

We hired Ade (our previous driver) for half the day to take me to the airport and then to help my husband explore as much as he could until his plane left six hours later. Ade, as always, was delightful and friendly. Our drive to the airport was quite lengthy due to traffic and I could feel my nerves increase as we grew closer. Ade dropped us off and my husband walked me in as far as he could. With a very tearful goodbye, it was my turn to continue the Indonesian adventure on my own.

I went through two security scans, paid my departure fee, and made my way to the gate. The Denpasar airport was hot and stuffy, but I found a seat and reflected a bit on my travels thus far...

Highlights of Bali:
* Petting and riding the elephants
* Uluwatu and the sunset dance
* Talking with Ketut Liyer
* Biking through the rice fields
* Relaxing on the beach
* Lunch at Nyoman's home
* The visit to SD Saraswati 5 Denpasar school
* Exploring the Indian Ocean at low tide
* Roaming the streets of Sanur, Kuta, and Ubud
* The food (ALL of it)
* The people, the people, the people

Funny observations:
* Watching my husband be offered Viagra on the street
* A monkey stealing a woman's shoe
* Throwing bananas AT the monkeys
* Spotting 4-5 people on ONE scooter
* Rice farmers texting while working in the rice fields
* Endless statues with enormous male genitalia
* Balinese people singing American songs
* Australians (in general - see picture)


Bali is truly a magical place. I have no doubt we will return. There is still so much more to do and see. Who knows, maybe we will retire there.

As I boarded my plane to Jakarta, I wondered how in the world I would ever find my TGC (Teachers for Global Classrooms) group. I knew Jakarta had a massive airport so this would be interesting. To my utter surprise, as I was walking down the aisle to my seat, I spotted a tall Caucasian man (there were very few on this flight); it was Daniel, one of my TGC colleagues and another native Californian! I felt immediate relief that we would at least have each other.

Once seated I was soon joined by two other young women, Han (a woman from Vietnam) and Elina (a woman from Holland). I don't know who struck up the conversation first, but the three of us gabbed consistently for the duration of the hour and forty-five minute flight. So what could a Vietnamese woman, a Dutch woman, and an American woman have in common? Han had traveled to Bali and Jakarta alone to explore and visit a friend for a week. Elina was just finishing an Asian tour ON HER OWN for four and a half months. The three of us shared our stories and decided that fate had brought us together - three brave, independent women. I've never had a more interesting flight and while Han and Elina did not know, they gave me the confidence and strength I needed upon entering my teaching experience in Jakarta. I will NEVER forget these ladies.


Daniel and I collected our bags and began our search for the international arrivals terminal. After a bus ride and about an hour and a half, Daniel and I had already become quite comfortable with each other. Daniel had spent quite a bit of time in Indonesia as well, so we were not fighting fatigue. As the remainder of the group (9 teachers and our IREX leader Susanna) arrived, it all began to feel real. They were completely exhausted and I felt guilty for my perky smile. We were loaded on to a wonderful air-conditioned bus and endured a long drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic to our hotel.

The Park Hotel is lovely. We all have our own rooms which is nice. It's clean and well air-conditioned and best of all, has the "shower of power" as I like to call it. There's a pool, a spa, a bar, and a restaurant. My only complaint is that it is not in the best location. There isn't much to do within walking distance, but it seems we will be pretty busy anyway. Even the view (despite the air pollution) isn't too bad. So, we got settled in and rested.


At dinner we became reacquainted and talked with Lilia, our wonderful Indonesian host. I LOVE Lilia; she is so cute and kind and helpful. Her English is excellent and I feel as though I could go to her for anything. The nine newly arrived teachers were losing a fighting battle to stay awake so they called it an early evening. I tried in vain to connect to the WiFi with no luck, which is why my postings may be delayed. Tomorrow is a very busy day, but I'm looking forward to getting in to the schools and doing what I love, teach.

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