Kadek, Suma and I
My heart is so full! After a bittersweet farewell to Chiang Mai, I flew to Bangkok and then on to Bali, Indonesia. I then made my way to Suriwathi Hotel, where I was greeted by friends. It felt like coming home.
The week positively flew by, with me mostly visiting with my many friends here and making new friends along the way. I was often found hanging out with my girls at Ari Spa, in between treatments that left me feeling like a new woman. I didn't get Keratin straightening this time, but I have purpled the bottom of my hair. If you ever find yourself around Garlic Lane (Jl. Sahadewa) in Legian, do yourself a favour and go and have the most incredible massage with Farida. Sarah did her usual magic with my hair, but I figure that I'll be going native over the next few months throughout Indonesia and the Indian continent and islands. I'm sure we can all look forward to the wild and woolly iteration of me that will result.
After spending the week in a relaxing state of bliss, I made my way to my Bali family (Kadek, Suma and their kind sons) up in the village of Saba in Blahbatuh (Gianyar). I am so blessed to have these beautiful people in my life.
I was anticipating a basic room, no aircon and perhaps a squat toilet. However, I am utterly delighted to discover that I am staying in a gorgeous room with a ginormous bed and nice, cold aircon. I even have the sweetest little table to sit at outside of my room on the patio. Just spending this time with these incredible people keeps my heart brimming.
So, I've decided that my next adventure is going to be one for the ages. Armed with my Thai motorcycle license (which is also valid in Indonesia), I've bought a scooter and all the requisite safety gear to ride from Bali all the way up Java and Sumatra.
Blue dot where I am in Bali
First leg - Java
Second leg - Sumatra
Third leg - Medan to Banda Aceh (I'll likely do this leg by overnight bus)
The bike has been serviced with fresh oil and a new back tyre. I love that it has gold and my favourite deep burgundy trim. Thank you to Kadek and his son, Gede, for their wonderful help getting me all set up.
Isn't she pretty? I have named her Giri (Balinese for Girl)
For those playing along at home, my entire set-up with the bike and all the safety equipment has come in well under $A3000 (30 million rupiah). The bike was $1800 with the service and I spent $800 on my safety gear including a jacket with shoulder and elbow pads, pants with knee protection as well as some quality riding gloves and a top quality helmet. I will sell the bike when I get to Madan as it is too far to send back to Bali. I'm hoping to be able to send the safety gearand helmet back to Bali so I can use it in the future. The bike is second hand with about 40klms on the clock. However, it looks new. The priest actually thought it was until we told him that it was a used bike.
I was a millionaire for a minute there
I have 6 weeks to make my way, which means I can take my time, riding for only a few hours most days. The plan is to skirt Jakarta and any of the bigger cities and spend most of my time in the villages. Each day when I stop I will have a local mechanic check over my bike to keep it in top condition.
I am so freaking excited!!!! Yes, I am well aware that I am crazy. But honestly I feel great about this. I went and saw the healer, Mr Wayan, who has given me reassurance that this will be all ok. I also have the option to stop and sell the bike at any point and continue with public transport if that becomes the better option.
I'll be making stops only when I can see women. If somewhere only has men around, I will continue on to the next village. Safety first, of course.
Before I can set out on my journey, the bike was blessed. The priest came to Kadek and Suma's house and we had the most beautiful ceremony.
My very blessed girl
The priest
Some footage that Kadek took
First ignition after ceremony
I took myself off on the bike to the local Surawathi Markets to buy some gifts to send home. I was met by this lovely woman who worked hard to help me get everything on my list. I know I am supposed to haggle hard, but these people are so beautiful I didn't have the heart to go to hard. I just wanted to bless these people.
I also woke one morning with a sharp pain in my heel. I often have some foot problems, but this was different. Suma did a little massage and healing. She asked me if I rode past any rivers the day before when I rode to the markets. Yes, I did cross at least one bridge. So, apparently as I went over the river, my energy is so great at the moment, a spirit from the water has jumped up and attached itself to my foot. Suma actually started coughing and gagging as she massaged the spirit out. I have been instructed to say 'No, get out!' any time I am near the river.
It is a busy time before I head off. I have a Balinese wedding and another ceremony for education (yes, please, send some of that blessing my way for my learning Bahasa Indonesian).
Kadek, Suma, Gede and I went to a traditional morning market at Belahbatuh to pick up a gift for the wedding and some fruits to prepare for the ceremony on Saturday. The market reminded me of Rusty's Market in Cairns. The wonderful smells of fresh flowers, incense and sweet treats were intoxicating. I picked up a beautiful batik scarf to gift to the wedding couple.
Suma at the market
The aromas are devine
Lots of goodies
It is hard to describe how incredible this part of my travels are. Not beyond my wildest dreams did I think that this time with my friends would rest and nurture my well-worn heart. Bali is such an exceptional place, because of the friendly and kind people here.
I am looking forward to the rest of my travels - I've got some very special times ahead of me. It will be great to chronicle my adventures here and share them all with you.
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