Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 30 December 2011
Love + Peace + Foundation + Family ❤ RIP Randy Ponzio ❤
❤ Thinking of the family back in Vancouver. Eternally connected. Love, Peace, Foundation, Family❤
http://randyponzio.bandcamp.com/album/for-the-people - Buy the album, support the kids
http://questpoetics.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rkXj-XbpTc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVpOV0U-9co
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w28WovrRdRo
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Chocolate Cheesecake on a Scooter
Continuing from previous Ubud post.......
I eventually got in touch with Odeck, owner of Bettelnut, where I will be DJing this Saturday. I found the restaurant sometime after 5pm yesterday. The traffic in Ubud was at a standstill. It seems that people literally leave their cars idling in the road while they go and shop for their groceries, take a nap, play chess, etc. I'm not complaining. I'm famous for taking my damn sweet time too, so who am I to make a fuss?
I was met with supreme kindness at Bettelnut by the head Chef, who told me Odeck was at his villa and I would be escorted on a bike. His villa was a good 30 minutes from the main part of Ubud. Again there I was on the back of a scooter, whizzing and weaving in and around perfect valleys of thick green jungle. Balanced on my back in a giant rucksack, my laptop and Canon camera. In my right hand, a plastic bag with a small box which held 2 miniature chocolate cheesecakes, a gift for Odeck and his wife.
Although it took me a good part of the day to arrive, and I missed the actual lunch portion of the party due to traffic and island time, it was well worth the wait. Absolutely, completely, ridiculously worth the wait. His house stands at the top of a valley, with a large green lawn that looks over miles and miles of palm tree's and thick, lush jungle.
The house, stunning. I am a huge fan of architecture and design. Plainly put, I am a huge fan of well thought out space and simple luxury. I entered and walked into the largest "open" room I have ever seen. Beautiful dark marble floors and exotically carved Balinese wood for the posts and frame of the ceiling. I met Odeck and his beautiful wife Tara, who is originally from Oregon. We got along right off the bat. She handed me a guava juice with fresh kaffir lime. Delicious.
There were only a few friends left at the party, who were leaving just as I was arriving. This group reminds me of my parents friends, kind happy faces, dressed in loose linen shirts and pants. Friendly, non-pretentious, yet posh, with a splash of hippie. Love it.
I was offered dinner, as there was a beautiful spread of food left over from the day. I arranged a plate for myself: red rice, chicken satay, tempeh and a vegetable something-rather. Odeck, Tara and I sat down and chatted. They share the house with 4 dogs and many frogs. In fact, Tara joked that they live in the frogs' house. When you live in a house with no walls, the animals come and go as they please. I really love that.
As I ate we chatted about many things, such as how Tara and Odeck met while Tara was traveling through Indonesia 10 years ago with a friend. We chatted about culture, music, Balinese properties and design, and the language. All in all, they are just fabulous. Extremely kind, honest, young-hearted and all in all, really cool.
When I asked Odeck what kind of music he wants me to play.... he is the client, so I want to make him happy.... he said "anything you like". This made me smile. I know exactly what I will play. Sexy, loungey, beachy house tunes. Can't wait.
After our meeting, Tara kindly drove me back down to the central part of Ubud. We said our goodbyes and I met up with my friend Bop, a super cool Indonesian who runs an eco-hotel here ( more on that later ). I took him for dinner, crashed on his couch, and spent the morning in the Monkey Forest with 500 monkeys. ( More on that later too )
I spent the afternoon Skyping with one of my best girlfriends back in Vancouver. Around 6pm, I hired a driver to take me back to Seminyak. 2 hours. $15. Not bad for a nice car, AC and a great sound system. I made friends with my driver, 26 year old Wayan, who taught me some Indonesian on the way. See below.
All in all, a wonderful 36 hours in Ubud. I can't wait to go back on Saturday and DJ at Bettelnut. I will get some pictures of the restaurant, and hopefully Odeck's house, if he lets me ;)
Check out Odeck and his business ventures at: http://www.dekco.com/
Until next time, here's some Indo for you to learn:
Siapa anda = Who are you?
Ada apa = What's up?
Anda sangat baik = You're very kind
I eventually got in touch with Odeck, owner of Bettelnut, where I will be DJing this Saturday. I found the restaurant sometime after 5pm yesterday. The traffic in Ubud was at a standstill. It seems that people literally leave their cars idling in the road while they go and shop for their groceries, take a nap, play chess, etc. I'm not complaining. I'm famous for taking my damn sweet time too, so who am I to make a fuss?
I was met with supreme kindness at Bettelnut by the head Chef, who told me Odeck was at his villa and I would be escorted on a bike. His villa was a good 30 minutes from the main part of Ubud. Again there I was on the back of a scooter, whizzing and weaving in and around perfect valleys of thick green jungle. Balanced on my back in a giant rucksack, my laptop and Canon camera. In my right hand, a plastic bag with a small box which held 2 miniature chocolate cheesecakes, a gift for Odeck and his wife.
Although it took me a good part of the day to arrive, and I missed the actual lunch portion of the party due to traffic and island time, it was well worth the wait. Absolutely, completely, ridiculously worth the wait. His house stands at the top of a valley, with a large green lawn that looks over miles and miles of palm tree's and thick, lush jungle.
The house, stunning. I am a huge fan of architecture and design. Plainly put, I am a huge fan of well thought out space and simple luxury. I entered and walked into the largest "open" room I have ever seen. Beautiful dark marble floors and exotically carved Balinese wood for the posts and frame of the ceiling. I met Odeck and his beautiful wife Tara, who is originally from Oregon. We got along right off the bat. She handed me a guava juice with fresh kaffir lime. Delicious.
There were only a few friends left at the party, who were leaving just as I was arriving. This group reminds me of my parents friends, kind happy faces, dressed in loose linen shirts and pants. Friendly, non-pretentious, yet posh, with a splash of hippie. Love it.
I was offered dinner, as there was a beautiful spread of food left over from the day. I arranged a plate for myself: red rice, chicken satay, tempeh and a vegetable something-rather. Odeck, Tara and I sat down and chatted. They share the house with 4 dogs and many frogs. In fact, Tara joked that they live in the frogs' house. When you live in a house with no walls, the animals come and go as they please. I really love that.
As I ate we chatted about many things, such as how Tara and Odeck met while Tara was traveling through Indonesia 10 years ago with a friend. We chatted about culture, music, Balinese properties and design, and the language. All in all, they are just fabulous. Extremely kind, honest, young-hearted and all in all, really cool.
When I asked Odeck what kind of music he wants me to play.... he is the client, so I want to make him happy.... he said "anything you like". This made me smile. I know exactly what I will play. Sexy, loungey, beachy house tunes. Can't wait.
After our meeting, Tara kindly drove me back down to the central part of Ubud. We said our goodbyes and I met up with my friend Bop, a super cool Indonesian who runs an eco-hotel here ( more on that later ). I took him for dinner, crashed on his couch, and spent the morning in the Monkey Forest with 500 monkeys. ( More on that later too )
I spent the afternoon Skyping with one of my best girlfriends back in Vancouver. Around 6pm, I hired a driver to take me back to Seminyak. 2 hours. $15. Not bad for a nice car, AC and a great sound system. I made friends with my driver, 26 year old Wayan, who taught me some Indonesian on the way. See below.
All in all, a wonderful 36 hours in Ubud. I can't wait to go back on Saturday and DJ at Bettelnut. I will get some pictures of the restaurant, and hopefully Odeck's house, if he lets me ;)
Check out Odeck and his business ventures at: http://www.dekco.com/
Until next time, here's some Indo for you to learn:
Siapa anda = Who are you?
Ada apa = What's up?
Anda sangat baik = You're very kind
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Monday, 26 December 2011
Mid-afternoon Update in Ubud
Hello!
I have arrived safely in Ubud. My contact here is MIA ( island time ), so I am passing the time until I hear from him at a German restaurant with a huge bottle of water and a package of clove cigarettes. I know, I should quit. They are just so good. The last bus back to Kuta leaves at 5pm. I definitely won't be on it. I have connected with another friend, Bop, a friend of my friend Claire, and will take him out for big dinner later and then sleep on his couch tonight. Thanks, Bop! I'm living like a total pirate gypsy today. Why make plans when you can just go?
This restaurant is next to a beautiful zen garden with a pond with pink lilies growing in it. Very beautiful. There is also a lime tree, a few coconut palms and what appears to be a pomelo tree. Every so often, a large black butterfly floats past. That combined with the trickling water sounds coming from the two fountains next to the pond, I am pretty relaxed.
I haven't seen any crazy hippies yet, but the day is just beginning. Meeting Bop at the Ubud market at 6pm. Looking forward to spending the night in Ubud!
I have arrived safely in Ubud. My contact here is MIA ( island time ), so I am passing the time until I hear from him at a German restaurant with a huge bottle of water and a package of clove cigarettes. I know, I should quit. They are just so good. The last bus back to Kuta leaves at 5pm. I definitely won't be on it. I have connected with another friend, Bop, a friend of my friend Claire, and will take him out for big dinner later and then sleep on his couch tonight. Thanks, Bop! I'm living like a total pirate gypsy today. Why make plans when you can just go?
This restaurant is next to a beautiful zen garden with a pond with pink lilies growing in it. Very beautiful. There is also a lime tree, a few coconut palms and what appears to be a pomelo tree. Every so often, a large black butterfly floats past. That combined with the trickling water sounds coming from the two fountains next to the pond, I am pretty relaxed.
I haven't seen any crazy hippies yet, but the day is just beginning. Meeting Bop at the Ubud market at 6pm. Looking forward to spending the night in Ubud!
Off to Ubud
It's 10:30am on Monday. Boxing Day in Bali. I'm catching the 11am bus to Ubud, which is 70,000 Rupiah one way. That's the equivalent of about $7 CAD. I've got a DJ gig in Ubud this weekend, and the owner of the establishment has kindly invited me to have lunch today with him and his family and friends. Judging by the map he has sent me, it looks like he lives on quite a large property. I am touched by his offer and am so looking forward to the new people I will meet today.
The hugely successful book / movie "Eat, Pray, Love" takes place in Ubud. I am told that it is incredibly green and lush, almost jungle-like. It is also the arts and cultural center of Bali and home of the famous "Monkey Forest". I'm imagining all the usual hippie stereotypes: bare feet with anklets, dreadlocks with beads, tanned vegan bodies and drum circles everywhere. I love it. Very excited.
I caught the tail-end of the movie "A New World" last night, with Colin Farrell. He plays a pirate who makes a home for himself amongst a tribe of "new world" people. A part of me wishes I had lived in that era. In past lives, I probably have. Fur clothing, feathers in the hair, body piercings and ceremonial tattoo's. A part of this world is part of that tribe.
Time to order a quick breaky and catch my bus. Onto the next adventure!!
The hugely successful book / movie "Eat, Pray, Love" takes place in Ubud. I am told that it is incredibly green and lush, almost jungle-like. It is also the arts and cultural center of Bali and home of the famous "Monkey Forest". I'm imagining all the usual hippie stereotypes: bare feet with anklets, dreadlocks with beads, tanned vegan bodies and drum circles everywhere. I love it. Very excited.
I caught the tail-end of the movie "A New World" last night, with Colin Farrell. He plays a pirate who makes a home for himself amongst a tribe of "new world" people. A part of me wishes I had lived in that era. In past lives, I probably have. Fur clothing, feathers in the hair, body piercings and ceremonial tattoo's. A part of this world is part of that tribe.
Time to order a quick breaky and catch my bus. Onto the next adventure!!
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Bali Christmas Poem
Twas the night before Christmas in Bali, and all through the huts, not a creature was stirring, not even the coconuts. The Bintang's were chillin in the fridge, with care, in hopes that St. Buddha would soon be there.
The Aussie's were nestled snug in their beds, while visions of sic swells danced in their heads. Papa in his shorts, and I in my sarong, had just settled down for a hit from the bong ( Hookah )
When out in the palm tree, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the bamboo shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen frangipani's, gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny Bali deer.
"Now Palm tree! now, Banana leaf! now, Hibiscus and Papaya! On, Mango! On, Pineapple! on, Bamboo and Guava! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL :) ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩ ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩ ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩ ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩
The Aussie's were nestled snug in their beds, while visions of sic swells danced in their heads. Papa in his shorts, and I in my sarong, had just settled down for a hit from the bong ( Hookah )
When out in the palm tree, there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the bamboo shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen frangipani's, gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny Bali deer.
"Now Palm tree! now, Banana leaf! now, Hibiscus and Papaya! On, Mango! On, Pineapple! on, Bamboo and Guava! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL :) ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩ ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩ ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩ ❤ ✦ ✧ ✩
Friday, 23 December 2011
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Sniffling in Seminyak
Hi Kids,
Hope everyone is having a great week and you're all geared up for Christmas. Bali Chick is........... OK. To tell you the truth, I've kind of hit a giant wall these past few days. My stupid cold came back. Again! I think it's the weird temperature fluctuations...... getting sweaty or wet from the rain, and then sitting in front of a cool fan. I've been consuming garlic like crazy, drinking tons of fluids and sleeping as much as I can. Just riding the virus wave. It's all you can do, right?
That aside..... money worries. I think we all have some money worries around this time of the year. I can't really find any regular work here. I've had a few dj gigs here and there, which were awesome, but really nothing consistent has come along. Between blowing my nose and crying a few tears, I'm living in a pile of tissues and mosquito coils. I'm sick, I'm broke and I'm lonely. Sure, I'm surrounded with ridiculous amounts of love from back in Vancouver. I've got my amazing close friends and my best friend / boyfriend on Skype.... but it's not the same, you know? Somebody hug me already!!!!!!
Growth is about knocking down the obstacles that life throws at you. It's about the sunshine that comes after the storm. I KNOW good stuff is right around the corner. Life, and human emotions, come in waves. Just like the ebb and flow of the ocean, it is an imperfect-perfection. If life was predictable and easy, it wouldn't be worth it.
I've just got to keep plugging away at it, as my Mum would say. Sending emails, networking, trying, doing, making, believing, writing. I've got to keep "putting out feelers" ( another Mum quote ) and turning my tears and loneliness into ammunition to kick some ass. I've submitted my blog to a bunch of blog search engines and have been receiving the most wonderful letters of good vibes and encouragement from all sorts of people. Thank you all, so much. Just gotta keep trucking away!
It's Friday tomorrow. The day before Christmas Eve. I don't really have any plans for the Christmas weekend. At first I thought I would spend the day on the beach, which by all means sounds lovely, but at the end of the day... Christmas is about giving and Christmas is about the kids. I've emailed an orphanage in Bali to see if they want to have me come hang out and volunteer on Christmas Day. I know that would make me feel good. More importantly, it would make some kids feel good and I would make some new friends ❤
Peace out. Time for me to have some more ginger tea and soup, then sleep another 12 hours. I'm seriously a sleeping champion when I put my mind to it ;)
Hope everyone is having a great week and you're all geared up for Christmas. Bali Chick is........... OK. To tell you the truth, I've kind of hit a giant wall these past few days. My stupid cold came back. Again! I think it's the weird temperature fluctuations...... getting sweaty or wet from the rain, and then sitting in front of a cool fan. I've been consuming garlic like crazy, drinking tons of fluids and sleeping as much as I can. Just riding the virus wave. It's all you can do, right?
That aside..... money worries. I think we all have some money worries around this time of the year. I can't really find any regular work here. I've had a few dj gigs here and there, which were awesome, but really nothing consistent has come along. Between blowing my nose and crying a few tears, I'm living in a pile of tissues and mosquito coils. I'm sick, I'm broke and I'm lonely. Sure, I'm surrounded with ridiculous amounts of love from back in Vancouver. I've got my amazing close friends and my best friend / boyfriend on Skype.... but it's not the same, you know? Somebody hug me already!!!!!!
Growth is about knocking down the obstacles that life throws at you. It's about the sunshine that comes after the storm. I KNOW good stuff is right around the corner. Life, and human emotions, come in waves. Just like the ebb and flow of the ocean, it is an imperfect-perfection. If life was predictable and easy, it wouldn't be worth it.
I've just got to keep plugging away at it, as my Mum would say. Sending emails, networking, trying, doing, making, believing, writing. I've got to keep "putting out feelers" ( another Mum quote ) and turning my tears and loneliness into ammunition to kick some ass. I've submitted my blog to a bunch of blog search engines and have been receiving the most wonderful letters of good vibes and encouragement from all sorts of people. Thank you all, so much. Just gotta keep trucking away!
It's Friday tomorrow. The day before Christmas Eve. I don't really have any plans for the Christmas weekend. At first I thought I would spend the day on the beach, which by all means sounds lovely, but at the end of the day... Christmas is about giving and Christmas is about the kids. I've emailed an orphanage in Bali to see if they want to have me come hang out and volunteer on Christmas Day. I know that would make me feel good. More importantly, it would make some kids feel good and I would make some new friends ❤
Peace out. Time for me to have some more ginger tea and soup, then sleep another 12 hours. I'm seriously a sleeping champion when I put my mind to it ;)
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
Weekend Wrap-Up
Monday night. 10pm. I had a moderately tame weekend with a light sprinkle of mischief. I spent the day on Saturday at Corner 66, the restaurant I spoke of on my last post, where I had that fabulous cobb sandwich. I've discovered they also offer a huge selection of fresh juices. I nursed an apple, pineapple, ginger and lemon juice, while I used their free wifi to find new music. Corner 66 also makes some really delicious coffee.
I DJed on Saturday night at Eikon from midnight until about 3am. The back section is dope. Very simple layout: outdoor garden, a few picnic tables, a bar, a dance floor, palm tree's and Christmas lights. The dubstep really got people moving on Saturday. Man, DJing is so much fun! I just love sharing the music I love and making people dance! I will be posting lots of new tunes this week, so keep checking in on my latest discoveries. This is a music blog too ;)
Sunday was wonderfully non-productive and lazy. I didn't check email once. I spent the day on the couch and in front of the fan. Thank god for two things in this tropical heat: fans and mosquito coils. Really can't say it ( or use them ) enough.
We were hit by another absolutely brilliant thunder storm last night. Sheets of monsoon rain and lightning crackling through the sky. I swear the mosquito's and gecko's can feel a storm is coming. They find some way, the tiniest crack in the wall, to get into the house and seek refuge. Smart little buggers.
I'm off to bed now. My alarm is set up for 5am as I have been invited to join the I Magazine photo shoot at 6am! Thanks to Andrew and the people at I Mag for the invite. I'm so looking forward to meeting all of you in the morning.
Hope all my readers had a fabulous weekend. Sending you lots of LOVE from Bali ❤ ♪ ♫ ★ ☆
I DJed on Saturday night at Eikon from midnight until about 3am. The back section is dope. Very simple layout: outdoor garden, a few picnic tables, a bar, a dance floor, palm tree's and Christmas lights. The dubstep really got people moving on Saturday. Man, DJing is so much fun! I just love sharing the music I love and making people dance! I will be posting lots of new tunes this week, so keep checking in on my latest discoveries. This is a music blog too ;)
Sunday was wonderfully non-productive and lazy. I didn't check email once. I spent the day on the couch and in front of the fan. Thank god for two things in this tropical heat: fans and mosquito coils. Really can't say it ( or use them ) enough.
We were hit by another absolutely brilliant thunder storm last night. Sheets of monsoon rain and lightning crackling through the sky. I swear the mosquito's and gecko's can feel a storm is coming. They find some way, the tiniest crack in the wall, to get into the house and seek refuge. Smart little buggers.
I'm off to bed now. My alarm is set up for 5am as I have been invited to join the I Magazine photo shoot at 6am! Thanks to Andrew and the people at I Mag for the invite. I'm so looking forward to meeting all of you in the morning.
Hope all my readers had a fabulous weekend. Sending you lots of LOVE from Bali ❤ ♪ ♫ ★ ☆
Friday, 16 December 2011
Naked Blogging and I Magazine
So I'm sitting here on the bed, cross-legged, naked, smoking a delicious Indonesian cigarette. The fan is blowing on me and the sun has just set. I've just had dinner at a charming little place called 66 on Double Six Road. The receipt says it's in Kuta, but I was told I'm living in Seminyak. I don't know who to believe, so I'm going to tell you it's in Seminyak, because I can. I had the cobb sandwich and a small Bintang for dinner. The sandwich was amazing. Chicken, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, lettuce and tomato on a fresh baguette.
I spent the day on the beach suntanning my white girl body and playing in the waves. Like a true hungover person, I conveniently lost my sunglasses and my hair elastic. My skin was starting to blister, so I only gave myself 3 hours in the sun today. Gotta say, I'm looking pretty damn brown and sexy already. Did I mention I'm naked right now? If my sexy Fijian boyfriend was here, I would so be getting harassed at least 6 times a day, wouldn't I babe?
I made friends with one of the chair rental guys today at the beach. A full-fledged Indonesian surf bum who informed me that I should never date an Indonesian, as they have small penis's. He told me this with a gesture to his pinky finger. Point taken, new friend. His name is Tio, and for 3 years he has been renting out lounge chairs and surf boards on the beach. Tio also spelled out words in the sand, when I could not understand him. So resourceful!
You think I am living the life here? Tio is living the life. He said he is not rich, but he is happy. He says whenever he doesn't have enough money, he goes surfing, and feels instantly happy. This comes as a no-brainer to all surfers, I am sure. I plan to do a whole review on this guy soon, picture and all. I'm also hoping to work out some sort of sneaky trading system with him. Buy him food a few times a week, perhaps? I see a surf board and a lounge chair with my name on it. For life.
While waiting for my food at 66, I picked up a copy of I Magazine that was sitting amongst a pile of Jakarta newspapers. The cover caught my eye, a smokin' tatted-up chick, printed in black and white.
I read the magazine cover to cover and wrote down all the necessary contact details. I plan to send this blog post to the Editor and the Publisher, who I am sure will share it with the staff. Dear Contributors of I Magazine: This is the coolest, sharpest, sexiest magazine I have ever seen. Mad props, guys. You've got a fan. And hey, I'm living in Bali, wanna give me a job? Just thought I would throw that out there while I have your attention.
It's a blend of fashion, music, pop culture and food reviews. The models are hot. The clothes are different and the magazine as a whole, is the epitomy of cool. The fashion editorial in this issue is a model on a boat. I know what you're thinking. Sailboats, pin stripes, one piece bathing suits, Grey Goose martinis, and dark-haired men in sweaters. Nope. This editorial is raw, dark and dirty. I love it.
The food reviews are mouth-watering, but could really use me to proof-read before the magazine goes to print. Sorry Suzi, I'm sure you are a total sweetheart.
As for the print quality, if I Magazine wants to step it up a notch, I suggest investing a little more money on your finished product. You've got such a brilliant magazine, why not spend the necessary money to print on full gloss, high quality paper? Just a thought.
All in all, I Magazine pretty much blows any magazine I have ever seen out of the water. God, Bali is cool. I've only been here two weeks, and obviously over time, my name and voice will be recognized on the island. As for now, I am naive and totally green to this mysterious little island in the South Pacific. I have a LOT to learn about the history, the people, and pop culture on the island.
Bali Chick Advice for The Day: When inspiration hits, use it. It doesn't come very often, so when it does, create.
I spent the day on the beach suntanning my white girl body and playing in the waves. Like a true hungover person, I conveniently lost my sunglasses and my hair elastic. My skin was starting to blister, so I only gave myself 3 hours in the sun today. Gotta say, I'm looking pretty damn brown and sexy already. Did I mention I'm naked right now? If my sexy Fijian boyfriend was here, I would so be getting harassed at least 6 times a day, wouldn't I babe?
I made friends with one of the chair rental guys today at the beach. A full-fledged Indonesian surf bum who informed me that I should never date an Indonesian, as they have small penis's. He told me this with a gesture to his pinky finger. Point taken, new friend. His name is Tio, and for 3 years he has been renting out lounge chairs and surf boards on the beach. Tio also spelled out words in the sand, when I could not understand him. So resourceful!
You think I am living the life here? Tio is living the life. He said he is not rich, but he is happy. He says whenever he doesn't have enough money, he goes surfing, and feels instantly happy. This comes as a no-brainer to all surfers, I am sure. I plan to do a whole review on this guy soon, picture and all. I'm also hoping to work out some sort of sneaky trading system with him. Buy him food a few times a week, perhaps? I see a surf board and a lounge chair with my name on it. For life.
While waiting for my food at 66, I picked up a copy of I Magazine that was sitting amongst a pile of Jakarta newspapers. The cover caught my eye, a smokin' tatted-up chick, printed in black and white.
I read the magazine cover to cover and wrote down all the necessary contact details. I plan to send this blog post to the Editor and the Publisher, who I am sure will share it with the staff. Dear Contributors of I Magazine: This is the coolest, sharpest, sexiest magazine I have ever seen. Mad props, guys. You've got a fan. And hey, I'm living in Bali, wanna give me a job? Just thought I would throw that out there while I have your attention.
It's a blend of fashion, music, pop culture and food reviews. The models are hot. The clothes are different and the magazine as a whole, is the epitomy of cool. The fashion editorial in this issue is a model on a boat. I know what you're thinking. Sailboats, pin stripes, one piece bathing suits, Grey Goose martinis, and dark-haired men in sweaters. Nope. This editorial is raw, dark and dirty. I love it.
The food reviews are mouth-watering, but could really use me to proof-read before the magazine goes to print. Sorry Suzi, I'm sure you are a total sweetheart.
As for the print quality, if I Magazine wants to step it up a notch, I suggest investing a little more money on your finished product. You've got such a brilliant magazine, why not spend the necessary money to print on full gloss, high quality paper? Just a thought.
All in all, I Magazine pretty much blows any magazine I have ever seen out of the water. God, Bali is cool. I've only been here two weeks, and obviously over time, my name and voice will be recognized on the island. As for now, I am naive and totally green to this mysterious little island in the South Pacific. I have a LOT to learn about the history, the people, and pop culture on the island.
Bali Chick Advice for The Day: When inspiration hits, use it. It doesn't come very often, so when it does, create.
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Metric - Collect Call (Adventure Club Dubstep Remix) |FREE|
A truly beautiful track by Metric. Dubstep Remix by Adventure Club. Loving this ❤
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Traffic, Electric Currents and Wet Skin in Bali
As I mentioned in my first post, there no rules on the road. If you see a space to go, you have to slide in there as fast as possible before someone else does. No one uses the lanes. Motor bikes are everywhere. In front of and behind cars, on the sidewalk and even the middle of the road buzzing along towards oncoming traffic.
The roads are really bad. And I don't mean they are bad like the government chose to spend tax payers dollars on a fancy bike lane instead of fixing the roads. The roads have giant chunks missing, so if you are driving a bike, or on foot, you better keep your eyes open or you will be stepping in a 3 foot hole. Somewhat scary. Totally dangerous. Sort of funny.
Somehow, as life does, it all comes together. It all just works. It flows, inch by inch, and people eventually get where they need to go. People are a lot more patient too, it seems. I'm pretty sure it's like this most of the time, so they know what to expect. Island time, right?
Electricity. Well, I have come to understand the power goes out here about once a day, but if you just flick the switch on your power box a few times, it usually goes on again. Brilliant. Also, electric devices like to give you little shocks every now and then. Nothing crazy or life threatening, just a nice little reminder that you shouldn't be taking it for granted. It's a friendly little "Hey!! What's up?" from your fridge or toaster when you least expect it. Happy little appliances.
As for natural electricity, we've been getting some super awesome thunder and lightning storms!! Day 3. Another one just rolled in this afternoon. The first night I arrived in Seminyak, I ventured out at about 8pm to look for somewhere for dinner. Immediately it started to pour. Within minutes, I was soaked and dewy with warm tropical rain that smells like coconuts. Just me, in my little sundress. Gotta admit, I felt pretty sexy. Everyone looks better when they sprinkled with rain and glowing with dewy skin, don't they?
I wasn't picky about where to eat. I was wet and hungry. I found the first place with a roof that served food: Warung Murah. It's on the main Double Six road through Seminyak. A charming little place with beautiful carved wooden chairs and tables. I ordered a glass of rose and a green beef curry and watched my surroundings. My dining neighbors: an Indian family, a Japanese couple, and a handful of tanned ( yet obviously white ) Westerners. The curry was absolutely amazing. Rich in a smoky coconut flavor with chunks of red pepper and onions on a bed of rice. I don't eat red meat that often, but when I do, I hope for the best. I was very pleased with the meal.
Wednesday evening now. I am meeting a friend of a friend tonight for drinks. She and her fiance have been living in Bali for the past year. Very excited to meet my new girl friend! I will write again tomorrow about Seminyak and tell you about the beautiful place I am staying at. It's really beautiful. You are probably going to be slightly jealous when you read it. Just say'n. Hehe.
My advice for the day? When in doubt, when life gives you lemons, or you don't know what to do: Take a nap.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Monday, 12 December 2011
Mother Robin of Bali - What an inspiration :)
I came across the article below a few hours ago and just have to share. Before today, I had no idea the situation for a pregnant woman living in poverty was so bad. An American woman, Mother Robin, has just been awarded the CNN Hero award. She helps thousands of pregnant woman in Indonesia deliver healthy babies.
Just to imagine how many lives, born and unborn, that Robin has saved and touched just warms my heart <3
Hats off to you, Ibu Robin.
Click link below to view article:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/11/living/cnn-heroes/index.html
Just to imagine how many lives, born and unborn, that Robin has saved and touched just warms my heart <3
Hats off to you, Ibu Robin.
Click link below to view article:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/11/living/cnn-heroes/index.html
Sunday, 11 December 2011
First Week in Bali - Sights, Smells and KFC Coffee?
I'm pretty much over the worst of my jet lag now and a few of you have been asking: What have I done in my first week? You must imagine I have spent every waking moment in warm sunshine on the perfect beach, clear-headed and feeling fabulous.
To tell you the truth, I've been as sick as a dog. I had a cold in the weeks leading up to my departure from Vancouver, and I really never gave myself the time to heal. Alas, "it" caught up with me, and it came back with a vengeance. That combined with the time difference, climate change, diet change...... and just overall, change, I spent the most part of the week sleeping and nursing myself back to health. It was actually ok, the weather was cloudy for most of the week, so I really didn't feel all that guilty chilling around the house. It gave me time to unpack, heal my body, and absorb this exciting new change that is taking place. Holy shit, man! I'm in Bali. Trust me, I still have goosebumps.
The water has been fairly co-operative, although we didn't have any coming out of the taps between Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. Thank god I had my garbage can full of water. Bucket showers are needed multiple times a day in this humidity! When the water finally came through that shower head, it was a whole new kind of happy. One that I had never experienced. The whole "I wonder if we'll have water today" thing is mildly exciting, and somewhat refreshing. No pun intended.
There is a small black book which I have been carrying around with me. My mum, a very successful journalist, has carried around a similar book with her for as long as I can remember. "Jot in down and write about it later", she says. Doing this has really helped me collect my thoughts later on. Just to record all the little details in point form, in the moment I experience them.
First page of my book. "Taking ticks out of Molly's fur ( Dewi's puppy ). The little Indonesian girls helped squish them. All of us together, 6 women." What a charming first note! Squashing tick heads! Seriously though, that was the first time I have ever pulled a tick out of an animal. We lost the head and had to pull it out with tweezers. Pretty gross. But also sort of satisfying! I wanted to be a vet when I was younger, and gave up on that dream when I realized the horrendous educational requirements. Instead, I choose to have a farm full of 4 legged love-pods.
The second note is just splashes of feelings and colors I have experienced racing on the back of Dewi's motorbike in the night. Whizzing past palm trees and banana plantations. The smell of bbqed chicken and fried rice wafting in the smoky night air. Stray dogs and cats in the street, homeless, but happy. Incense and offerings in front of the beautiful homes at dawn, at noon and at sundown. Flowers, rice and tobacco.
Moving along. I love food. Who doesn't? I don't care if you're on a diet, food is one of the true simple pleasures in life. I plan to do a LOT of writing about the food in Bali. In the months to come, you will find tons of reviews on local restaurants and I will share detailed descriptions and pictures of what I'm eating. But first, let's cover the dark side of food: Junk Food.
Junk food in Indonesia. Let's start with McDonald's. McDonald's serves cheesecake! All kinds of delicious cheesecake. Blueberry, strawberry, chocolate and raspberry. McDonald's also serves rice, spaghetti and vegetables, which they can conveniently deliver to you on a yellow McDonald's motor bike. You dial 14045 to order and it's served hot and fresh. Or so I imagine. I haven't ordered anything from there ( ew gross ), but think I will HAVE to order it on some brutally hungover day, when I have hit rock bottom and am crawling around on the floor and there is just no other option.
Like many things I plan to do, I will do them just to say I did ;)
KFC. I heard a while back that KFC spent a few million dollars on their marketing strategies in Asia. Well kids, it's worked. Not only are there KFC franchises all over Denpasar, but they are multi-level, 24 hours, serve KFC coffee and even offer their own motor bike delivery service. Also like Mcdonald's, they serve rice.
All in all, this first week has been a success. I've made some awesome new friends, hit 80km an hour on the back of a motor bike, and even had a hot shower! I'm excited to what next week will bring.
A teaser: I am moving to the beach tomorrow! I've been offered to stay at a beautiful house in Seminyak, 3 minutes from the beach. Thanks so much to Laura. Girl, you hooked it up with a phone and a temp place! Good karma to you, my little dove <3
To tell you the truth, I've been as sick as a dog. I had a cold in the weeks leading up to my departure from Vancouver, and I really never gave myself the time to heal. Alas, "it" caught up with me, and it came back with a vengeance. That combined with the time difference, climate change, diet change...... and just overall, change, I spent the most part of the week sleeping and nursing myself back to health. It was actually ok, the weather was cloudy for most of the week, so I really didn't feel all that guilty chilling around the house. It gave me time to unpack, heal my body, and absorb this exciting new change that is taking place. Holy shit, man! I'm in Bali. Trust me, I still have goosebumps.
The water has been fairly co-operative, although we didn't have any coming out of the taps between Tuesday morning and Thursday evening. Thank god I had my garbage can full of water. Bucket showers are needed multiple times a day in this humidity! When the water finally came through that shower head, it was a whole new kind of happy. One that I had never experienced. The whole "I wonder if we'll have water today" thing is mildly exciting, and somewhat refreshing. No pun intended.
There is a small black book which I have been carrying around with me. My mum, a very successful journalist, has carried around a similar book with her for as long as I can remember. "Jot in down and write about it later", she says. Doing this has really helped me collect my thoughts later on. Just to record all the little details in point form, in the moment I experience them.
First page of my book. "Taking ticks out of Molly's fur ( Dewi's puppy ). The little Indonesian girls helped squish them. All of us together, 6 women." What a charming first note! Squashing tick heads! Seriously though, that was the first time I have ever pulled a tick out of an animal. We lost the head and had to pull it out with tweezers. Pretty gross. But also sort of satisfying! I wanted to be a vet when I was younger, and gave up on that dream when I realized the horrendous educational requirements. Instead, I choose to have a farm full of 4 legged love-pods.
The second note is just splashes of feelings and colors I have experienced racing on the back of Dewi's motorbike in the night. Whizzing past palm trees and banana plantations. The smell of bbqed chicken and fried rice wafting in the smoky night air. Stray dogs and cats in the street, homeless, but happy. Incense and offerings in front of the beautiful homes at dawn, at noon and at sundown. Flowers, rice and tobacco.
Moving along. I love food. Who doesn't? I don't care if you're on a diet, food is one of the true simple pleasures in life. I plan to do a LOT of writing about the food in Bali. In the months to come, you will find tons of reviews on local restaurants and I will share detailed descriptions and pictures of what I'm eating. But first, let's cover the dark side of food: Junk Food.
Junk food in Indonesia. Let's start with McDonald's. McDonald's serves cheesecake! All kinds of delicious cheesecake. Blueberry, strawberry, chocolate and raspberry. McDonald's also serves rice, spaghetti and vegetables, which they can conveniently deliver to you on a yellow McDonald's motor bike. You dial 14045 to order and it's served hot and fresh. Or so I imagine. I haven't ordered anything from there ( ew gross ), but think I will HAVE to order it on some brutally hungover day, when I have hit rock bottom and am crawling around on the floor and there is just no other option.
Like many things I plan to do, I will do them just to say I did ;)
KFC. I heard a while back that KFC spent a few million dollars on their marketing strategies in Asia. Well kids, it's worked. Not only are there KFC franchises all over Denpasar, but they are multi-level, 24 hours, serve KFC coffee and even offer their own motor bike delivery service. Also like Mcdonald's, they serve rice.
All in all, this first week has been a success. I've made some awesome new friends, hit 80km an hour on the back of a motor bike, and even had a hot shower! I'm excited to what next week will bring.
A teaser: I am moving to the beach tomorrow! I've been offered to stay at a beautiful house in Seminyak, 3 minutes from the beach. Thanks so much to Laura. Girl, you hooked it up with a phone and a temp place! Good karma to you, my little dove <3
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Friday, 9 December 2011
I live in Denpasar, Bali
I am living in the suburbs of Denpaser, Bali, Indonesia. After a 24 hour journey from Vancouver thru Seoul, Korea, I arrived at 2am on December 2nd on the magical island of Bali. Thanks to Facebook, and my razor sharp networking skills which I learned from my mother, I've gathered together a list of people who live here. Phone numbers and emails of new friends I've yet to meet. I live with 26 year old Dewi Hoek. Although we had never met, but had a mutual friend, she kindly offered me a room to rent in her mothers house. Dewi is stunningly beautiful and probably the sweetest little thing I have ever met. She is Indonesian and Dutch, with perfect light chocolate skin, long golden brown hair, long limbs and delicate features. She kind and thoughtful, and speaks softly and gracefully with a sharp sense of humor. She speaks English, Indonesian and Dutch. I can already tell we will become very good friends!
I arrived yesterday at the house and I was met my Dewi and her boyfriend, Macho. Dewi's warned me that the house is going thru a renovation, so I didn't have high expectations. I was just happy and grateful that she had offered to let me, a stranger, live here. The house is stunning. Traditional Balinese style on the outside, with orange carved stone and a wide entrance with a beautiful traditionally carved wooden door. The interior is wide open and bright, with fresh air blowing through. It is absolutely zen-like with white marble floors and crisp white walls. The best part, something that I believe is very common with Balinese houses, there are two open ceilings which sit atop the indoor garden. When the rain comes at 6am, I can hear it from bed. It woke me up this morning. Monsoon like rain, pouring into the house, watering the beautiful garden.
I fell back to sleep after the monsoon, and awoke this morning just after 830am. A flawless sunny day. I grabbed a towel and placed myself in the sun to the side of the indoor garden and proceeded to breathe, meditate and do some yoga and stretching. Immediately this became my own hot yoga class. I sweat buckets out of every pore of my body. It felt fabulous. Afterwards, a cold shower with a bucket. You see, there is no water in Denpaser between 5am and 11am. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't and this is ok. A huge container is filled when the water is flowing, and you do it the old and simple way. I've already begin to enjoy taking the plastic container of water and pouring it over my skin. It is beyond refreshing and somehow more real and natural, because I am doing it myself, and it is not coming out of a piece of metal.
My bedroom is perfect. Quiet and cool with a beautiful new bed, AC, and flowing fabrics hanging from the ceiling. I have beautiful Balinese table, with is dark wood and low and wide. On it, I have arranged a few framed photos, my favorite shells, a globe from my dear friend, and my journal. I also have my own bathroom, which is huge and newly renovated and joined to the bedroom. When the water is on and I can have a real shower, I am next to one of the gardens and the open ceiling. I will be able to feel the breeze and see the sky as I bathe.
Is it just Dewi and who live here? The answer is no! We share the house with an 8 week old puppy named Molly and 2 stray cats. One is named Lucy, the other is to be named. We also share the house with ants, gecko's and a cockroach or two. One big happy family! The neighbors own roosters, which don't just crow at dawn, but 24 hours a day lol. Let's just say they are International Dateline Roosters! They are the animal version of a church clock in Europe, if you have ever been to a small village, you will know what I mean.
Flashing back to yesterday, as I sat in the back of the cab on the way to Dewi's house, I couldn't help but think to myself: This is probably one of the most entertaining and impressive things I have ever experienced. We drove at noon on Friday, which in any city in the world, I imagine, is the busiest time to drive. Although there are traffic lanes, no one really uses them. And as for rules of the road, there are none. Many cars filled the street, but mostly motor bikes. Motor bikes run the streets here, after all. Some bikes drive behind the cars, but mostly they drive to the side, or right in the middle, against the oncoming lane. If there is no where to go, many take the sidewalk. It is loud and busy and crowded, 1000 times busier than what I experienced in the streets of Thailand. I can't imagine what India must be like. When people honk, they do it in a friendly "Beep, Beep, I'm here" sort of way. You also honk when you turn a corner, because it is most likely there will be a bike careening around the corner right into you.
Who rides these motor bikes? Absolutely everyone. Men with their whole store of merchandise balanced atop their shoulders on perfectly balanced pieces of wood, little old women in high heels carrying baskets of market goods, families of 4, with baby sitting right at the front on the handle bars, without a helmet.
I also saw 4 year olds lighting fire crackers off yesterday just outside the house. Perhaps we worry too much about our children in the Western world? Perhaps we waste too much time obsessing over mundane things in general, and should just enjoy the simplicities of life and have faith in our children to be as they are. The universe is unfolding as it should, so don't worry, people.
I spent a good hour yesterday on the back of Dewi's bike, and man, this chick can drive. We were hitting speeds of 50km an hour last night along the dark street, whizzing past night food stalls, riding the sidewalk and dodging a bat as it dove for a mango tree. I plan to get a motor bike here. I've had a few offers to rent one. Should cost me $80 for the month. The gas, 10,000 Rupiah. About a dollar a day.
Although after proof-reading this, I am beginning to swallow my own words and have second thoughts about getting on a motor bike!! It seems that getting a motor bike is my only option though, as my bedroom is so far from where I will be working in Kuta. 2 hours walking..... An hour on a normal bike.... With a motor bike, 25 minutes. There are no bus's on Bali, and a cab costs about $5 one day, so realistically I should just suck it up and learn to live like a local.
If 10 year olds and grannies can ride these scooters, I surely can. I know I will be the one who is to the side of the road, going the slowest. Perhaps I should get an Indonesian sign on my back: "Warning: New Driver from Canada. Please pass."
My first full day yesterday was a true success. Dewi and I walked Kuta beach and bonded, telling each other about our families and past travels. We were approached twice by young Indonesian boys who wanted a picture with us. So cute. Kuta is the surfing haven for many an Aussie, and many, many Indonesians. It was surreal looking out at the waves, dotted with surfers, and watching the planes come in from the south. I've looked at the map of Bali for more than a few months now, seeing where the beach was in relation to the airport, and so it was truly a neat feeling to be standing on the beach and watching the planes land. It was a feeling of clarity and knowing exactly where I was physically on the planet, in that moment.
After our beach walk, I was drawn to the house music coming from a lounge across the street. There right on the street in front, a dj booth, with young handsome Indonesian guy pumping out the beach house tunes. I had some mix cd's with me, and Dewi suggested I talk to a manager. I introduced myself, and handed him my cd, telling him I had just arrived in Bali and am looking for work DJing, as I will be here for the next 6 months or so. He suggested I get up on the decks right then and there and rock out a mini set. I was ecstatic at this opportunity! This place is probably one of the most sexiest beach lounges I have ever seen, with cabana style seating amidst lush palms and frangipani tree's. In the middle, a pool, turquoise water with tiled dark rock. At the back, 4 post beds covered in flowing curtains and lush pillows and fabrics.
I didn't have my cd's with me, but the Indonesian DJ kindly showed me his tracks. Both him and the manager were beyond friendly. The equipment I was to play on: the newest Pioneers with USB ports. If you DJ or are familiar with tech equipment, you will know what these are. Sexy is what they are! You can play over 2000 songs on one deck. I went thru his tracks. Easy. It was all beach house, lots of Hed Kandi and Miguel Migs. I played for about 45 minutes. I watched my first sunset in Bali mixing beats on the street. People passed and waved and took pictures. I smiled. True happiness. The sun went down and I could see the scads of surfers still out on the golden crested waves. Pure bliss. My email is on my mix cd, so I hope I hear from the manager soon! They have a DJ playing there daily, from the afternoon until 1am, so I am pretty sure I will.
As for communication, there is no wifi in the house. So as a self-proclaimed Facebook addict, and tech junkie, I was a bit disappointed. However I am enjoying the peace of this morning. Doing my yoga having my coffee, and then refreshing myself with the bucket shower. Dewi has an unlimited internet USB stick for her lap top, which she has kindly invited me to use anytime. I will look into getting a cel phone this weekend, something with unlimited international text to keep in touch with my new friends in Bali and with my besties in Vancouver. You know who you are!! A motor bike will give me the gift of freedom and the cel phone, the convenience of communication. I'm sure my mother will appreciate my phone number here, as I am bombing around the streets on a motor bike, won't you Mum?
All in all, I am very happy and very proud of myself that I am here. Getting laid off from my job and breaking up with my boyfriend back in June was a truly blessing in disguise, and just the kick in the ass I needed to listen to my heart's truth and follow a dream I had yearned for so long. I love Vancouver with all my heart, but escaping the rain and dark of winter is only but a decision and a plan of action away. I am a fan of this snowbird / expat lifestyle, and I truly believe you don't have to be retired or rich to attain it. You just have to make a decision, tell yourself everything is going to work out and just go.
Although I miss my dear friends, I know you are just a technology's click away. I have a wonderful, beautiful soul taking care of my kitties. Those are were tagged, sorry if I offended you in this informal post, public post! I am still on Dewi's computer. I will get a new phone this weekend, so we will be in proper contact. Love you guys SO dearly. Special thanks to those who came to my going away party and to those who helped me clean and organize my place the night before I left. You guys, you guys!!
My soul is happiest in the sunshine. I delight in the sound of the palms in the breeze and the smell of Frangipani's in the air. We have a mango tree in the yard, and ate them for breakfast. Life is good when you're living the island life.
I will stay in Kuta for the next little while, play some gigs, make some money and meet some people... then perhaps head North to Ubud, where Eat Love Pray took place and was filmed. I will go raw and do yoga at dawn and dusk and learn how to make jewelry and carve wood. I will write and take pictures. I also plan to video blog my entire journey, the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, and share myself and my life here, with you.
*Peace, Love, Foundation, Family*
"The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only one page."
I arrived yesterday at the house and I was met my Dewi and her boyfriend, Macho. Dewi's warned me that the house is going thru a renovation, so I didn't have high expectations. I was just happy and grateful that she had offered to let me, a stranger, live here. The house is stunning. Traditional Balinese style on the outside, with orange carved stone and a wide entrance with a beautiful traditionally carved wooden door. The interior is wide open and bright, with fresh air blowing through. It is absolutely zen-like with white marble floors and crisp white walls. The best part, something that I believe is very common with Balinese houses, there are two open ceilings which sit atop the indoor garden. When the rain comes at 6am, I can hear it from bed. It woke me up this morning. Monsoon like rain, pouring into the house, watering the beautiful garden.
I fell back to sleep after the monsoon, and awoke this morning just after 830am. A flawless sunny day. I grabbed a towel and placed myself in the sun to the side of the indoor garden and proceeded to breathe, meditate and do some yoga and stretching. Immediately this became my own hot yoga class. I sweat buckets out of every pore of my body. It felt fabulous. Afterwards, a cold shower with a bucket. You see, there is no water in Denpaser between 5am and 11am. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't and this is ok. A huge container is filled when the water is flowing, and you do it the old and simple way. I've already begin to enjoy taking the plastic container of water and pouring it over my skin. It is beyond refreshing and somehow more real and natural, because I am doing it myself, and it is not coming out of a piece of metal.
My bedroom is perfect. Quiet and cool with a beautiful new bed, AC, and flowing fabrics hanging from the ceiling. I have beautiful Balinese table, with is dark wood and low and wide. On it, I have arranged a few framed photos, my favorite shells, a globe from my dear friend, and my journal. I also have my own bathroom, which is huge and newly renovated and joined to the bedroom. When the water is on and I can have a real shower, I am next to one of the gardens and the open ceiling. I will be able to feel the breeze and see the sky as I bathe.
Is it just Dewi and who live here? The answer is no! We share the house with an 8 week old puppy named Molly and 2 stray cats. One is named Lucy, the other is to be named. We also share the house with ants, gecko's and a cockroach or two. One big happy family! The neighbors own roosters, which don't just crow at dawn, but 24 hours a day lol. Let's just say they are International Dateline Roosters! They are the animal version of a church clock in Europe, if you have ever been to a small village, you will know what I mean.
Flashing back to yesterday, as I sat in the back of the cab on the way to Dewi's house, I couldn't help but think to myself: This is probably one of the most entertaining and impressive things I have ever experienced. We drove at noon on Friday, which in any city in the world, I imagine, is the busiest time to drive. Although there are traffic lanes, no one really uses them. And as for rules of the road, there are none. Many cars filled the street, but mostly motor bikes. Motor bikes run the streets here, after all. Some bikes drive behind the cars, but mostly they drive to the side, or right in the middle, against the oncoming lane. If there is no where to go, many take the sidewalk. It is loud and busy and crowded, 1000 times busier than what I experienced in the streets of Thailand. I can't imagine what India must be like. When people honk, they do it in a friendly "Beep, Beep, I'm here" sort of way. You also honk when you turn a corner, because it is most likely there will be a bike careening around the corner right into you.
Who rides these motor bikes? Absolutely everyone. Men with their whole store of merchandise balanced atop their shoulders on perfectly balanced pieces of wood, little old women in high heels carrying baskets of market goods, families of 4, with baby sitting right at the front on the handle bars, without a helmet.
I also saw 4 year olds lighting fire crackers off yesterday just outside the house. Perhaps we worry too much about our children in the Western world? Perhaps we waste too much time obsessing over mundane things in general, and should just enjoy the simplicities of life and have faith in our children to be as they are. The universe is unfolding as it should, so don't worry, people.
I spent a good hour yesterday on the back of Dewi's bike, and man, this chick can drive. We were hitting speeds of 50km an hour last night along the dark street, whizzing past night food stalls, riding the sidewalk and dodging a bat as it dove for a mango tree. I plan to get a motor bike here. I've had a few offers to rent one. Should cost me $80 for the month. The gas, 10,000 Rupiah. About a dollar a day.
Although after proof-reading this, I am beginning to swallow my own words and have second thoughts about getting on a motor bike!! It seems that getting a motor bike is my only option though, as my bedroom is so far from where I will be working in Kuta. 2 hours walking..... An hour on a normal bike.... With a motor bike, 25 minutes. There are no bus's on Bali, and a cab costs about $5 one day, so realistically I should just suck it up and learn to live like a local.
If 10 year olds and grannies can ride these scooters, I surely can. I know I will be the one who is to the side of the road, going the slowest. Perhaps I should get an Indonesian sign on my back: "Warning: New Driver from Canada. Please pass."
My first full day yesterday was a true success. Dewi and I walked Kuta beach and bonded, telling each other about our families and past travels. We were approached twice by young Indonesian boys who wanted a picture with us. So cute. Kuta is the surfing haven for many an Aussie, and many, many Indonesians. It was surreal looking out at the waves, dotted with surfers, and watching the planes come in from the south. I've looked at the map of Bali for more than a few months now, seeing where the beach was in relation to the airport, and so it was truly a neat feeling to be standing on the beach and watching the planes land. It was a feeling of clarity and knowing exactly where I was physically on the planet, in that moment.
After our beach walk, I was drawn to the house music coming from a lounge across the street. There right on the street in front, a dj booth, with young handsome Indonesian guy pumping out the beach house tunes. I had some mix cd's with me, and Dewi suggested I talk to a manager. I introduced myself, and handed him my cd, telling him I had just arrived in Bali and am looking for work DJing, as I will be here for the next 6 months or so. He suggested I get up on the decks right then and there and rock out a mini set. I was ecstatic at this opportunity! This place is probably one of the most sexiest beach lounges I have ever seen, with cabana style seating amidst lush palms and frangipani tree's. In the middle, a pool, turquoise water with tiled dark rock. At the back, 4 post beds covered in flowing curtains and lush pillows and fabrics.
I didn't have my cd's with me, but the Indonesian DJ kindly showed me his tracks. Both him and the manager were beyond friendly. The equipment I was to play on: the newest Pioneers with USB ports. If you DJ or are familiar with tech equipment, you will know what these are. Sexy is what they are! You can play over 2000 songs on one deck. I went thru his tracks. Easy. It was all beach house, lots of Hed Kandi and Miguel Migs. I played for about 45 minutes. I watched my first sunset in Bali mixing beats on the street. People passed and waved and took pictures. I smiled. True happiness. The sun went down and I could see the scads of surfers still out on the golden crested waves. Pure bliss. My email is on my mix cd, so I hope I hear from the manager soon! They have a DJ playing there daily, from the afternoon until 1am, so I am pretty sure I will.
As for communication, there is no wifi in the house. So as a self-proclaimed Facebook addict, and tech junkie, I was a bit disappointed. However I am enjoying the peace of this morning. Doing my yoga having my coffee, and then refreshing myself with the bucket shower. Dewi has an unlimited internet USB stick for her lap top, which she has kindly invited me to use anytime. I will look into getting a cel phone this weekend, something with unlimited international text to keep in touch with my new friends in Bali and with my besties in Vancouver. You know who you are!! A motor bike will give me the gift of freedom and the cel phone, the convenience of communication. I'm sure my mother will appreciate my phone number here, as I am bombing around the streets on a motor bike, won't you Mum?
All in all, I am very happy and very proud of myself that I am here. Getting laid off from my job and breaking up with my boyfriend back in June was a truly blessing in disguise, and just the kick in the ass I needed to listen to my heart's truth and follow a dream I had yearned for so long. I love Vancouver with all my heart, but escaping the rain and dark of winter is only but a decision and a plan of action away. I am a fan of this snowbird / expat lifestyle, and I truly believe you don't have to be retired or rich to attain it. You just have to make a decision, tell yourself everything is going to work out and just go.
Although I miss my dear friends, I know you are just a technology's click away. I have a wonderful, beautiful soul taking care of my kitties. Those are were tagged, sorry if I offended you in this informal post, public post! I am still on Dewi's computer. I will get a new phone this weekend, so we will be in proper contact. Love you guys SO dearly. Special thanks to those who came to my going away party and to those who helped me clean and organize my place the night before I left. You guys, you guys!!
My soul is happiest in the sunshine. I delight in the sound of the palms in the breeze and the smell of Frangipani's in the air. We have a mango tree in the yard, and ate them for breakfast. Life is good when you're living the island life.
I will stay in Kuta for the next little while, play some gigs, make some money and meet some people... then perhaps head North to Ubud, where Eat Love Pray took place and was filmed. I will go raw and do yoga at dawn and dusk and learn how to make jewelry and carve wood. I will write and take pictures. I also plan to video blog my entire journey, the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, and share myself and my life here, with you.
*Peace, Love, Foundation, Family*
"The world is a book and those who do not travel, read only one page."
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