How I found my Zen in Bali

by Albina Iunusova (Russia)

I didn't expect to find Indonesia

Sunrise! The light coming into the room to wake me up. I open my eyes and smile to a new day. With a smoothie on my hands, I'm heading up to the terrace. So nice to feel an ocean breeze. To hear the bird song...pi pi pi... Alarm! Welcome back to reality. 6 a.m., dormitory, the rain outside, have to go to work. The drabness of Saint - Petersburg makes you homesick. But you don't have time to think about your feelings. You must be prepared for the forum on your job and finish your final thesis at university, you even don't have time to see your friends and talk to your family. Free time only to eat and sleep. It's an 'amazing' life, isn't it? Finally, I finished my thesis and got a master's degree. My nerves were constantly on edge. What's next? I must relax and improve my health: physical and mental. I decided to quit my job and book a ticket to a warm country as I always wanted. Voila! Welcome to Bali! I came out of the airport. Wow, it's extremely hot and sunny. And people...they are so shining and friendly, not in a rash at all...so different. My friends and I rent a house in Jimbaran village near the ocean. Guess what's need to do the first? Of course, go to the beach! Mmm...this sound of the waves makes you so calm. We were there until the evening. Sunsets in Bali, I've heard so many beautiful epithets about sunsets here. What can I say? All of them are true. OMG! It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. The sky is so bright like a fire: red, orange, yellow, pink; it seems there are all colors in the sky. Is it a fairy tale? Life is good! I met a lot of lovely people all around the world here in Bali. We share our stories, experiences, knowledge. To meet travelers is an inspiration for me to follow my dreams and explore our beautiful world. We travel around the island together, visit popular destinations, discover secret spots. Beaches, cliffs, waterfalls, temples, jungles, rice terraces, volcanos, etc. So many amazing places. I'm learning Bahasa Indonesia - the local language. It helps me to communicate with the Balinese people. Local people are curious about foreigners. They want to talk to you, to take a picture, to be friends. They always smile and say "hello", even if you don't know each other. It was unusual for me in the beginning after my country where people are colder. One woman, she is a fruits seller, each time says "hi" and hugs me when I cross her small shop. I bought bananas their once and now we are best friends. A bit wearied? Maybe for the westerns. But I think it's nice to make each other smile. There are other cases as well. I visited already two local weddings. I was invited by a royal family member to celebrate a baby's birthday. I took part in the important religious ceremony of a small village. I'm a member of the lovely local yoga community in Jimbaran. One of the most important advantages of traveling is the opportunity to be a part of local culture. I'm enjoying. I taught myself to admire each day, each minute, each second. Sometimes I just stop and think: how lucky I am, how happy I am and I want to hug all people around me at that moment. Another sunset, I don't know how many I've seen already, but still, even after months, I want to scream how breathless they are. Thank you, Bali! I had a great time, but now it's time for a new chapter. I'm going to check the map and find the next stop of my adventure.