My golly, BALI!

Traveling is magical. It's as simple as that! Just when you think you have hit your enjoyment threshold, you realize there is just so much more enjoyment and excitement to be had. After having a sensational time in Perth (oh and yes, we did rent bikes on Rottnest Island and spent the day riding around the entire 28K circumference), we flew to Bali, an island in Indonesia.

Just to remind you of life as a backpacker...here are a few...

You know you are a backpacker when...

-You leave a hotel costing $14/night for a hotel costing $7/night so that your travel money can go further!
-You learn to use a scarf as a headband, a belt, and even a towel if you so need!
-You wonder what day of the week it is, and even sometimes what month of the year it is!

Bali was incredible. Despite the concerns we had prior to arriving regarding their perception of Westerners after the 3 bombings that had taken place over the last few years by Islamic fundamentalist groups, we found the Balinese people to be exceptionally warm, friendly, and open. We were quite disheartened to actually see how empty so many beautiful restaurants, lounges, shops, and spas were due to the 50% decrease in tourism. Bali is embedded with genuinely rich culture and it was a treat for us to experience it all.

Bali is 95% Hindu, but the working relationship amongst all religions is very amiable. You can see the colorful touch of Hinduism everywhere however...in the bamboo offering dishes on the street, in the vibrant dress of the women, and in the spirit of the people. Generally speaking, they believe in spreading happiness and joy with hopes of positive Karma in return.

We were able to relax at the beaches of Kuta, Legian, and Uluwatu. In Uluwatu we had the pleasure of truly experiencing surf culture. One of Dawn's friends from San Diego, Scott, and his friends were traveling Indonesia on a surf trip. We joined them one day to check out the waves and learn just how intense surfing is...though at the end of a day, everyone is chill, laid-back, and ready for a cold Bintang (Balinesian Beer!)

One day, we were fortunate enough to have a private driver named BJ. BJ took us all over Bali to visit the historical sights and explained the significance behind each area. We saw the Monkey Forest, an area in which 600 wild monkeys co-exist. Though some are naughty monkeys (I had the delight of being PEED on!), most are fun-loving and playful. We couldn't walk 5 ft without having monkeys jump all over us!

We also checked out the Goa Gajah (The Elephant Cave) which is an ancient dwelling where the Hindus and the Buddhists met and collaborated in unity. We visited a Hindu temple which was a touching experience for Roshni as her family is Hindu and incorporates the religion into their daily lives as well. We tasted yummy hot cocoa and got to see how coffee beans are made at a plantation while trying unique Balinese fruits....mmmmm...delicioso!!!

We checked out an active volcano and ended our cultural day having dinner and watching traditional Balinese dance. Understanding the Balinese culture and lifestyle enabled us to take our experience on the island to the next level, truly. Along with Balinese dancing, they are also hugely into the Bollywood film scene. It is a fantastic bonding experience to hear them singing the popular Hindi tunes along with Roshni!

Ok...so, we did spoil ourselves as well...you can't go to Bali and not. One day, us 3 girls spent 6 TREMENDOUS hours at the spa. Yes, it included a foot scrub in flower pedals, a full body massage, a Balonisian facial, a full body exfoliation scrub, a coconut milk bubble bath with flower pedals, a pedicure, a manicure, and then when we thought it was all finished, a hair shampoo, while we had our head massaged, and a deep conditioner treatment with a drying of the hair finish! I know what you are thinking...I thought you ladies were backpacking and trying to be frugal with you money. Yes, we are...but when a 6 hour spa treatment costs you $75, you simply CANNOT resist. It was sensational....no, OUTRAEGOUSLY sensational!

Though we had many highlights in Bali...one that will never be forgotten is Roshni STANDING up on her surfboard for the first time! With Dawn's pointers and constant encouragement our girl was able to catch the wave! Everyone always makes fun of me for my squeals...well, if I recall correctly, Roshni was happily squealing as well:-)! We are so so proud! To keep with our mission of opening up our minds and experiencing new things during this trip, she also decided to try Sushi! (Though the look on her face didn't seem as thought she enjoyed it much ;-) If that wasn't it, she even got her entire head braided Alicia Keys style! No worries, photos to come soon!

One of our favorite pastimes there was when we played the role of "Hotel Crashers". This is when you sneak in to the best resorts swimming pool area (mind you we are staying at a place that is $7 a night, so not the greatest pool) and pretending we are staying there until we get kicked out! It happened twice ;-)

One thing we could have done without however, was the constant hackling of people on the streets literally EVERY step you take! Everywhere you go people are offering you massages, manicures, pedicures, sunglasses, watches.... At least it gets us in to the mindset of bargaining and what to expect in the following Asian countries to come.

Now we are in Singapore and soon heading to Malaysia. Singapore is another fantastic destination that welcomed us with free internet and local calls at the ever so clean airport (complete with indoor waterfall and bowls of mint at the immigration counters) The whole city is clean considering the $2000 fine for littering. Completely alive and awake 24 hours of the day, the energy here is contagious and the people are splendid. There is a smooth blend of people from all over the world living here which makes this country/city/island a diverse collage of international beauty. At one moment you are in China town eating Char Kway Teav, and then 3 metro stops later you enter the the zone of Little India, (where our hostel is) where the smell of incense and spices fills the streets. The only problem is...too many great foods to try and not enough time!!!

Sorry about the non-photo update to this blog, we are experiencing some technical difficulties. No worries though, a full set of photos is in the works!

Well, as always, we hope this finds you in good health. We hope you continue to leave each day open and excited and eager to be here. We miss you all!

Lots of smiles and hugs your way...
Team America

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