A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION Part 2 – Embracing Bali’s Magic

A Millionaire’s Feeling and Unexpected Adventures

“As our plane descended, a stunning view of this enchanting place unfolded before our eyes. Anticipation was built at the airport, where we were greeted by a world of fascinating decorations and ten-meter-tall warriors with heads adorned by a symphony of animal masks. Here, in Denpasar, I experienced my first taste of happiness. With only a modest $100 bill in exchange for the local currency, I felt like a millionaire! Yet, despite the thrill of newfound wealth, our journey to the hotel proved unexpectedly long, stretching two exciting hours for a trip that should have taken only thirty kilometres.

As we embarked on this journey, I hungrily absorbed every detail of the scene around me. The magic of Bali unfolded, with traffic flowing gracefully on the left, lively dream catchers hanging in shop windows, and the air filled with an aroma that wove a spell, leaving traces of magic on every passerby, bringing smiles to their faces. The peace of the locals was palpable; no one seemed rushed or disturbed. Some restaurants buzzed with happy crowds, their laughter echoing through the air, while others serenaded their patrons with intoxicating tunes. The ambience was a kaleidoscope of colours – reds, yellows, greens, and blues – painting the streets with vibrancy. Paper chandeliers hung elegantly above the courtyard, casting a warm glow over the tables.

Surprisingly, the long drive didn’t bother me; it washed away my cares and worries as if I had settled into a new body. Our journey stopped at the hotel’s entrance, where statues of majestic elephants and serene turtles adorned small pools, leading the way to the open-air reception. Our hotel sat right next to the beach in Kuta, where the salty ocean breeze kissed our senses and the distant melodies of the waves danced in our ears.

Despite the gruelling 24-hour journey, including the delays, I felt invigorated and far from tired. My mother doubted my ability to walk, but I effortlessly chose my outfit, and soon we were strolling the lively streets of Bali.

Discovering the Charms of Kuta

It was pleasantly warm, and people from different parts of the world, with smiles on their faces, were part of the street magic that spread through the main Kuta promenade. Restaurants adorned the terraces, while clothing stores occupied the ground floor, with specialized shops for surfers catching my eye with their various patterned boards, sparking an idea and image of myself surfing. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Since setting foot on this island, I felt transformed, no longer the Maria who just a few months ago lay in a hospital bed, thinking she’d have to suppress her adventurous spirit forever.

We settled on one of the restaurants, enticed by the smiles of the helpful waitresses who offered us samples of their specialities as we entered. Seafood was our first choice, and we were not disappointed. The restaurant exuded warmth not only in its decor, with various plants and cosy seating but also in the positive energy radiating from the staff. Their attentive service and fresh dishes made us feel like the happiest people on the island, regardless of our current mood.

A Healing Adventure Beyond Expectations

My mother took her time deciding what to order, opting for something other than seafood. Meanwhile, I was delighted to find shellfish on the menu, and I paired it with a seafood risotto, a safe choice for my palate. Although tempted by a glass of wine, I opted for banana juice, a nostalgic reminder of my childhood favourite. The taste, however, was a revelation, as if these bananas grew on a different island altogether.

Dinner for the two of us cost around $20, a bargain considering the quality of the food and drinks. But our evening didn’t end there. We decided to take a leisurely stroll down the street, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before retiring for the night.

Facing Fears and Finding Thrills

As we sat completely relaxed and enchanted, a large white snake with yellow details on its body rose up from my right side, much to the delight of my mother who sat next to me. A local, short and dark-skinned, with a huge smile on his face, stood beside it, inviting us to take a picture, assuring us that the snake was tame and offering to negotiate the price. My mother’s excitement propelled her towards the street, oblivious to the cars and the bustling crowd. I couldn’t help but feel a momentary panic at the sight of the snake suddenly appearing next to us. Imagine sitting peacefully and then finding yourself face-to-face with a snake! It was both scary and surprisingly exhilarating. From that day on, we passed by the snake daily, although we never dared to take a picture. My mother’s fear, though I thought it unwarranted in this case, kept us at a safe distance.

Varunga Vibes

Our stroll eventually led us to the ocean, along the path dividing the beach and the hotels. Outdoor restaurants nestled between the hotels offered cheaper fare, albeit in simpler settings with plastic chairs and tables. These places, known as Varunga, catered to both tourists and locals alike. As I observed the scene, I realized that Varunga establishments were integral to Balinese dining experiences, whether in tourist hotspots or local villages. Of course, trying Varunzi was also on our list of culinary adventures.

Nightfall by the Ocean

As we made our way back to the hotel, we soaked in the beachside ambience, mindful of the absence of lighting that prohibited night swimming in the open ocean. The distant waves seemed to merge with the sky, casting an eerie yet enchanting atmosphere. Despite feeling a bit apprehensive on that first evening, the darkness giving an unfamiliar edge to our surroundings, the allure of Bali soon transformed everything into a symphony of sights and sounds.

And so, our adventure truly began…