Well, we left our beloved Gili Air Sunday and are back in Sanur. The night before we left was filled with live music on the beach, our favorite beer, Bintang and much care for this place we have grown to love even more. We said goodbye to some of our new friends who are hopeful we will return. It was hard to leave this place of peace and our way of being here. We will be back soon and look forward to sharing this place with others.
Once back on the Island of Bali, we were quickly reminded of the sounds of traffic and business of life. I think I have finally got the traffic rules (said with a laugh) down.
There are lines on the road to separate the 2 flows of traffic, similar to home. In Bali however, they are more of a suggestion rather than a law to be followed strictly.
Three honks means thank you for letting me pass even though you had no choice and I did it on a blind corner, you
Traffic circles (roundabouts) have arrows to help people know what direction to go. Again, merely a suggestion so do as you please. No judgment
Traffic lights must be followed. Unless you really dont want to stop on the yellow turning red. In which case, just honk as you pass through. But mostly follow the lights.
On larger roads there are two lanes with a helpful turning lane at the intersections. But if you need to pass the cars in front, feel free to use the turning lane a thru lane and merge with a honk to let people know you up, and three as you pass to thank them.
If you need, use the lane to weave in and out of traffic or if you just want to drive in it, but move over if traffic also needs the lane.
It sounds a bit chaotic and yet it is not. It is like schools of fish or flocks of birds that seem to know when to shift direction as a group. No one takes it personally, no one rages, and everyone just adapts and keeps moving. There
We safely arrived after all that to Sanur and nestled in to our new but familiar surroundings. Jackie found us a cute little spot near the beach and boardwalk, and 2 doors from the amazing massage place we have been to every day this week. Jackie did splurge yesterday and we tried a more upscale spa. She received a good 75 min whole body massage, but it did cost a bit. I personally think it was worth the $35. I had an hour and half manicure for $35 and it was awesome. Ayu (pronounced who was giving me my manicure and asking about the trip and was kind and lovely. I had mentioned I have not been able to find my favorite dessert – Klepon (said – and she said that where she lives (about 30 mins away) is known to make the best in Bali. It is all about the amazing sugar in the middle, that melts when the Klepon are made into beautiful rich, not too sweet, cane sugar syrup. She said she would bring
me some ‘Besok; (said Bayso) tomorrow. I offered to pay for them, and she absolutely refused. We arranged for me back at 10 am and I was not disappointed. She took pride and joy in sharing these amazing treats and I was so blessed by her kindness.
We have been spoiling ourselves this last leg of our amazing trip. Foot massages every day/night so far, for an hour at the extravagant cost of $10. But we are eating at the night market again for $5 each so feeling okay to splurge. There is more rain in Sanur then Gili Air, so have been using versions of taxis. As long as you agree on the price before they start driving, its a great way to go. We have found the people here honest, and genuine. We even got kicked out (in a kind way) of a taxi after he started driving because he said the place was very close and we can walk just a few mins, and he refused any money.
Our breakfasts where we are staying, that are included in the price, have been very good here at Akaya Bali resort (pictures attached) and it
is more than we were spending in Gili Air for sure (at $75 ish a night) but still a good deal and great location. Its clean and beautiful and great staff.
We are trying to suck the marrow out of every moment left.
