The Island of Gods: A Journal pt. 1

Sunday, March 17

I have never been one of those people who enjoyed flying. Not even staying in the airport itself. Here's the thing: I have motion sickness and I almost threw up every time I flew on an airplane--which sucks because that's exactly why our parents almost never brought us anywhere too far since I might get sick and ruined the whole trip.

But, just this time, I was praying and holding to this little hope that traveling with my friends will help me with anything that might happen during the trip. Like, perhaps reducing the puketage that might occurred or else.

And they did. They really did. They reminded my to take my medicine and saying encouraging things through out the flight. They let me sleep well and sometimes asked me if I needed anything. I didn't threw anything up that morning, and they cheered for me! Just then, I know this trip was going to be awesome.

 

God was really showing Himself off that day, because our first day was amazing. Our flight wasn't delayed, therefore we got to enjoy our time as much as we want. The weather was nice--it was sunny but not too hot, perfect for taking tons of pictures with on-point lighting. We perpetuated every activities and moments in Tanah Lot, and we definitely had a great time.

 

We arrived at the Jimbaran Restaurant at approximately 4 o'clock, and we met all our friends from the second and third batch. Since they haven't been anywhere before (they got delayed), they really enjoyed the beach. At 6, we all already seated down and the waiters brought our food. The oyster? Stunning! If I were to eat only one food for the rest of my life, that oysters would do. Really.

Well, nobody can control the nature, and apparently mother-earth--and the sky--decided to end our night early. Rain poured hard from the heaven and boy, our foods were ruined. Some were upset, but I see no reason to be mad. I had a great morning, and I should be grateful for that--instead of feeling awful.

Monday, March 18

Water sport's day!

Today, the travel had prepared a half-day full of water sports. There were flying fish, parasailing, banana boat, sea doughnut--I don't even know if this was the legitimate name--, jet ski, and so many more.

Now, based on my experience with my family as to what to do at the beaches, I've never been one of those people who really spent the whole day trying... basically everything. My family and I usually saved our money for more important things, like souvenirs or just for another place, and just chilled by the bay or playing with the sands.

Well, not today, darling! I finally did something instead of sitting by the sea shore! It started with hanging out with some of my gals at the Turtle Island around Tanjung Benoa. Not much, but I guess it was good enough as my first step. I bought a pair of sunglasses--finally--and I learned how to haggle as well--only a bit of it, but okay. 

I wasn't going to spend anymore money on the next destination, but there I was, canoeing with my beloved-courageous friends. It was fun, and honestly, thrilling! We kept the water out of our canoe as long as we could, but yet we failed miserably. It was fun tho.

Next, we went to Garuda Wisnu Kencana to take some pictures with all the 3'2020, and our own class. There was nothing much to do, but it changed as soon as I saw two of my friends rode the Segway. I was curious, so I spent another 60k for the experience. Let's just say, I had no regret!

Lastly, we went to the Devdan Show, one of the most prestigious theater in Bali--the tour guide's word, not mine. And as soon as I saw the first scene, I instantly know why. Even when I sat a bit too far from the center, I could still enjoy the show. My favorites were the Balinese dances and cultures, and also the one where two people danced in sync and with such chemistry!

I had good sleep that night.

Tuesday, March 19

No beaches were arranged for us today. Instead, we were taken to do some sightseeing and learning a little part of Bali.

We went to the Tirta Empul as our first destination. Tirta Empul is known for the temples where people meditate and cleanse their souls. We even got to see the religious parade, where people wore white and yellow, brought tons of offerings and following the priest who walked at the front of the parade while carrying some sort of gong.

Took us about an hour or two before we get to Desa Adat Panglipuran. Panglipuran is a village consist of dozens similar-looking houses which belongs to the villagers. The view was extremely beautiful, I like how they structured the house and picked that certain shape. We were allowed to went in and interacted with the villager while buying things from them.

Again, mother nature decided that those was enough for us, and we had to go right then. Rained so hard, everything was wet, and we finally found our way back to the bus and went back to the hotel to prepare ourselves.

Prepare for what, you asked? The 'La Boheme', of course. The board decided that we should have our own gathering night to bond with one another, and the event went really well. I enjoyed spending time dissing everyone with my gals, but on top of all, I enjoyed the dancing performance by T'sT more than the film made by MP3.

It was already 12 o'clock at night when we finished, and we had fun. Not hating it, but I would spend my time somewhere else if I got to choose.