Welcome to Bali🌺🇮🇩

Welcome to Bali!!

It has been almost two weeks since I last reached out. I think that's a pretty good sign.

So I can say that I'm feeling much better!!

Last Sunday, I flew from Cambodia to Bali via Malaysia and arrived very well.

Bali is my final stop before heading home; I will spend three beautiful weeks here. We are staying in a town called Tabanan, about 2 hours from Denpasar airport.

Bali is one of the organization's most popular programs, and this has been very noticeable. The house is really beautiful and modern, and there are over 40 people. It's a lot of fun because you always have someone to talk to, and there's so much happening. This was exactly what I missed in Cambodia. Moreover, the coordinators plan a lot of evening activities, like beach volleyball or movie nights together.

The first week was very nice. I chose the Wildlife project, and it's a lot of fun. There are a total of four projects within one, with morning and afternoon shifts and a new mix every day. There's a Dog Shelter, a Wildlife Center, a beach cleanup project, and a reforestation project.

My favorite place is the Wildlife Center, where they have a bear named Balou. You can pet him and feed him fruit because he is used to people. The first week flew by quickly; I must confess I still can't remember all the names; there are just too many people.

I share a room with six other girls and was very pleased to have the comparatively clean (and sometimes even warm) shower and the varied food (sometimes even pasta) after Cambodia.

It's funny to see that Bali is a total culture shock for many, as it's their first experience abroad and in Asia. For those who have been to other Asian countries like Vietnam or Cambodia, it is comparatively very quiet, clean, and relaxing.

With all the tourists, it is naturally very Western, but honestly, that's nice too.

I spent my first weekend on the Gili Islands, a real paradise. White sandy beaches, bright turquoise water, and many beach bars with reggae music.

We chose a fun hostel and did great activities. The highlight of the weekend was snorkeling with the sea turtles. Check out the photos; it's truly amazing!!!

We went out about 10 minutes on a banana boat, and since we were a small group, the guide could take many photos of us. He said that we were particularly lucky that day because we got to see a total of six turtles.

We spent the day very relaxed, either at the beach or enjoying delicious food, and in the evening we went out to party. 

A very successful weekend!! 

I'm quite glad I didn't decide to leave earlier because I'm really enjoying my time right now. Even though I'm looking forward to going home, it's great to be able to explore this area as well.

Today is Tuesday; I have two days left in the project, and then I'll meet Lilia and Frode on Thursday, and we will spend a few days together.

Next Wednesday is my birthday!!  Almost all of my close friends that I've met on this trip are coming specifically to Uluwatu, a town on the southern coast of Bali. I wished to celebrate my birthday as it starts, so everyone is arriving on Tuesday.

My good friend Julia is also coming from Germany :) that sounds really great.

Bali is fantastic; I finally feel more comfortable and can enjoy the time. I now have another week and a half ahead of me, which I want to utilize well, and then I’m very much looking forward to flying back home.

Something cool is planned for the weekend, so stay tuned!

Sending you sunny greetings; it smells everywhere today like incense, as it is a full moon, and many ceremonies are held. It is considered a day/night of cleansing, and everywhere small offerings are prepared in hand-woven baskets.

Indonesia is cool.

Best wishes,

Your sun-kissed Paula