Sanur and Bali Conclusion

We spent the last days in Bali in Sanur. Some beach, tourist infrastructure and a little closer to the airport so that it doesn't get too stressful on the day of departure!😁

Our hotel was a small, nice one with a nice pool.

We even had an outside bathroom. Some people might say it's really cool. In hindsight... um... rather no!😅 Point 1.: Man/woman somehow always feels like they are being watched in the toilet or being listened to!🚽 💨 Point 2.: high humidity... the towels don't dry properly and neither do my soaps.💦 Point 3: and I've outgrown myself... insects. Friederike🪳 (our synonym for common cockroach), who has already visited us in Fuerteventura, was also a guest here every day. David, who usually saves every insect and doesn't think anything is disgusting, takes exception here.🏃 So I had to help and escort Frederike out the door several times.🤢 Oh well!☺️

But now to the really important and great things!

We went to the Turtle Conservation and Education Center. So, such impressive and valuable work!!! Everything on a voluntary basis. They are on call 24 hours a day and are also called by the Navy when animals are injured or have been caught illegally. There are six species of sea turtles, all of which are protected species. Their biggest enemy is PLASTIC, boats/ships (are injured by the ship's propellers) and strange people who want to process them into "food" or "cures".

The animals are pepped up, given medical care or allowed to hatch in peace and are then released back into the wild. For example, the baby turtles are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 1-2 days, otherwise they would lose their natural instincts and no longer survive in the wild.

The big guy was incredibly impressed by it all and you could tell how much it was bothering him.

The next day we were at the beach. Sanur has a long, beautiful beach promenade.🏖️ And as we were walking along the big one suddenly said to me: “Mom, there is so much rubbish lying around here! Animals are dying from all the plastic! Let’s collect the trash!” Where he’s right!!! Bow… my mommy chest swelled with pride!❤️🥹❤️

And so we collected every time. A lot of Balinese people thanked us and thought it was great.

Otherwise we also enjoyed something a little more touristy. The little one sat in a child seat on the back of the bike for the first time and we went for a ride on the beach promenade. Waving and cheering, she got a lot of smiles.😅 And the beach bars were tempting... pure beach vibes!🥰 On October 8th. we then went on to Malaysia.

And so we come to our Bali conclusion:

We were a bit skeptical before our trip. Do we like Bali? There is already a lot of hype about this island. Others find them absolutely terrible. Ugh... and we're in the middle of it. And…drum roll!🥁 Bali is a wonderful, beautiful island! So much green and varied!🌴🌿 We were particularly impressed by the center and the north. The Balinese are such warm and nice people. We were welcomed with such open arms and the children were so celebrated!😍 Especially away from the crowds, you can really immerse yourself in the culture and learn a lot. The real Bali! Thanks to Sri and her family! The island has a very special vibe. I can understand the many emigrants and somehow everyone who comes here has a certain relaxed attitude.

Accordingly, an anecdote on the side. We are in Candidasa and want to check out Virgin Beach/White Sand Beach and do some beach day. Beach is about 7km away. Transfer from our accommodation seems far too expensive for us. Oh… what is Gojek for!? Otherwise it always worked great. Said and done. Had a great day at the beach. But what is that? The beach is remote and there is no gojek or taxi back!😳 Walking?🤔 Too far! Let's talk to the locals! Yes… they could take us back with the scooter for little money. Ok, that could work with the big one... but with the little one?😨 NO! Damned! And now! I'm getting impatient, David doesn't have a plan. Aha... let's try calling the hotel and then we'll just pay the expensive price!😠 Yes, yes... no! We only have mobile internet... but of course no reception!😩 Shit!🤬 The conversation between David and me is getting heated!🫣 Damn! There has to be a solution! Two western-looking people are walking to a car. Of course David doesn't want to talk to her. Typical man!😂 But it's a super nice Russian expat couple who drives us back for free!❤️

But now continue with the text! The negative side of Bali. One small point that we didn't find so bad is the beaches. Anyone who expects Instagram dream beaches is wrong. They are on the neighboring islands (Gilis or Nusa -> unfortunately we didn't manage to look at them). But Bali's beaches are also great and beautiful! But the much, much bigger issue is the garbage. There is no real waste disposal/recycling. The Balinese simply throw everything on the side of the road or burn their garbage. A lot of rubbish is washed up by the tides. The idea of environmental protection is slowly beginning to emerge in Bali. It is now illegal to throw plastic into nature. Some supermarkets provide cloth bags instead of plastic bags. But all of this is still in its infancy.

Nevertheless, Bali is beautiful and we want to come back sometime and see more!❤️