Hello rainy season.

31.01.2019

Today we actually wanted to rent a scooter and explore the surrounding area. There are supposed to be many beautiful temples and beaches nearby. Unfortunately, the weather has ruined our plans. After the last two days were extremely sunny, the rainy season is now living up to its name. It is not really raining heavily, but rather continuously with small breaks and some sunshine in between. The weather forecast even predicts a small storm for later tonight. The big question is: What to do when it rains? We already had our Lazy Day yesterday.

After some reading time, Lisa is going to her first yoga class on the island at a nearby studio. Meanwhile, I am exploring the surrounding area with Emily and Nisma - we have now found out the name of the Indian girl from the UK. We pass by many cute little cafes and clothing stores and come across a covered market - The Love Anchor - with many small stalls full of souvenirs.

In conversation with the other travelers, we learn a lot of new things - about them and about other travel destinations. For example, Nisma was in Ubud before arriving in Canggu, a city further inland from Bali. We were planning to go there in the next few days anyway. On Nisma's recommendation, we have already reserved a place in a guesthouse there from next Monday for five days. The accommodation is said to be in a good location, free yoga is offered, and there is delicious breakfast there.

Later in the hostel, we get to know two more newcomers. Marcella - our second roommate - is from Brazil, she is visiting Seminyak next and then also has Ubud as her destination.

Angelika is from Stockholm, Sweden and is starting her adventure in Bali just like us. She doesn't know exactly where she is going after Canggu - maybe to the Gili Islands. But New Zealand is already a confirmed next destination for her - she already booked her flight there for the end of February. She will stay in Bali until then. During her trip, she will also be in Vietnam - probably around May. If fate allows it, we might be there at the same time and can visit Emily together. That would be great! :)

Both girls are traveling completely alone for the first time. So far, they say it's going well. Because here at the hostel, you quickly meet people. Many of them are also traveling alone, so everyone is happy to join each other and do some things together.
Let's see how I feel about traveling alone when Lisa and my paths separate at the end of the month. At least I have already decided on my next destination. I will be going to Borneo - the Malaysian part - for about 20 days alone. There are many national parks with jungles, waterfalls, and a great variety of animals.
That's why I'm currently spending the rainy hours researching what there is to see and if there are maybe opportunities to join a guided tour for a few days. I hope that this will give me a better chance of seeing many animals - the experience from places like Namibia shows that the local eyes of the guides can see much more than those of tourists. Understandable.

Unfortunately, the research so far has shown that this is not exactly cheap. But I think it's definitely worth it. I will keep you updated :)