From Meh to Paradise and Back Again

Don't get me wrong, it's been quite the ride being here in Australia, and I've had a BLAST with these internships. I ain't going to lie though, Bali tops the cake! Who knew going to a third-world country could be so incredible!!

Before I left I told the CEO of Expense Check that I'd be gone for a week, and that I'd be happy to keep in touch for whenever needed. To which he responded, "Ppppsssht! No, you go ahead and enjoy Bali!" Rather generous reply, I thought. It wasn't until I got out of the airport that I understood exactly why!

While waiting in the front of the terminal, a good 15 meters from the front doors and I could already feel the humidity hitting me! So, I knew it was warm, definitely, but I wasn't not prepared for the SIGHT of this place! Green EVERYWHERE! I was in heaven! After our two hour drive to the villa we'd be staying in I began to be emotional at the beauty of the place! It was nearly a palace, and thanks to the awesome connections my mom has made through Zumba, we were offered to stay there for FREE!! No way...YES WAY!!

All meals were home-cooked, or hostess ate with us every morning and evening, and she was absolutely delightful! All the rooms had a balcony with an amazing view of the surrounding jungle, and a freshwater pool just outside? Yes, please!

"Semi-free" range monkey park (really they were everywhere) was so fun! I saw the most adorable baby monkeys clinging to the mothers, and so many more playing with each other! I walked out without a scratch. Wow, no injuries to report for that adventure...do I sense a change in the wind? Hmmmm...that's new.

That? Oh that's just a our very own freshwater pool.
No Big Deal.

Believe it or not, I had fun bargaining at the markets. Some of those people are so silly desperate to make a sale that if you're about to walk out of it they'll give you your first bargain! Or "Special price. Just for you," as they put it. It especially became easier when I got my own stash of cash, which only happened after I'd realized I tried at three different ATMs (three, people) to get cash using my credit card!! I felt like a little fool, but I had my moolah nonetheless.

Beaches so hot the water is actually WARM. It's no joke. No more of this, "It's not as cold as it usually is," deal. It's seriously warm! There were smaller pool at Kuta beach that were frying crabs for fun! Black sand beaches...can't beat that. ;)

Can you hear that? CRASH!!!

The only thing cooler than that was riding, feeding, and petting elephants! That's right. I rode on top of the largest land mammal in the world. Incredible!

Wood carvers, Batik, natural hot springs, Hindi temples and Barong & Legong dances...and the food was delicious! I told my mom, "You might have to leave me here."

Gorgeous temple inside Cafe Lotus!

Alas, I had to return. Still, the week was incredible. I must return, my second home must be Bali!

She decided to smile for the shot! :)

I just...can't...too much Adorableness!!

But guess what? Less than three weeks 'til I come home! I'm SO TOTALLY ready to come home, but still nervous at the same time, because I'm coming back to a new apartment and...no...job. What? How am I going to pay rent? I don't know... As soon as I figure out where to get a new job, I'll start eating again. How's that sound? Great plan, right.

Over and out y'all. See you soon.

Jess

Don't you just feel like jumping in???

No words. I have no words!