“While traveling has been an amazing experience, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.”
What you’ll read about:
- Alone in Bali
- Melbourne party in Canggu
- A bit of a rough patch
- What I came for
- Moving in with Mia (who I’ve known for one week)
Alone in Bali
After we got back from Flores, Mau left for New Zealand and I stayed in Bali by myself.
The week had been intense, so I decide to take it easy and book a hostel in Kuta for two nights. It’s close to the airport and known for its beach, so unlike quiet Riung, this place is full of tourists and Western influence. To me, it doesn’t feel like Indonesia anymore.
My friend Ciara, from Melbourne, texts me that she and a friend have just arrived in Bali — but they’re in the next city. I’m bored and alone, and Ciara is my go-to partner for nights out. When she tells me to grab a taxi, I barely hesitate. It’s supposed to be a 45-minute drive, but the driver breaks every speed limit, so I get there in no time.
Melbourne party in Canggu
The clubs are packed and play Western hits. Beers are European prices. I’m a little disappointed by the lack of Indonesian culture in the nightlife, but being around Ciara makes it easy to forget. She buys us shots every half hour and we do what we do best: dance, laugh, repeat. I stretch the night until early morning, already dreading the ride back.
The next day, I move to Canggu. I’m too tired to look for anything else, and Ciara being there makes the decision easier. Canggu is even more touristy than Kuta — not really my scene — but I check into What The Duck hostel and get a warm welcome. The other guests invite me to sit with them the moment I arrive.
The hostel is nice, mostly because of the people. Still, I only stay for two nights. Both nights, I end up out until everything closes. Once I start dancing, it’s hard to stop.
A bit of a rough patch
Traveling has been incredible, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Somewhere along the way, I lost the medication I take daily and started feeling sick from withdrawal symptoms. Luckily, Canggu’s Western influence turns out to be a blessing — the hospital is easy to reach and the doctors speak English. With some help from back home and support from Mia, I’m able to get a new prescription and start to feel like myself again.
I end up staying in Canggu for three more nights — partly to recover, partly to spend time with my new friend. But after a few days, I am ready to move on and head to Ubud — the place I originally came to Bali for.
What I came for
There’s a yoga and meditation school there that I found on Instagram months ago. They offer free classes every day, and I’ve been excited to visit ever since. The school is surrounded by rice fields and run mostly by volunteers. Before entering, you leave your shoes outside — something that’s common in Ubud, even in some restaurants. They serve food, coffee, and smoothies too, and the space is beautifully decorated.
I go to my first meditation class on Wednesday and return every day that week. The energy is peaceful, and the community welcoming. When I’m not in class, I sit on the terrace overlooking the rice fields, journaling or reading.
I stay in a luxurious villa just outside the center. It’s a twenty-minute walk from the school, and I have my own room, balcony, and even a bathtub. The owner is kind and invites me to sit with him and his friends on the porch. It feels good to be surrounded by locals again — and just as good to retreat to my own space and rest.
Moving in with Mia (who I’ve known for one week)
A week later, Mia texts me saying she’s thinking of moving to Ubud too. We decide to find a place together — to save money and enjoy each other’s company.
Most mornings, we start the day by lying next to the pool for an hour, soaking in the sun before diving into our routines. We’re both trying to focus on some work, so we encourage each other — sharing breaks, coffee, and the occasional distraction.
But even with each other around, it starts to feel a little isolating. We’re staying outside the center, and I haven’t made it back to the school. We go to a yoga class together and meet up with some of the friends I made there the week before, but most days are spent working, talking, or watching YouTube videos and movies.
Eventually, we both realize we’re craving more social contact. So, we decide to leave the villa and book hostels. Mine is in the center of town, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and small shops.
I look forward to a couple of social last days in Ubud…
Some things I’ve learned:
- Sometimes strangers turn into your comfort people real quick
- Westernized cities aren’t the worst (when you need a doctor)
- Lazy days are part of the adventure too
- If it feels good, stay — you don’t need a reason
- And when you feel ready: pack up and move on
And I have a new announcement to make on that last note: I have just booked my flight to Hanoi, Vietnam for this Sunday! It’s very impulsive, but I’m excited and will tell you more about it soon.
-Cels
CelsAway 
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