An old post with a new perspective
Each day as you awaken you, as do I, begin to process the many things that the day holds. Work, school for kids, traffic, unfinished chores and so much more. But how long does it take you before you begin to drift with your thoughts?
For some it will be as you put the kettle on, others stay focused until the kids leave for school, even more will be at work for an hour or two before the inevitable moment. But it strikes us all.
When does Paradise enter your day?
For me it varies. Sometimes the stress of the coming day keeps it at bay for hours, sometimes it is that stress that takes me there. Fleeting thoughts of wonderful moments spent in a place that I love, followed by visions of my next visit.
I dream of sitting in markets laughing and sharing time with the locals, of holding hands with my children as we cross a busy street. I dream of sunsets shared with newfound friends and Sundays on the beach watching the locals at rest.
I recall tentative handshakes as I meet the staff at a hotel for the first time, then warm hugs and heartfelt goodbyes as we leave weeks later, not knowing when we'll return. My thoughts often drift to the street vendors that work so hard for our attention, then, after a few days, accept that we will just say hello as we pass by.
Laying back on a lounge around the pool brings different sensations again. From that warm comfortable feeling of just simply being there, to the wonderous drowsy moments where the sounds of languages melting together, along with the happiness of travellers from near and far blend to sooth away your now forgotten stresses.
In the short moments when you open your eyes you spy jet streams far into the sky as kindred spirits follow their own dreams traversing the globe.
Closer to you, the noise of a turboprop aircraft fades through on its island hopping route, impossibly missing the massive kite that seems to have been hanging so high in the sky since soon after dawn.
All too soon you are fully awake. Work and home are a world away and your tummy has decided to partake in what Bali has to offer.
Hmmm, pool service or hit the streets?
'Nasi Goreng, Gado Gado, Sate Ayam, a Bintang and a cocktail list please' ' Ma kasih Mate'
We can hit the streets tonight ;-)
As you amble out that evening you find that all is as it should be. Hawkers touting for business, transport teams working every line they can on you, Ibu looking to catch your eye and make her last sale for the day...and all they seem to get back is that lazy smile that tells them you have been before...and would not miss this part for the world.
Yet, still they will try ;-)
A restaurant catches your eye. An old favourite or recently opened? It doesn't matter. You aren't that hungry, just in need of a drink maybe? Before you know it though you've ordered a main course each and the cocktails are being mixed just a few metres away.
Oh well, your resistance is fading fast. But who cares?
Some hours later you resume your walk, wondering all the while what to do with your new CD collection that you have just purchased. More importantly, will you remember to pick up the bracelets you ordered and paid for between your Dessert and Coffee?
Last trip you said you wouldn't do that again!!!!!
The gentle stroll after your meal leaves you happy, tired, ready to turn in. As you walk past the small shops and Warungs, many of which are now closed, you notice the small laneways between them. A new Bali appears in your mind. What happens down those little laneways between the shops and Warungs on the main streets. Who is down there? Should I go down and say hello?
Only you can answer that.
Strolling through reception you find your key being handed to you without asking. The staff already knows your room number and you mumble your grateful thanks through a stifled yawn.
A turn of the key, a gentle push and the crisp cool air washes over you as you step through your door to an awaiting slumber.
Drifting off, you recall all the nights that you fell asleep and dreamed of being right where you are now.
Tonight you can have a dreamless sleep.
Unless of course.........this was all just another dream!!!!!!
CBE
Cracker ;-)