I have just returned from bali for the 3rd time in 3 years and have felt compelled...no, actually.... i want to, put in words, my thoughts and feelings I have about this wonderful island.
I have often read the Bali Travel Forum and now realize that it is not only informative for impending travellers but it also allows the informer a sense of closeness to Bali, during those mundane periods
stuck in the ' lucky country'. I believe I am now one of the tragic romantics with the concept of living large periods surrounded by smiling people and visually stunning views, in Bali.
During my most recent time in Bali, I often found myself just sitting and watching locals and tourists alike. Noting their expressions and wondering about their thoughts. Masseurs on the beach frequently caught my eye, while I was sipping on a bintang. This beer may not be the best in the world, but it is certainly the best 'Holiday Beer'. Back to the masseurs........ i watched as they constantly worked the tense tourist, seeking their rupiah and of course releasing the muscles which tighten with our western lifestyles. Lying on tables with sarongs or towels covering and an assortment of oils spread along the vast beaches. For the hairy, yet receding male, an extra squirt just to stop the fingers and palms gently pulling on the legs, chest...... ok and maybe the back?...haha. And the views from their workplace in Sanur. The stunning Mt Agung which appeared at different times depending on haze and cloud cover, fishermen in the water, occasional boats and gentle waves in the distance at the edge of the reef.
I assume when you have massaged thousands of calfs, reduced knots and moved body toxins on, you do not need to look at a human body to produce relaxing results. Many times the masseurs heads would lift and seemingly look out to sea. Sometimes I was sure that they were blindly looking with thoughts far removed from the scenic beach and our perception of this heavenly place.
Hmmmm..... when our biggest concern was the exchange rate for the day or the occasional depressive thought of departing as the days mounted, we were bound to be in conflict with the gentle smile of a local struggling to survive and only dreaming of ever departing. Most balinese will only holiday in their distant stares while tourists lay on their stomachs oblivious as spirits temporarily leave bodies to holiday and give hope to individuals leaving behind the physical presence to continue massaging buffet breakfasts from overweight sunburnt visitors.
When a group or individual would walk past,' You want massage' would break the silence as spirit returned and survival instincts kicked back in. There are more masseurs, drivers and restaurant seats than tourists, which makes it difficult for our dollar to spread around evenly and to all. I mastered the phrase ' tidak terima kasih' (no thank you) extremely well as constant offerings were asked of us. I even found myself using a butchered accent at times.
My wife who has been many more times than myself, previously alluded to this Bali addiction. I have also read JBR's with the same theme. This feeling that envelops your body and mind. That finds its way under your skin and now under my manicured nails. Ok Ok I did have a manicure while in Bali. And why not! I went to a restaurant 'Mades' Frangipani' in Sanur where they put frangipanis in your ear on arrival. ABBA was playing 'Dancing Queen' in the background. It was beautiful. LoL. Perhaps that is just part of it? Perhaps that sums it up? Perhaps we wish we could be so gentle and kind as these people? I certainly love to be around them. They have extremely good survival and persistence skills but are still able to be gentle and caring.
I hope that every time I return from this wonderful land that I bring more smiles and empathy. Would I be too much of a tragic to say this is what the world needs? Would it be ignorant to suggest that Bali is/has the answer? It may be unfair to consider these from a tourist point of view? Having these conclusions while sitting back here at work, preparing my son for private school allowing him the opportunities I had, which many won't. If my biggest struggle now is missing Bali, then perhaps I should 'just be grateful'.?
All I can say is I remember this feeling I have from many years ago. When you watched your childhood sweetheart driving off in the back of her parents car during the holiday period. Her teary eyes staring out the back of the station wagon, waving and blowing kisses as if you wouldn't meet again. You, left fretting for weeks until her return. I know I will be fretting until I return to her. Bali!