I have learnt how to surf! A ripped, 38-year-old Ewan (another friend of Andre’s) gave me and young Theo from California, a two hour lesson this morning after some heavy rain. It was such huge fun and I even managed to stand up first time! The deal was that if one wasn’t able to stand and surf after two hours, you get your money back. The instructor was great and has been surfing nearly every day since he could stand. It was also so much fun learning with Theo, who is really nice. I’ve invited him to join us later on the beach.
I’m living more and more like a local – getting around via scooter, only eating local food, drinking Bintang beer, and smoking clove cigarettes (mildly), sampling all the local fruits, helping to release baby turtles back into the ocean, meeting the locals, and inviting other travelers to join us for whatever. Last night I sat on the side of the street busking with Andre and a few of his friends drinking arak (cheap coconut vodka). Once my bank card finally arrives (hopefully soon), I’m keen to buy a traditional Balinese outfit and tan myself into an even darker brown!
The great day was followed by another great night on the beach with Andre and Theo. Theo turns out to be an artist, who decided to drop out of NYC art school (with full scholarship) to pursue his own dreams. He made a shit-load of money off a website he started called Beautiful Swear Words dot com.
He is hugely interesting and I think another friendship has been made. Tomorrow Andre, Theo and myself plan to hire scooters for the day and head south to check out Dream Beach and Uluwatu Temple, which is on a cliff-face and apparently boasts the best views in Bali. Holding thumbs for good weather.
I’m loving life right now and feel very much at peace with the world. I am making good friends and feel on top of my work. I’m currently staying in a small room with stray cats, cockroaches and huge indigenous geckos that sound like monkeys! Loving it. Riding on the back of a scooter through the streets of Kuta with my Balinese friend, guitar in tow, is just bliss at its best.
Next: Indonesia 2013: Panic Attack!
Previously: Indonesia 2013: Ask and Thy Shalt Receive
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