We came to Bali to see – respectively do – two things: We were hoping to see the lush green rice fields and to try YOGA. Both points we managed to tick off within the first week here. Moving on early in that case? Oh no. Our hunger for Bali was far from being satisfied. Our first few days on the Indonesian island only made it bigger.

Some of our highlights:

• Calling Juri’s villa with open-air living space our home for eight nights. Bonus points: Two super comfy bean bags and a private pool (even better because we were not keen on the beaches nearby).
• Relishing our self-catered villa breakfasts with eggs, toast, balinese granola, juicy mango and pancakes. John’s pancakes and scrambled eggs are just the best.
• Introducing ourselves to yoga in Chris’ roof-top yoga studio (Berawa Yoga). At least two of us attended the morning lessons, with Sophie not missing one single class. Chris made us suffer, bend, sweat, jump around like monkeys, relax, feel our bodies… and definitely enjoy ourselves.
• Going for a walk in the Jatiluwih Rice Fields. A beautiful sight. And very accessible with properly signposted paths.
• Stopping briefly at Padang Padang Beach on the Bukit Peninsula in the south. What a relief to finally find an attractive beach.
• Sleeping on the edge of the rice fields in two arty and rustic wooden houses designed by the host Met, a proper artist and a joy to chat to.
• Witnessing a moody evening atmosphere on black sanded Nyanyi beach.
• … and if you ask our two girls: Swimming and dancing in the pool of Finns Beach Club. Sophie and Lilly loved our “night out” on our last evening in Canggù.

The learning curve:

• Walking is probably the most scary way for getting from A to B in Bali. No pavements and narrow roads are the norm. No surprise that pedestrians are merely considered road hazards.
• The predominant vehicle on the roads is – without a doubt – the moped. And it can be used for so many purposes: Family “car” (up to 2 adults and 3 children), mobile restaurant, tractor, animal transport (mostly pigs and gold fish)… we have seen it all. And more.
• The right of way in Bali typically belongs to the biggest vehicle in the road or to whoever gets there first. John really likes that.