We decided to escape the Aussie-ridden tourist trap of Kuta Beach (sorry Anu, we won't be bringing back the souvenir you hoped for - we think US Customs has laws against human trafficking, plus he wouldn't fit in the overhead storage), and headed to the chilled out surf town of Padang Padang.
Until today, we didn't know there were different levels of heaven (we had only heard about Dante's levels in Hell). From our bungalo on the cliffs, we walk down a 40 meter staircase to an isolated white-sand beach cove with an absolutely perfect reef break 200 meters offshore (no joke, Rip Curl is holding a surf competition here this month). On top of this, it is a prerequisite for all men on this beach to be handsome, extremely tan, built like Greek statues, and wear their boardshorts dangerously low. Needless to say, we fit right in. For the girls, they must be Brazilian. Period. This does mean quite a lot, however. We do not think a higher level of heaven could be attained.
We paddled out and spent 2 hours boogie boarding the "totally epic left handed break", catching the best waves either of us have ever encountered. We would paddle into a 4 to 5 foot wave, dropping into the rip curl, watching the turquoise water crest over our heads, and ride it in for longer than we even knew possible. With this much time in the bright Balinesian sun, we have darkened several shades and Ashwin is contemplating buying the "Whitening Lotion" that we see advertised everywhere (so that he can make it through US Immigration without the "random" search). The sun setting over the ocean beside the huge limestone cliffs rivalled those we enjoyed from the Cate bench - but was not the only stunning view from the beach. We are in paradise and are loving life.
This DOES sound like paradise. A scary thought crossed my mind that maybe you guys fell into the lava gushing crater and are now communicating with us from the other side! We haven't heard about and drunken debacles for days it seems. Could this be another sign? or are you leaving them out so as not to concern the rents? Must say that I have been lulled into a very comfortable space where I am not worried about you any more! Should I be??
ReplyDeleteOn the contrary, I think Ashwin should keep his beard and his tan to go through immigration. No terrorist is going to go through without trying to look very American. I think you will be quite safe avoiding the search the way you look now!
Just back from Northwest Ontario and catching up on your blog. Awesome photos, especially the one of Ashwin sitting next to the Buddha and Danny capping off the volcano. The smiles on your faces speaks volumes of the fun you two are having.
ReplyDeleteYour sun exposure is now the least of my worries. As I type this comment I'm literally watching the news reports depicting the devastation from Taiwan's typhoon and subsequent mudslides. If that wasn't bad enough the very next story was about earthquakes in Japan and Myanmar.
Your odyssey to and from Mt. Bromo was a great read. Delighted to know you didn't become statistics of the volcano, but it sounds like the bus rides were much more perilous. Amazed with what a great itinerary you planned. You're now able to get some R & R in paradise following your arduous journey.
Continue to enjoy your globe-trotting, stay hydrated and let moderation be your objective.
PS: Here is a link to Joe's blog of his recent trip to SE Asia. Interesting to note some of the similarities of your two trips. http://peachesdoesasia.blogspot.com/
Visit paradise: check. Your time in Bali sounds like it was just what you two needed to relax after some of your recent trials and tribulations. Perfect waves, eye candy galore, and sunsets to rival those at Cate? It really does sound like heaven.
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