Padang Padang, Bali, Indonesia

Today is my birthday so I’m starting this blog.

I have now been in Bali for almost a month, boy, it seems like longer.

The constant search for cheap hotel, cheap dinner, cheap beer is ongoing.

They say “Bali is cheap” but what they don’t tell you is you have to look off the beaten path to find such places. Warungs, or food stalls serve you hefty portions for a dollar, but what you get in return is an all nighter in the Kamar Kecil (toilet). If you’re lucky enough to find a place to stay for under $10, it is likely to be infested with mosquitos or noise…not too bad if Dengue Fever wasn’t a threat.

I have seen some amazing places.

Spent the best time so far in Nusa Lembongan, and island to the East of Bali by 1.5 hours. The boat is fun, it supplies the island daily with water and vegetables. I rode on top with a couple from finland. I ended up buying his surfboard a few days later. The place I stayed in called Agus, or Tarci Bungalows was very nice. I had a villa all to myself for 70,000Rp per night ($7USD).

I spent my days walking exploring, riding my bike, reading, and mostly chatting with fellow backpackers. I have yet to snorkle, hike a volcanoe, visit a temple or go rafting, all on my list for this leg of the trip.

Traveling really puts my own troubles into perspective. The average Balinese household brings in a total of $5 per day. I have to catch myself from worrying about 50 cents when bargaining…it matters more to them.

I watch a woman maybe about the age of 60 bending over to get worms in the sand. Every day the best time is in the hottest hours. I asked a local how much she makes for a jar of them. One dollar for a day of work.

I see crippled people carrying concrete on their heads, and think of americans who sit around all day collecting welfare.

Via | TravelPod

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