The Island of Paradise – Really.

During my pre-trip research of Bali I found many references to it as the “Island of Paradise.” Now that I’ve been here for a week I can justify that claim, and for several reasons. Every local I have met is so proud of Bali, offering to take me to their favorite temple, place to eat or perch to watch the amazing sunsets. Each new day has presented another breathtaking sight or wonderful aspect of the Balinese culture that leaves me thinking, “Wow, this is a glimpse of paradise.” The islanders possess a true sense of pride for their traditions, beliefs and land.

Today was just another example of their generosity and desire for us to experience the Bali that they know and adore. While Lisa and I were still working in the lonely Asian Beach Games office, a director of the Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC) poked his head into our workplace and kindly said, “There is no work that will be done now. You will go and enjoy Bali.” Hey, who am I to argue with a superior?

Our hosts had arranged for us to stay at a private villa in Seminyak, which is about 45 minutes away from the Bali Hyatt. Lode (Lo-dee), one of the many young BABGOC employees, said she was going to lead the way to the villa on her scooter and invited me along for the ride. Most Bali locals zoom around on their scooters at breakneck speeds between cars and around corners every day, so I figured it would be a good time to live like a local and saddle up.

Saddle up

Lode laughed as I ducked and dodged side-view mirrors through traffic, hanging on tight as I feared the end was surely near. Naturally, our conversation drifted towards religion and Lode asked if there was a god that I believe in. I explained to her that I haven’t made a final verdict on any gods, but I believe that good energy fosters more good energy in a wonderful cycle. “Like karma?” Lode asked. “Exactly,” I responded as we arrived safely at our destination.

The villa was just another confirmation that we had stumbled upon a bit of paradise. It was complete with a private pool, open-air kitchen and lounge area, a huge four-poster bed, a private massage table, an amazing shower and bath, and not to mention – butler service. I enjoyed another Bali sunset that featured about 200 different shades of red, purple and orange while floating around in the pool, someone pinch me please.

Pool area

Open-air kitchen and lounge

Bathroom/Massage area

Bali sunset from the villa

For dinner, Lisa and I decided to eat at Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that received high accolades in my Lonely Planet travel book. It was everything the authors described, and more. We started the meal off right with a salad of rucula, pears, pinenuts, Italian pecorino cheese and honey – simply delicious. All of the pastas are made in-house, so it’s hard to go wrong with anything on the menu. A loud, energetic Italian man, that we assumed was the owner, barked orders around the restaurant and visited each table to make sure diners were enjoying their experience. At his recommendation, I ordered the fusilli pasta with bacon and radicchio in a cream sauce, all served in a crispy grana cheese bowl. Lisa and I finished our stellar meal with servings of tiramisu and crème brule, respectively. I never thought I would eat one of my all-time favorite Italian meals in Indonesia, and all for $20.

Isalata pecorino e pera

Delicious pasta

Dessert

We strolled back to the fairytale villa and I quickly fell into bed. Nothing fosters a good night sleep like a full stomach and a clear mind. I suppose this was the perfect quiet before the storm that is on the horizon.

With love,

Ben Z Samples

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