Rice fields of Bali

Forever I've dreamed of Bali... imaging it one of the most beautiful, romantic, magical places on earth.

Started in Kuta Beach, where there was less beauty & magic & more surfing & parties. Very, well... So Cal. Nice little nostalgic dose of home. Had my first Krispy Kreme outside an office... which was a high, realizing I no longer had an office!

Then headed to Ubud, an idyllic artesian community. Saw a play, a dance performance, took a jewelry making class & wandered thru gardens, rice fields & Hindu temples. Splurged & bought bottles of wine & ate amazing food. Absolutely perfect... like a vacation from my... dare I say 'vacation'?!

There I met back up with the American I'd met in Sulawesi. He'd circled Bali before & was back to hit the highlights. One of the best travel partners ever... fascinating, fun with a similar travel style.

scolding a greedy monkey

Then drove along the coast to our actual destination, a non-descript little village in the mountains overlooking the most beautiful rice fields. We spent 2 days there doing not much more than walking thru the lush, green rice fields, drinking with locals & relaxing.

It's been a few days since I left Bali & I've been struggling how to write about it. Words just can't capture the beauty or magic of the place! The whole experience was... just.... perfect... absolutely perfect...