My experience so far in Bali has completely surpassed my expectations. Not only is it stunning, but I feel like time is on my side. Getting away from the quick paced American lifestyle, I'm slowing my roll and truly enjoying each passing moment. It's refreshing and relieving. When I first got here, I had this feeling that I needed to hurry up and enjoy it before my time is up. Then I realized, I'm gonna be here for a while. I'll be here tomorrow, the next day, and the next day and the ....
While Bali is nothing short from breathtaking, I have found myself at fault for only sharing the beautiful sights. Yes, it is absolutely stunning. But, it is also very poverty stricken.
Between the lush green fields, beautiful temples, hand carved statues of deities, and fresh produce falling off the trees and onto your plate.... There are people living in scanty shacks, sitting all day in the blazing heat, working out in the fields fighting off mosquitos, and begging tourists to purchase their goods or hop in their taxi so they can support their children, who are by their side, being taught the same method to make a living.
So absorbed with the delight of my new surroundings, I lost sight of my place here. I am a tourist enjoying this foreign country, that the Balinese people work so hard to maintain. Yes, the food is fresh and delicious, but I am reminded of the hard work that the locals put into their hands-on agriculture that make these amazing meals possible. Yes, there are beautiful temples and buildings that give us something to be awestruck at, but I am reminded of the days, weeks, months, and years of hands-on labor of the Balinese people, and their harsh working conditions. They are out in the blazing sun rotating crops, building impressive temples and homes, selling beautiful hand made crafts for pennies on the streets, and ensuring that tourists have everything they could possibly need.
Here's the twist- The people here are so hardworking, yet so kind and warmhearted. They are not bitter about their work and love to share what they do. A few bucks and you'll learn how to carve a wooden mask or prepare a traditional Balinese meal.
In America, it's more common that not, that people go home after a "hard days work" in their air conditioned office, feeling like they have an excuse to be lazy in front of the TV for the rest of the night, and often using work as an excuse for their poor attitudes and sunken spirits.
The people here are so happy and content with life despite their seeming discomfort. Devoted to their gods, offerings are placed at the countless hand carved statues, and incense are found up and down their city's bustling streets to ward off evil spirits.
I know I'm just catching a first glimpse of life here, as this is only my 4th day in Bali...but what's going on here is really something magical.
I hope everyone back home will take this as an opportunity to feel grateful for what they have, even if it's not your picture perfect vision for your life. Be happy you have clean water to drink, air to breathe, a shelter over your head, and people you love around you. More importantly, feel grateful for the endless opportunities we have in America. If you don't like your situation and it's bringing you down, you have the freedom to change it. Take that to heart.
Sending love from Bali,
Stacia
