Greetings from BALI #4
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CURRENT LOCATION: Ubud Bali, Indonesia
LOCAL TIME: 12h00
LOCAL TEMPERATURE: 27 degrees
CURRENTLY READING: The house guest - Amparo Dávila
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Hi there!
Today’s newsletter is the first of a new, very exciting chapter in my life. On the 23rd of June, I left Paris and flew to the other side of the world to embark on this Indonesian, or more precisely Sumbanese, journey. So how has my first week been?
Rediscovering Bali
Setting the mood for great sunsets in Bali
Before heading to Sumba, which is only an hour's flight from Bali, I'm spending a week in Bali. Like last year, I decided to head north and spend a few days diving in beautiful Pemuteran. It's one of the best places in Indonesia, if not the world, to dive and I can confirm that it really is a magical place. Bali has become very touristy, but the beaches of Pemuteran seem to have escaped that a little, at least for now, which means that apart from a few local restaurants, there's not much going on (which I prefer).
On our way to the dive site
Last year I did my PADI diving certification with Easy Divers and decided to go back to them. It was great to start my trip with some familiar faces and like last year, Jure and Ana made sure everything was set for two perfect days of diving.We went by boat to the local reefs first, and then did three dives around Menjangan Island on the second day. The last dive was remarkable because I was able to swim with a turtle (I wanted to shed some tears of joy, but it's not that easy underwater). It also gave me the opportunity to get over jet lag, read, switch off and slow down.
Meeting changemakers in Bali
The YOUTHOPIA headquarters and artwork from slippers found on the beach at Potato Head
A few months ago, I got in touch with Bye Bye Plastic Bags, a youth organisation founded by Melati and Isabel Wijsen that has pushed for a ban on plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam in Bali. BBPB is now part of Youthopia, a free platform for young people who want to make a difference to share, teach and learn from each other. I wanted to meet the team to see how we can work together to tackle the problem of plastic waste on the island. It was great to meet the team, see their sustainable headquarters (in the middle of rice fields) and learn more about their work. I'm sure we can build a meaningful collaboration while I am in Sumba!
One week after departure, taking the time to settle in
Beaches in Pemuteran
It's been a week since I left Paris, my family and friends. Although I'm used to moving and starting over in a new place, this time it felt different, or somehow more permanent. I know why I'm here and I also know that it's the right decision. However, that doesn't mean it's easy to leave Paris, my family and my friends behind. I really had three great years in the “capital of fashion” and met so many interesting and nice people who I have grown close to. So yes, I know that I'm the one who decided to leave, but that doesn't mean I'll miss you all (very, very much)! However, I told myself to live in the present moment. Not in nostalgic memories of the past or in some idealised vision of the future. I want to be where I'm, enjoy the moment and take every opportunity that comes my way.
Thinking of you all!
Hestie -x-
