SURPRISE (or not). Life plans have changed yet again. That didn’t take long, did it? I love how doors close, windows open, and my journey keeps moving me along. Let’s get you caught up on what’s happening now...
Finished school (hurray!) but not without the usual anxiety of what’s next? what am I doing? is this really a good idea? WHAT AM I THINKING?! After a few sleepless nights and a common sense conversation with a save-my-life friend (thanks Nixie!) a new yellow brick road emerged. I bid a fond farewell to more than half of my meager belongings and a city I was eager and ready to leave late on a Monday evening and arrived in The Island of the Gods, Blissful Bali (deep breath out...). A Hindu island nestled in the midst of an Islam world. The difference here is palpable, tangible, welcomed. *siiiiiigghhhhhh* Bali.
I am no longer doing my dive instructor course and am instead bumming around Bali and Lombok, diving a bit, meeting up with friends old and new, road tripping around on my little rented motorbike, and doing a little of whatever mood strikes me. So far, in five days, I’ve managed to do some of all of those things. Coolio joe. AND! Best part! I have a plan for the next few months. This non-committal, flighty, head not screwed on quite right, middle-aged wanderer is heading to where all lost souls head … India.
India has never really been on my travel map. I’ve heard mixed reviews, wasn’t sure if it was a country I was ready to travel on my own, and come on folks… the stories of thousands of people taking their morning dumps on the train tracks and rivers clogged with dead bodies… not sure I would have the stomach for it. But then there are the other stories, the GOOD stories, the stories that don’t minimize the harsh, in-your-face India experience but compliment it with tales of colour and kindness and incredible atmosphere. It has now become a must see. How well I cope will be my story to be told but I’m hoping that a bare life living in Africa and mosque-wailing inner city tolerance of Indonesia will aid me in my stumbling through. The one challenge I’m not sure I’m entirely up for however is: the cold. I’m going at a time when the snow and winter winds will be directly in my path, apparently often blocking my path. Maybe not the best plan for this Canadian escapee but I am determined to not let it deter me. Yeah, sure. I say this as I sit in balmy Bali, steps from the beach, summer all year round. Foolish, foolish girl. Come on Canuck roots, I don’t fail me now.
I’ll be in Bali until November 8 then will be leaving on a jet plane directed towards the spicy country, arriving in Bangalore in the dead of night. Maybe not the smartest decisions but meh, may as well jump in head first. I have a loose travel plan which essentially means I picked a few places on the map and will figure the rest of it out once I get there. I’m excited to be properly travelling again. It has been… well… 15 months of solid employment so it’s time for this littlest hobo to hit the road. India suggestions, recommendations, must see and dos, please forward them on; I’m all ears. And anyone looking for a winter getaway, come join me. I think it’s going to be one heck of a wild ride. Chat soon.
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