Hi everybody,
I’m writing to you with four more days left of my trip! Holy moly, how did that happen?
It’s hard to explain, I don’t want to come home… but at the same time, the closer I get, the more I’m ready. For most of the trip, you don’t think about home as much, but now I just want a hug from my mom! And also my brother, who recently turned 22, by the way! Whooooohoooooo.
The past few days have been full of beach time and reading. I already had to return to the bookstore again… “not in the budget, Mahala, not in the budget” (my internal thoughts).
I also took myself on a date to watch the sunset and listen to my favorite music on the beach. I’m excited to share this moment with whoever wants to join me someday!
Highly recommend watching the next video with sound!
Yesterday, I took a motorcycle taxi up to Ubud, about 25 km (15.53 miles for those imperial system users) away from where I’m posted.
I went to a cafe recommended by Loni and got the most beautiful art-of-work smoothie bowl I’ve ever seen.
To get around the town, you have to walk on a road through the monkey forest. I don’t trust them… in fact, I feel like I’m in a sass off with them while they sit on their perch and stare you down. They are known to take people’s phones. There is even a story where one took someone’s sunglasses , made direct eye contact, and broke them in half. I’m not too fond of it.
On a spur-of-the-moment decision, I did an “ancient sound healing” session at the Pyramids of Chi.
Don’t worry… if you’re wondering what this is, I was too. Basically, you’re guided into a huge pyramid-shaped building with a ton of comfy cots that circle many different instruments. Think giant ancient gong, chimes, wooden flutes, and a didgeridoo. There are stacks of fuzzy blankets, and they give you a heavy eye mask. Then, you lay in a cozy bundle on the ground and listen to sounds in the dark. I really liked it. I didn’t fall asleep, but I was very relaxed by the end.
I’m not very spiritual, so it was a change from my everyday life. What is life without new and unique experiences? Also, I would totally do it again.
I was going to hang out in Ubud today, but let’s just say I didn’t sleep well due to A. My brain B. Someone turning the light on at 12 a.m. for 45 minutes C. Snoring D. Two girls waking up at 2 a.m. to leave and having a full-out-loud conversation. Can you tell how ready I am to have my own room?
All I wanted this morning (at 5:45 a.m) was to come back to my hotel and chill. I almost fell asleep on the motorcycle back to town 😴
Today, I went to the beach again—I bet you’re all super surprised! I also went for a very long walk. Simple life = content life.
I ended the day at a cute lil Mexican restaurant near my hotel. I got to take in the rice fields during the sunset.
One more full day in Bali!!!!!! I’m trying to spend as much time near the ocean as possible. As much as I’m excited to move to Denver, there is something so soothing about the ocean’s proximity. Who knows when I will have the beach again 🥲
Ooohh, I almost forgot… I have a fun story about a special Balinese coffee I tried. Okay, bear with me. The coffee beans are eaten and excreted by the Asian Palm Civet… a weird mongoose-like creature. The beans undergo a unique fermentation process in the civet’s digestion system. Obviously, they are then put through many cleaning cycles. Raise your hand if that’s a new fact in your back pocket! You’re welcome.
If anyone wants a small packet, let me know 😊 I’d be more than happy to refine your coffee palate.
Wow, that post was way longer than I expected, so thank you if you made it to the end.
I’m signing off to snuggle up under the covers and read.
Your very tired girly,
Mahala
Ps. One more thing to enrage my Montana pals. This is a bar I stumbled upon today. We’ve made it to Bali… the bar was blasting country music and had a mechanical bull. lolz.
Mahala Goes Abroad 
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