Life in a bubble!

Well, Im here to make bubbles, but find that Im living in one too!

I live in a little room in Sanur very close to the dive centre, so close, it takes just 2 and a half minutes to walk there, and my life these past 3 weeks, apart from travel to dive sites, is pretty much isolated to this small street – my “bubble”

If you have read my previous post, you will have seen my little apartment

My own little Balinese Garden

My little balcony

This is my new home for the 3 months I plan to stay in Bali!

It is on the first floor of a small complex which they call a “Homestay”, I have upgraded to a slightly larger room which has its own balcony, hot running water and a bath (unused in the 3 weeks Ive been here!), but more importantly, air con and even more importantly – it is within reach of the wonderful wifi in Indonesia, which although intermittent, is provided free of charge!

The sun rises above the trees opposite at 06:57, just at Earl Grey o’clock – so the owners of my homestay fixed this blind for me so I could sit outside with my cupa without being blinded!

I find that my walk from my homestay to the dive centre is taking longer and longer as I meet and get to know more of the locals along the small stretch of road that is my daily commute

Local ladies

Local tour guides

One of the family members who own my homestay

I find the Balinese to be such friendly people who respond well to you taking an interest in their lives.  If I try to speak their language, they seem delighted and only snigger a little at my mistakes, which are numerous.  There is a group of men who sit on the side of the road each morning who greet me and try to teach me a new word each day.  They spent the first 2 weeks trying to arrange transport for me, they now accept I can manage the 0.2 mile commute on foot!

I go out for a quiet meal alone, and end stting with a British woman, French woman and Indonesian man who decides to teach us Indonesian!

Part of my Balinese classes

The lady in the Deli next door – teaching her English each day – she likes to call me “Ibu Jill” (madam)

So, as you can see, Im having a terrible time living in a “Bubble in Bali!

My little street has more than 10 different restaurants,

A lovely Thai restaurant a stones throw from home!

Thai and Indonesian restaurant

Snack bar

A Pizzaria – with wood burning pizza oven

Vegetarian food, plus a visit to a chiropractor!

even a Japanese restaurant

2 spas,

My local Spa – only £3.50 for an hour long massage!

A much more upmarket Spa, as good as any you would get in the UK, with an hour long massage costing around £16

These gorgeous woman give fabulous massages. I love stopping by for a chat with them

a hairdressers,

A Hairdressers

3 hotels, 2 local shops,

My local shop!

2 tour guide shops, numerous clothes stores

A local clothes store

Not sure why I brought any clothes here with me from the UK!

A more upmarket clothes shop

a laundry service

I hope my laundry doesnt return in piecies!!

and a deli which would put most British Delicatessens to shame

The lady in the Deli next door – teaching her English each day – she likes to call me “Ibu Jill” (madam)

The shops are even cute when they are closed

I just loved this shop sign!

People find many ways to get around, you can catch a taxi which costs from 6000 Rp (30p) or a beamo, a little bus for 15p, or alternatively, hire a scooter, or ride your bike

an interesting way to steer a bicycle!

I couldnt do that if I tried!

or alternatively……just carry your bags on your head!

There is even a tattoo parlour in my bubble!

Im thinking of having a tattoo of a manta on my back……

Frangipani petals litter the pavement – they smell fantastic!

So, Im settling nicely into life in Bali, have brought some home comforts with me

I take my mug and Earl Grey everywhere I go!

and am rarely alone

One of my neighbours who pops up from time to time……

Girls night out!

One of the great things about doing a dive course is the fab people you meet along the way.  More about my dive training in my next blog……..watch out for it!

In the meantime……

Living in a bubble is exhausting….goodnight!