Damsel in distress.......

I survived the last 2 weeks travelling by myself!!!!! Woohoo (although in Bali, you are never alone and I've been lucky to meet some great people )

I'm not going to lie- it was a struggle at times- the scariest moments being when I had to cross the road ALL BY MYSELF.......and let me tell you, it is not for the faint hearted!! If I had known the dangers involved, I would have tipped kris and panji a lot more for guarding my life! In the end though, I mastered it....... So for all you first- time pedestrians in Asia here's the trick......... Just close your eyes, take a deep breath and RUN FOR IT!! apparently in Asia the cars magically just screech to a halt:) (you might also want to pray a little too) ......... Such an adrenaline rush!

Of course after overcoming death defying stunts like that, I felt pretty invincible so thought I'd give the little things a try such as surfing! It was not smooth sailing but I guess I should have anticipated that considering the fact that ....
1. I'm not a strong swimmer (when in panic, become a starfish is my drowning survival tip)
2. I have serious balancing issues (ON GROUND. SOBER.)

So yeah took me a great +20 attempts before I actually surfed my first wave and by the end of the hour I was able to balance on the (pink) surfboard for JUST over 4 minutes!! A massive thanks goes to my instructor for the patience AND the determination, although I think he found it massively entertaining.

Of course my luck had to run out at some point and sadly I injured my ankle while surfing and was confined to bed rest for the next 2 days...... The first day I threw myself a pity party- downloaded season 1 of revenge, chocolate and popcorn ( I loved the fact that out of the 2 weeks I have been in Bali, this was the day it rained heavily - as the hotel staff said correctly- 'Bali in mourning for you' .........)
The second day the lovely staff at the hotel arranged to take me to the rooftop pool so I could nurse my swollen ankle in the sun with a cocktail and more episodes of Revenge (I am seriously hooked)
Although not ideal, was good to have a couple of days doing absolutely nothing after months of non stop travel.

Of course, the above just proved the point all my fellow travellers have made about me........apparently I come across as a damsel in distress and everyone just wants to help me and lighten my load- so while everyone else was struggling in the heat with their back packs, I just glided on through with someone always offering to WHEEL my suitcase around......... I found it quite annoying at first because I CAN look after myself but after a while it was just 'ah - go on then' I'm quite comfortable with that title now

Have seen more amazing temples and was lucky enough to help locals prepare the offerings containing flowers, candles and seeds ........ Each and every shop, temple, cab, public transports, hotels and even beaches begin their day by placing the offerings at the door and then putting them in the river at night...... Such an amazing and respectful ritual.....

And now the journey in Asia ends ....... Tomorrow- Perth!!!!! And who knows what that has instore xx