Arrival

This is my fifth trip to Bali, but my first time arriving on a domestic flight at night. And I’ve never arrived after an hour and a half boat ride, and two flights, both within Indonesia.

Having been up since 4 AM, by the time I retrieve my baggage and meet my driver at 10 PM, everything is a blur: the hundreds of scooters—and their incessant honking, and all the billboards in English and Indonesian on the way out of the airport.

I no longer have beginner’s mind; I am returning to a place I love.

However, in huge cursive letters above the toll booths exiting the airport is a giant sign I’ve never seen or noticed before. In English, it says, “Let’s wander where the wifi is weak.”

Ten minutes after passing the airport gates, we pass a car carrying other tourists marked, “Taksi” and a big green and white Starbucks logo. I’m glad we will quickly drive out of the most touristy part of Bali.

Mostly, I am drowsy. But I do make one passing observation before I nod out. Could it be that ALL the scooter drivers I see are now wearing helmets? That certainly wasn’t the case when I was last here teo years ago.

And that’s when that wonderful traveler’s curiosity kicks in. “Why are they wearing helmets now? Was there a new law passed? A crackdown on the existing law? A massive public education campaign?”

And I’m immediately reminded of one of favorite things about traveling: that wonderful sense of discovery.

More to be discovered tomorrow!

3 thoughts on “Arrival”

  1. I love this Bali update. Looking forward to following this next wave of experiences with you. Thank you! Debra

  2. irene sardanis

    Ah, Laura,
    It’s always a vicarious pleasure to read about your writing and travel.

  3. toni harrington

    Ahhh Laura… I just arrived yesterday and completely numbed out from traveling here, solo, making discoveries every bit of the way. Looking forward to seeing you soon as the Writer’s Journey begins!

Comments are closed.

Scroll to Top