Balinese Massage, Babi Meal and Books Haul in Bali

Bali Diary Day 8:

I have officially spent a week immersing myself in Bali’s culture and am starting my two weeks in Canggu today.

I’m curious whether this cultural experience has changed me or if it is too soon to ponder such a thing. It’s the year’s end, nudging me to reflect, or it could be Bali. I don’t know. The word that comes to mind is mindfulness – am I more mindful?

Well, I am meditating more and for longer durations, and I express more gratitude. The latter has been pretty easy, given the daily warm weather and the spice-rich Balinese feasts. It’s weird, but I thrive in humid weather. I am a tropical plant version of a human.

I also think it’s easier to embrace a vegan lifestyle in Bali, especially in Canggu.

Earlier today, we visited a place we highly recommend, Milk and Madu Cafe, in Canggu. It was so whitewashed that nothing about it reminded us that we were actually in Bali, not even the menu, except for Pie Susu (milk pie). I had corn fritters, and they were tasteless. Fafa had an Acai Bowl.

When I asked for cut chilli, they said they had none. Hello, is this Bali? Instead, they offered me Indo-brand chilli sauce – I guess it’s not ketchup, at least…

Overall, the service was impeccable, but it was not a reason to return for food that seemed like it was made in any random Melbourne cafe.

Thankfully, the day picked up from there.

We went to Canggu Periplus, where I got another Balinese-themed book. Then we decided to chill in Airbnb and order lunch. We had Ayam Tulang Lunak Warung Rahayu (soft-boned grilled chicken). 100% recommend.

In the evening, we went to a pottery class, followed by a Balinese massage at Lotus Echo and dinner at Babi Guling Men Lari. The food was okay; I wouldn’t say I liked it, but Fafa did. So maybe it’s more of personal preference, or maybe I couldn’t lower my standard after tasting Babi Guling Pak Egi in Ubud.

It’s almost the middle of the night now. Time to slumber, accompanied by an annoying Gecko sound.

Selamat Malam, everyone!

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