UBUD - Rachel En Route

Opinion is really the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no accountability, no understanding. The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world. It requires profound purpose larger than the self kind of understanding. – Bill Bullard

Prior to this trip, I had considered myself ‘well-travelled’. And to be fair, in comparison to the other 24 year olds I knew, I was ‘well-travelled’. But ‘well-travelled’ took on a new meaning once I spent two weeks in Bali and the Gili Islands, and I realized how mistaken I’d been in that assumption.

First of all, we were millionaires in Bali. Literally. We were overwhelmingly wealthy in comparison to the majority of the locals. The locals will approach you in the attempt to provide you with their service, interest you in their product, or sell you whatever illegal drug you want. It can, and did, get extremely irritating. But then you understand this is how they make their living. They walk along the beach for hours, sit in the sweltering heat, and try to provide for their families. Eric made a great effort in getting to know the local people of Bali. He would kindly decline whatever product they were trying to sell, then offer for them to have a beer with us and listen to them talk about their families and life on the island.

It was such a learning experience. Most of the people we met had never left Bali. Some had never travelled farther than a 15 mile radius of the town in which they were born. It’s too expensive.

But they were happy.

I don’t recall a single complaint. They were happy to be alive and healthy. They had the necessities to provide a life {though restricted} for themselves and their loved ones. And that was enough.

Another discovery I stumbled upon in Bali was the police corruption. Eric enlightened me with stories he had heard of the corruption that takes place and one of our drivers solidified it. The police will pull over tourists on motor bikes and convince them that they are speeding or breaking a law. The tourist will then be forced to pay a fine to the police officer. Although not large, the fee is absolutely unjust. But not paying will result in a possible visit to the local jail, and no one wants to find themselves in that miserable circumstance.

This is only a minor example of the corruption that takes place, but it’s worth being aware of.

The cultural differences between Bali and all of the Western countries I have visited, were extreme. I found it fascinating. Incense were burning on every ledge, temple, and street we passed. At one point we witnessed a woman picking up incense she had been burning in the middle of the road. For those who are sensitive to those scents, it may be uncomfortable, but I personally enjoy it.

Religion plays are large role in the Balinese culture. I am not very religious myself, but always have respect for those who practice.

The rules on the road are as follows: there are no rules. The ratio is higher in motor bikes than cars in Bali, but I would never recommend for a tourist to hire one for the day. It might be the last day you get to enjoy here on earth. As a local, you understand and adapt to your surroundings. I was shocked at the fluidity of the vehicles on the road, even though at first glance it looks like pure chaos. It is their way of driving. They are used to it and it works for them. Another instance where I realized that “your way” might not always be the “right way”. If it works, it works.

Overall, I was pleased that I was able to open my eyes and experience a different way of life on this trip. It is just another way in which travel has helped me grow as a human being and be grateful for the privileges I have been granted in my life. I try not to take for granted the upbringing I was given and remember that my way of life is unheard of for many people in the world.

I also now understand that my way of life is not always considered “normal” around the world. Westernized countries are very similar to each other, but not necessarily to the rest of the world. It’s hard to detach yourself from your current lifestyle and truly imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. Living in the America, it can sometimes feel as though someone created a bubble around the 50 states. Everything outside of the bubble is incredibly distant, regardless of proximity to the actual borders. The world itself keeps spinning, but it can feel small if you refuse to break through the barriers {or bubble} and discover it.

My world has become gigantic. And in such a short time.

^ cocktails and bunny tails?

^ unusual friends to join us for a drink at a local bar

When Eric and I arrived at Sapulidi Resort in Ubud, we were blown away by its beauty. The villa we claimed for the week was placed in the middle of rice fields and our views were stunning each morning.