Cocktails with new friends at sunset

There must be something in the air and water in Candidasa that allows friendships to be kindled quickly. It's only my fourth day at the resort and I know the names of almost all the staff and visitors staying at the resort. It doesn't matter if you're sitting in the pool, bar or dining area, within minutes, you'll find yourselves joking and laughing with everyone there - it's very special.

We wandered out for Happy Hour this evening to enjoy the sunset (and a few cocktails) and ended up having a nice long chinwag with our new friends. They were:-

• Joanna & Li Ki from Singapore
• Carolyn & Larry Bentley from Florida, USA
• Bryan & Marie Harrison from South Australia
• Neil & Marlene Challis from Geelong, Australia
• Tony & Fiona Newstead from Brisbane, Australia
• Vicky Spencer from Canberra, Australia
• Rod & Sharon Wallis from Hobart, Australia
  

You would probably have guessed by now that looking for an Australian in Bali is like looking for a needle in a haystack...NOT! :-P

Snorkelling at sunrise

The alarm clock rang at 5:30am and by the time we walked out to the hotel jetty at 6am, the boatman was waiting beside his jukong. The jukong is a narrow deep-hulled boat with two wooden floaters attached to the sides, giving it the look of a floating spider. We soon set off for a morning of fishing and snorkelling.

It was a beautiful misty morning and the sea was calm as a pond. The sun rose from the horizon and painted the skies bright hues of orange and gold - it was a sight to behold. We sat quietly in the boat enjoying God's handiwork as I hummed a hymn or two. There were other fishing boats out and about and the boatmen started trading tips on where the fish were biting.

After a 30 minute boatride, we arrived at Blue Lagoon for our snorkelling session. And that's where my embarrasment began. Plunging into the cold water, I couldn't quite control my floating devices and ended up flip-flopping all over the place. Instead of being face down, I kept flipping on my back - much to the amusement of my companions. It was such a funny sight that I couldn't help laughing myself.

Eventually, Li Ki managed to get a hold of me and showed me how to snorkel. When I bravely let go of the boat, a new world opened up to me. The corals were all manner of shapes, sizes and colours while the colourful fish were all within arm's reach..amazing! Despite swallowing sea water because of the loose snorkelling gear, I enjoyed paddling around the lagoon. By the way, did you know that plankton stings?

When I surfaced and made my way back to the boat, that's when I noticed queasiness starting at the bottom of my stomach. It was all downhill from there. Throughout our next round of activities, which was fishing, I was struggling with sea-sickness and nausea. Needless to say, I ended up feeding the fish instead of catching them..eeuuuww!

By the end of the morning, Li Ki and Wayan still managed to catch 3 jacket fish and we're both looking forward to a dinner of fried fish with sambal and rice tonight.

Slice of Paradise

I spent this morning exploring the stepped paddy fields and royal gardens of Bali on a motorbike. Before you start conjuring up images of me in a leather jacket riding a Harley Davidson, let me set your mind at rest. I was riding pillion on a kapcai (Honda Cub) with a brave little Balinese man named Wayan. Humble transportation aside, let me assure you that the views were stunning. There was a slice of paradise along every turn as we made our way up the hilly slopes from Candidasa to Amlapura.

I wish we could have taken photos of the green paddy fields and majestic Mt Agung set against a bright blue sky with the azure sea in the distance. But there was just no stopping that determined kapcai. I could almost hear its little engine chanting "I think I can - I think I can - I think I can" as it chugged its way up to the Tirtagangga Gardens.

The water gardens have been part of the Karangasem royal estate for the last century. Set on a plateau surrounded by hills and paddy fields, it is a sight to behold. The entrance, as pictured above, is breathtakingly beautiful. Unlike other royal spaces, this gem of a garden has been open to the local Balinese people since its inception. This is also the site of the holy water springs that provides irrigation for the surrounding farmlands.

Joanna with Li Ki (in pink hat) and Wayan (my brave motorbike guide)

Li Ki and Ayu posing prettily at the water ponds of Tirtagangga

Li Ki and I were blessed to have the company of two wonderful friends, Ayu and Wayan, who proudly showed us round their hometown. Their gentle demeanours and big beautiful smiles reflect a friendship that is heart-warmingly genuine. They were generous with their knowledge and openly shared stories of their lives, loves and dreams. Wayan summed up his philosophy of life for me with these few words " In Bali, there's no stress. What we have, we enjoy as a gift from God".

Wise words which will accompany me over the next few months...

Bali..at last

After a busy month of packing, moving and sorting out finances, I have finally begun my holiday. Over the next few months, I will be taking a mid-career break and writing a series entitled "Glass Half Full". For the last 15 years, I've often defined myself by what I do professionally. Over the next few months, I hope to enrich that definition by discovering new facets of Joanna Yeoh. I'm really looking forward to the adventure and you're welcome to join me. We begin on the island of Bali...

The charming village of Candidasa is on the eastern coastline of Bali. It's far away from the bustling commercialisation of Kuta and one is greeted by these sea vistas every morning. You can literally walk from your chalet, pass the al fresco dining huts and step into a boat waiting to whisk you away for a day of fishing and snorkelling. Yesterday, I was baptised by sea water as the waves splashed against the retaining walls and sent a salty spray all over me as I was taking in my first sea views. I feel so blessed..

My friend Li Ki and I are staying at a 20-room property that is full of friendly staff. The moment we arrived, we were greeted with a loud "Hello...welcome HOME!". Actually they are more like friends rather than staff. I think I'm gonna like it here so stay tuned.