Made it!

MAde it to Bali! I can't believe it still. It seems so surreal. As I write this I am laughing because the blogspot information is in Indonesian and I am just hoping I selecting the right buttons. That has been the theme of today: selecting the right "whatever". Literally, it has been fun just trying the find our way around. The language barrier is bigger than I thought. But now that I have my hands on a phrasebook, look out!

This next phase of my journey began when I arrived in Denpasar after about 36 hrs of travel. The transition from the airport was smooth due to the Green School (GS) support. But I was amazed that the ride to our bamboo village took almost two hours! Found my little bungalow and began unpacking. People have been extremely kind and helpful. Chad arrived a few hours later. We went to Ubud for a late dinner and were amazed at the noises, scooters and the people. It is the high season for tourists. Found myself tired, a bit overwhelmed, homesick (knowing it would be a long time) and really excited all at the same time.

Woke up to the sounds of the jungle, neighbors, and my own thoughts. Right now, it really isn't that hot, just slightly humid and warm. So was actually a bit chilly last night. And I left every stinking warm piece of clothing at home. Silly me. Who knew I might actually want a fleece? Chad and I had a great morning walking to campus, meeting folks, and eventually finding out way to the rental car and thankfully a driver. The traffic really is super busy, to say the least. And even though Bali isn't as chaotic and crazy as Kathmandu, the driving will be scary when I start trying out a scooter. But we spent most of the day buying cell phones, and shopping to stock up our kitchens with food, cooking utensils, etc. I just had a piece of toast in my new toaster, with jam and peanut butter, of all things. But a few setbacks remind me to be patient, and know that if I can't find it I don't really need it.

I would say that my bungalow is about 700 sq feet, with a small kitchen, a table, seating nook, bathroom (complete with a cool outdoor shower and compost toilets) and an upstairs bedroom. I am watching a few books and papers curl at the edges due to the humidity but it's all good. It is quaint and cozy. And when I want space to hang out in, I'll wander to Chad & Sarah's which is one bungalow over and a bit more spacious at three bedrooms. I asked for a desk today, hoping that might help with my school work. Other than that, I wish I could find my ipod or find a cord for my speakers to connect to my computer (which I can't charge at the moment) so I can have a little music.

I signed up for this adventure, and am glad I did. There will be some frustrations, like any other day. But as a fellow GS teacher said today, everyone who moves to Bali is adventurous, unusual, out of the norm, for some reason or another. So I will continue to be grateful, appreciative and patient. And open to this new chapter. I miss everyone though! I still feel like this is a vacation, not a move. I have never lived outside of my home state. And so why not move across the world for the first time? :)