Arriving in Bali
The last hours at home were very emotional for me. Saying goodbye was intense, filled with knots in my throat and many “Take good care of yourself” hugs that lasted longer than usual. A goodbye to my family, friends, everything familiar, and all the things I have grown to love. But at the same time, there was this feeling of freedom and new beginnings inside me that kept growing stronger. A good friend gave me a beautiful image to describe it: She said that all the burdens and negativity are like a huge weight hanging beneath a hot air balloon. No matter how much gas you give it, you can only truly rise once you cut the weight away. And that is exactly what I did – and I still can hardly believe it.
For a few days now, I have been on the enchanting island of Bali. At first, I was quite overwhelmed, especially after the long flight. The arrival process was unexpectedly uncomplicated and easy, but unfortunately there was no new stamp in my passport, as everything was done digitally. As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I was hit by a wall of heat and humidity, and I immediately started sweating, with what felt like streams of sweat running down my entire body. Luckily, I was able to block out the noise, the chaos, and all the taxi offers, almost in a tired trance, and I found my friendly driver right away. And oh my God, was I grateful for this driver. He was incredibly kind and so experienced in navigating the chaotic traffic. Driving on the left side, scooters everywhere, and basically no real rules – everyone drives wherever and however they want. But after two stops, one for food and one to exchange money, he got me safely to my accommodation.
At my accommodation, the first thing I had to do was climb, because for the first few days I rented a treehouse in the middle of lush greenery with an open-air bathroom. The bathroom basically has no walls, just a few small ones for privacy. So I got to share my very first shower with a frog, and shortly afterwards a long black snake slithered through the open bathroom and disappeared straight back into the jungle. There was also a scorpion to admire. But the treehouse is simply amazing! I am surrounded by palm trees and all kinds of lush green plants. Butterflies are flying everywhere, and I feel like I am in the butterfly house on Mainau Island, the flower island. What I did not expect, however, is that nature here is LOUD. Really loud. At night it sounds as if the entire jungle is throwing a techno party. A mix of crickets, frogs, geckos, and unknown animal sounds. During the day, it can rain incredibly heavily and intensely. Like a shower turned up to full power. And that is exactly what the rain feels like too – lukewarm and cleansing. I love simply sitting there and listening either to the animal concert or the downpour. And while listening, I notice how I become calmer.
I am also slowly getting used to the money here. The many zeros and the awkward conversions do not make it particularly easy. But little by little, I am getting a feeling for how prices work here and how much things should cost, without falling into tourist traps. I am also slowly adapting to the heat, although the humidity is quite sweaty and exhausting. So far, the sun has mostly stayed hidden behind clouds, which my fair skin is very grateful for, as otherwise I would probably turn bright red immediately. Everywhere I go, people smile. Not a forced smile, but a genuine, warm, and heartfelt one. This smile is truly contagious, and I cannot help but smile back. Little by little, I am arriving – not only physically, but also emotionally. It feels as if my whole system first had to take a deep breath. And slowly it is really sinking in: Okay, Alissa, you are actually here. Surrounded by lush greenery, the scent of incense sticks, the buzzing of scooters, and this warm air that feels like a heartfelt embrace.
Slowing Down – Tropical Style
What surprises me most here is the way I am slowing down without even trying. Here, in the warm rain, between coconut palms and smiles, I notice how every day takes away a little bit of what used to feel so heavy and leaves behind curiosity, joy, and trust instead. What surprises me the most: Suddenly, I can simply do nothing. Me, who normally can never sit still and is always called a “Duracell bunny.” Here, I just sit around. I read. I listen to the rain. I listen to music. I simply lie there and breathe. I am picking up my yoga routine again, which I had neglected for months. I allow myself things that I usually always deny myself, and it feels right. And I actually enjoy allowing myself these things. And when the familiar patterns start creeping back in, I recognize them and manage not to constantly judge myself for being lazy.
Yoga Teacher Training – Anticipation and Butterflies
In a few days, my yoga teacher training begins. I am incredibly excited, and at the same time I can feel this subtle panic rising inside me. The training will definitely be challenging and demanding for me. I will probably do several hundred sun salutations. I will learn a lot about yoga philosophy, the human body, and about myself. I am truly very curious about everything that awaits me. I am also curious to see how I will experience Ubud on my second visit. I still remember that in 2017, the charm of the city did not really reach me at all, and I felt completely out of place in the spiritual yoga world there, surrounded by all the digital nomads and yogis. However, I do remember one very good thing about Ubud – an ice cream shop. I hope it still exists and that I will find it again.
Now I raise a glass to myself and to a beautiful, transformative journey.
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