Bali.

I've seen so many pictures of Bali and heard so many stories about it, I was so excited to finally visit the island.

We stayed at the fashionable, upscale village of Seminyak, a 20-minute taxi-ride to the famous Kuta Bali. Seminyak, in contrast to the crowded Kuta, is quiet and absolutely charming.

Shadie booked us a villa at the Mutiara Boutique Resort and Villas and we loved that each villa has its own pool because I personally didn't like the brown-sand, big-wave beaches of Bali. Understandably so, because I come from a country with beautiful white sand beaches.

I learned that people actually do not go to Bali for the beach but for Bali's art and culture (although some people go there to surf).

My friends and I adored Seminyak for its charm, but we also didn't miss Kuta and went there to shop a little, check out restos, eat gelato, get balinese massages, and visit ground zero.

Sharing some photos of Bali.

Welcome drinks at Mutiara. I highly recommend this hotel. The service is wonderful.


Our Villa. I wish I brought my wide angle lens.


What's more awesome than having the moon and the stars watch you while taking a bath?
Love the outdoor baths of both floors in our villa.


A quick pose before exploring Kuta.


Kuta: busy, touristy, terrible traffic... but alive and awesome.


Had dinner here. The food was great.


Lazumba serves sate on your table like this. Yum.


Rissa and I. Laughter, food, friendship, photographs.


I was with shoppers. What do you expect? Shopping after dinner.
And this is not the end of the shopping spree. LOL


Looking.


The beach near our hotel.


A ceremony for children was being held when we arrived.


I think this ceremony is called Odalan (6 months), hope I'm right.


Parents and children all dressed up for the ceremony.


Their birthdays are celebrated ritually every six months.


Offering food and flowers.


Horseback riding.


Horses and tourists.


Big waves. That's why many love to surf here.


So many tourist desks like this in the island.


Every detail is well thought out, even door handles.


Even their manhole covers are pretty.

More photos of Bali soon.