travel stories: bali

Two weeks is never long enough to explore a place like this. After visiting in 2019, we hoped it would only be a few months before we were back here exploring new parts of the island. Hopefully, we’ll be able to go back and visit our favourite local warungs and artisan markets before long. You can spend hours watching the people of Bali weave decorations and bags at their marketing stall or carve wood into bowls and spoons.

Just a few steps from the beach, verdant hues fill the abstract shapes of the rice paddies, with plumes of smoke from the farmer’s fires at the end of the day, collecting around the palm trees. The drone had to warn us a few times as it quickly became engulfed by a cloud of smoke and called for an emergency landing!

Pastel pink skies greet the early morning surfers. So thankful for this effect of jetlag during the first few days in this incredible place. In the early hours, you can watch the stars slowly fade while the glow of the sun takes over, bringing with it vibrant colours carried across the sky by streams of cloud.

While wandering around, daily offerings of fresh flowers are laid in small baskets intricately woven from palm leaves. You’ll see them perched on steps, upon statues or lining pavements at the entrance of a house. You need to have one eye on the floor at all times, just in case! Everywhere you go soft wisps of fragrant incense trail through the air. Even in the middle of a forest near a waterfall, there is that familiar and welcoming smell. There always seems to be a gentle haze in Bali.

This trip inspired us to make ceramic holders for burning incense sticks. It became one of those small daily rituals during the first lockdown when we had those humid, hazy mornings. A small way of taking a moment to refocus, stay positive and remember good things when the world felt so upside down! It also inspired the name of our puppy - Barley - who came to us in April 2021. She is seven months old now and loves nothing more than running through the open fields of the Vale of Belvoir. However, it is a shame that we won't get to experience this island with her.

Hope to see you soon Bali!