An (un)familiar visit.

Familiarity is comforting.

While venturing into the unknown can offer us that sense of adventure, which we all so often seek and the awe at discovering something new, going back to that familiar, untouched and unadulterated environment provides us a retreat we sometimes need.

If you have followed my blog religiously – and to those who have, I extend my heartfelt gratitude, you must already be familiar with my love for change; new cultures, new friends, new knowledge. Nevertheless, it has also been comforting to know that as I age everyday that some things will stand the test of time.

Looking back, the past 2 decades of my life have been marked by different phases. Malaysia – Singapore and now, Germany. I am someone who dwells a lot on the past , not in it. So, I don’t end up getting stuck in it. Still, it’s always nice to visit that acquainted street, restaurant, café. I guess the beauty in re-visiting these cherished places is the thought that it’s still stayed the same. It’s almost as if there’s a part of you, which remains timeless in these memories and you get to relive them every time you visit these places.

But sometimes, buildings are demolished and made for new way for new ones. Restaurants close down and vendors move out. Then, much of the entire environment appears to be new and you get to make new memories, all over again.

Bali, was such the case. The island has gotten more commercial. Beaches with littered trash is no more an eyesore, merely a common sight. Hotels and villas springing up almost everywhere. Good thing she’s still got her charm. The locals are so nice and warm-hearted, they put Germans to shame.  My 5 days on the island was pretty much one of the few opportunities to practice my Bahasa Melayu, which I did with a sprinkle of German words. Very embarrassing, considering I studied it for 12 years in school. Apart from shopping, I went on a day trip to Ubud, visited Kintamani Volcano (which I also did, 13 years ago), got a massage and spent a day at the beach. To my dismay, the weather was wet and rainy with no glorious sunsets.

Still, I got a couple of nice shots. Enjoy!

Balinese Coffee.

I had to throw my Espradillos away after this!

I fancy, I look the part quite well.

The clingy crab I saved!

I tried, but the Indian Ocean didn't part.