The hardest part is always the farewell….
I left home back on the 19th of march enthusiastically knowing that I’d have some great adventures out there and I was given the adventure I was asking for. I wrote some snippets here and there on my hive blog that was always a couple of hours after I experienced it. Today, I am looking back and wanting to recap all of it, so I could close this chapter of my life and move on to a new one.
In this month and a half long adventure, so many great things have opened my eyes. Some things were my first but the others weren’t. I could not believe that time flies and now, I am already planning another nomading day while restocking my supplies. Not to mention, I was forced to halt my nomad days because my biological dad was in a critical health situation. But, I will be resuming because I have seen him and it’s time for me to start moving on with life.
Lombok island, Indonesia
My adventure doesn’t start with a good note. In fact, my cousin and I got scammed the first time we arrived at Lombok.
@macchiata/uneventful-day-we-got-scammed
Then, I wrote in a more detailed list of what happened to me in Lombok. Looking back, this was the most expensive trip I did. The accommodation sucked, we paid so much for camping without having access to an all day toilet. So, it was an adventure, through and through. However, we got so lucky that the view was outstanding enough to make us forget all the unfortunate events that happened to us.
@macchiata/take-off-a-lombok-adventure
The trip was so exhausting that I could not manage to explore the island thoroughly. I was already dejected, disappointed due to the scam. But surely, someone out there could have had it worse than myself.
@macchiata/kuta-mandalika-lombok
Then, the race day commenced! It was so amazing that I can't help but to look back that I was finally able to afford watching motogp. The experience was one of a kind even though it was hot as hell and we had to walk a lot.
@macchiata/from-the-circuit-moto-gp-mandalika-free-practice
And here I wrote detailed note on what to expect when watching motogp in indonesia
@macchiata/international-circuit-mandalika-what-to-expect-when-watching-moto-gp-in-indonesia
Before leaving the place, we also got to check out a place called Mandalika beach. We lived nearby and we got a very nice view of the rainbow.
@macchiata/tarmac-lombok-adventure-kuta-mandalika
Then, the next day, we had to say goodbye to the island and its people. Our experience progressively went nicer but as always, that was when we had to say goodbye.
Ray got back to the hometown and I boarded a plane to Bali where I will be nomading for another month and possibly a couple of months but because of family reason, I had to halt it.
Bali island, Indonesia
I couldn't think well when I reached Bali. I was excited at the same time because of all the things happening in Lombok. For the first few days, I could only stay inside my room and did not want to go anywhere. But then, I met up with hivers a first few days after my arrival.
@macchiata/the-aftermath-of-walking-16-km-in-a-day
Then, I started exploring places by visiting restaurants. To be fair, I don't even know what I'd do in Bali other than it's gonna be the same,I still have the same life, anywhere in the world. As in the post below, I already mentioned the possibility of moving to the island for a longer term.
As days progressed, I noticed that living in Bali makes me more creative. Writing was so much easier and I always find something to write about and even ponder about. As I think Bali is a melting pot of different cultures from all over the world, you can see many interesting social dynamics and phenomena on the island. There are some examples such as these ones;
@macchiata/your-balanced-lifestyle
@macchiata/language-and-communication-style
@macchiata/healing-healing-self-healing
@macchiata/reflections-on-productivity-and-going-out-of-my-comfort-zone
Not only that, I didn't miss the chance to also visit some places in Bali. But during this visit, I didn't really visit too many places. Only these places that are nearby. But I'd wish to visit more when I get back there next time.
@macchiata/pantai-batu-mejan-amazing-surf-side-beach-bars
@macchiata/sunset-spot-viewing-echo-beach
@macchiata/how-to-spend-a-day-in-pererenan-beach-splendid-view-of-indian-ocean
@macchiata/what-to-see-in-mengwi-17th-century-taman-ayun-temple
@macchiata/witnessing-dying-tourism-sector-in-tanah-lot
As I also mentioned, Bali has that magic to transform someone into a foodie. These aren't all the cafes I visited but after visiting a lot of them, I even wrote about the foodie scene of the place.
@macchiata/a-coffee-shop-bizzare-moment
@macchiata/canggu-scrumptious-food-scene
@macchiata/a-beer-saturday-experience-at-the-barn-gastropub
@macchiata/appetizing-italian-fine-dining-restaurant-via-emilia
@macchiata/a-little-farewell-at-kajan-eatery
And after a month living there, I wrote a detailed guide on how much spending needed to live there comfortably.
@macchiata/bali-cost-of-living-to-live-and-work-for-a-month
Living in Bali, I even finished reading two books that the reviews are here;
@macchiata/the-geography-of-bliss-in-search-of-happiness-through-traveling-by-eric-weiner
@macchiata/vagabundo-atypical-soul-searching-book-by-steve-john-gait
Those were I think my most productive moments in my life. I think that Bali has helped me reach the most balanced life that I've always wished to have. Work, Life, Social life all was there. But obviously, I learned a few things that I should do with my hive blog and general professional life.
It's okay not to process the content right away. I tend to just post right away and with so many pictures I have, it's not always optimal.
Always create a folder for pictures and name it based on the place. I can tell you as much that producing good content takes time. It's easy to make mediocre ones but not good one. It takes hours especially when it's working with graphics.
I enjoy writing offline much more than online. My go-to edit routine is simple google docs check and grammarly. While living on the island, I even tried to refresh my knowledge of SEO as I met other fellow content creators, copywriters, and digital marketers.
I am an all-over-the place person. I try not to but now, after making this compilation, I could realize that scheduling would be overall better for the look of my front page. Monday for something, next day for something else.
Bali has taught me to see different ways of organizing life and productivity. Many have said living on the island everything is chill and slower but that itself is a challenge to overcome. Staying productive while everyone else is lounging.
I picked up programming again. Well, the cool kids these days call it coding. Who knows where I'll be this year. There are so many free coding workshops, nfts and web3 workshops to attend.There’s also bootcamps that I am considering applying this year.
I am more comfortable using my actual name as I have to introduce myself a lot. Perhaps the reason I am not using mine is because it's quite unique and that made it easier to find me? a part of my paranoid self is still there but hey, why not for once use my actual name when introducing myself to others.
For once, I learned that I enjoy socialization in moderation. like to be surrounded by people but also just being on my own.
Finally.... This is the recap of my adventure for a month and half.
You can find stories, useful guides, tips, recommendations and hopefully you enjoy reading those. If you do, let me know!
Mac's Pinmapple Travel List
 | Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated. |