A Young American in the East: BEACH WEEK- Bali style

Hello out there! Apologies for the slight hiatus, but I have been lost in paradise, with little sign of wifi.

It all began a week ago when I headed south from Ubud, down to the southern most part of Bali, Uluwatu and reunited with Jake and landed at Rocky's Place on Bingin Beach.

Rocky is a true baller. He owns an insane piece of property on Bingin Beach (a completely secluded beach only accessible via a terrifyingly steep "staircase" above 150 "steps" down, and a bitch and a half to get back up). However due to the treacherous conditions you must endure to get to the beach, it creates this group down at the bottom of all very cool people. It is hands down the most beautiful beach I have ever been to, and despite the reef, the water is fantastic. I hate reefs I have learned. This is the first time I ever had to deal with it, and it sucks. It is so close to the edge of the water, filled with unknown things I hear with hurt or kill me and a real pain in the ass- literally because as I was coming to shore, a wave came and knocked me on my ass sliding me across the reef til I reached the sand. OW!

The entire week was just magical. Upon arrival we were greeted by the man Rocky, a spanish couple Veronica and Rafael, posted up at the bar and our new friend Jeannette we had taken the staircase down with. Our room was across from Ryan and Kyra of Cornwall, England. And so Jake and I and our 5 other guests at Rocky's all quickly became fast friends. The first night we were there, after some exploring, Jake and I returned to the bar area to find Veronica getting her hair and makeup done- turns out her and Rafael had asked Rocky the day before if they could get married there, and being the ultimate yes man that Rocky he made it happen in a big way. His wife and her friends did Veronica's hair and makeup, brought tradtional Balinese outfits for Veronica and Rafa and because Rocky is also a priest, he performed the ceremony....at sunset....at low-tide....on the beach. DREAM WEDDING FOR SURE. We then all went to Lucky Fish for dinner. Casual, spontaneous, stress-free and beautiful beyond anything a big to-do wedding could ever achieve.

Ok- Lucky Fish.
Maybe the greatest style of restaurant I've ever been to. Never in my life would I eat a place 4 nights in a row, while in a foreign place AND order the same thing more than once, if it wasn't absolutely outstanding. Lucky Fish is the last spot on the beach stretch and every night puts down 10 6-8 person tables in the sand, with plastic chairs and sets up shop. They have a table at the front with two coolers of fresh fishes and seafood inside and you literally go up to them, point at what you want, they weigh it, grill it right there and bring you at your table. It comes with a plate of rice and a communal portion of a stewed green and garlicky veggie we called seaweed, but tbd. I will recreate this somewhere, someday. The US health regulations would tear it up, which is ABSURD, because it couldn't be better.

The next 5 days of my time in Bali were spent the only way time in paradise should be spent. No plans until 30 seconds before the next thing happens, lots of beach talks around beers with our new friends about everything and nothing, but in the best way, and lots of laughs. Kyra, Ryan, Jeannette, Jake and I had an amazing last dinner at Lucky Fish and stayed up til 2am just sharing stories with each other and, as cheezy at it sounds, becoming lifelong friends. After Jake and Jeannette had to go Friday, Ryan, Kyra and I headed up to Canggu for my last weekend. Canggu is what Williamsburg, BK would be if there was a fabulous surfing beach attached to it. Countless coffee shops, overpriced but incredible looking stores full of cool hats, clothes, stickers, bags, etc. and lots of people who think and look like hot shit. We hung the whole last day together and I can't wait to our paths cross again in the future. Ryan is a true goofball, defintion of a British style cali surf bro, with a secret princess side that was discovered when he insisted on hitting the hottest spot for dessert. And Kyra might be my british twin, fav movie is Almost Famous, loves a great pair of jean cutoffs, to spend all day drawing, chilling out and watching Friends until she is in pain laughing.

Til next time Bali- thanks for an incredible month.

Now, Bangkok and to see what Thailand is all about. Lyndsey and Brenna take on the world take 8.

Enjoy these shots- xoxo too all my followers.