Stress in Bali

It is probably hard for people not living in Bali to believe, but sometimes life in Bali can actually be stressful. Not in the western 9-5 working week grind that most people are probably accustomed to, but trying to live in a different culture with a different language and values.

There is definitely a different perception of time. We ordered some custom furniture and it was only supposed to take one week, but we have been waiting now for more than one month for it to be delivered. I want to just cancel the order, but they stuff they make is really nice.

Earlier in the new year, we were robbed while we were sleeping. Fortunately not too much was taken, but the thought of having someone enter your home while you are asleep has been playing on my mind, even one month later. I tend to wake at the slightest sound.

I could go on, but if you are planning on moving to Bali and expecting it to be one long vacation, then think again. To be honest though dealing with these different kinds of “problems” is always a lesson in itself and you can always look back on the various experiences later and have a good laugh. Even when we were robbed, I was amazed at how the community and our friends came together to support us.

I love being able to take the dog for a walk in the cool, late afternoon, through the rice fields, along the beach, stopping every now and again having a chat to anyone who will talk to me and finally ending up in a restaurant to have a cold Bintang while watching the sun go down. Bali – the almost perfect paradise.