Welcome lovely readers to my last blog of South East Asia. – BRB just grabbing another box of tissues… feel free to join in on the crying by the way. –

Before we start on our whole Bali blog, you’d might wanna know how we even got there. Just because of course getting to our final destination together, in true George & Gina style, things did not go as planned…. some things just never change 🤷‍♀️😅.

We had three flights that day from Siargao to Cebu. Cebu to Manila and then Manila to Bali. (We realise now, only afterwards of course, that this was indeed rather ambitious… 🙈)

But of course our first flight got cancelled and therefore had to miss all three flights and could only depart the day after.

After two long days and too much Mac Donalds later we finally arrived in Bali. 🙌

Our first day consisted of doing nothing but relaxing, napping and afterwards some retail therapy. 😍

This is me totally done with flying in & around & out of The Philippines…. 🙈

Once we were satisfied with our new wardrobes and feeling slightly anxious about our bank accounts we headed back for some good old sleep.

The following day it was time to do some laundry, drag Gien to the doctors for her infected war wound on her toe (surfing is dangerous people), to finally afterwards meet up with a former colleague of mine Ro and chill at Potato Head Beach Club.

The club was relaxing as they had a good vibe, swimming pool & beachfront with of course delicious cocktails and tasty bites to eat.

We stayed here all day, attempting to get some tanning done, ever a challenge for a Brit, before heading back to our hostel.

When morning came it was time to repack everything and head over to our next destination » Ubud.

On our first day the skies opened up and the rain hit the ground heavily.

It’s comforting sitting on our balcony with a green tea, just letting the rain fill our ears with it’s soothing sound.

In an instant we felt quiet, relaxed and zen. Even though the humidity here is making us sweat like nobodies business, it’s nice to just have a peaceful moment, being present in where you are.

That evening we strolled along the streets close to the hotel, finding small and dainty shops and restaurants, ending up eating Pad Thai in a teeny and cozy Thai restaurant. 🙌

The following day it was up and early to have a sight seeing day. We decided on visiting two temples and the most famous rice field of Ubud.

First we headed down to Gurung Kawi Temple, this isn’t your typical temple as it’s 372 steps down into natures paradise. Walking down the never ending steps, we passed a rice field which was a vivid green carpet, the hills behind packed with tree’s that shot up to the heavens. You can walk through the field to get up close and personal with the soil, water and rice plants.

Once we headed onwards we came to the temples entrance. A bridge stretching over a small waterfall & fast flowing river before you came to the high walls of the temple. This temple as I said is not your typical temple, it’s two high walls with cavings cut out of the rock. There is a small water-feature in front of it.

We wandered around and of course made insta-worthy photo’s before setting off to our next temple: The Tirta Empul otherwise known as: The Holy Water Temple.

This temple was again not a typical temple, it’s layout was mostly open-spaced and there were two main area’s you could walk through. It wasn’t as clear to find where to actually go because there wasn’t must structure and it was extremely busy. This temple however is pretty, it did feel more like a sensational tourist attraction than anything else. ☹️

The bath where you could enter the holy water was jampacked, even worse than a traffic jam in Amsterdam so we decided to skip on a mini dunking session and moved on to the rice-field: Tagalalang.

The Holy Water Temple did have some impressive doorways though!

The rice field was bigger than the previous one at the Gunung Kawi temple but it was just as vivid green.

It looked like an emerald soft blanket draped over the hills.

We walked along and through the paths, up and down the muddy steps and enjoyed every single viewpoint we could.

Again the rice field was touristy and busy but still quiet enough (at least when the guy screaming and woohooing whilst on the swing – they have mutiple swings here – finally shut the f**k up) and calming.

After wandering around our tummies started rumbling so we headed to one of the many restaurants that sat opposite the field. Whilst having lunch here there was a sense of tranquility. There is something soothing about the way the rice fields are made up and how green and lively the nature of the rice plants themselves and the nature around them was.

After lunch we headed back to the hotel and once again we found ourselves having a good ol’ nanny nap. Stop giving is judgemental looks guys, this nap was definitely needed. Why you ask? God knows 🤷‍♀️ I guess living the dream is more knackering than we thought 😅.

After nanny napping we headed out for Indonesian food. We had Samosa’s and Rendang. I have officially found my new obsession. 🤩

Once we stuffed our faces we headed to a shisha lounge and relaxed for a bit where I facetimed with my dog. I sounded like a madwoman constantly talking very high pitched and calling him a good boy and of course my booboo. For the first time he actually saw me on the screen, confused with his ears constantly twitching and his head tilting he tried to understand why he heard my voice and saw a weird face on the screen but I hope he understood that it was me and that I miss him terribly, no offence fam… 🙈

Swallowing back my tears we then headed back to the hotel.

Photo credit to my amazing and extremely gifted sister: Rose. Thank you for this absolute gem of a pic ❤️🤩.

The following day we headed out early morning to visit the market of Ubud.

We were nearly the first people there and snooped around. This market had no logic to it at all and felt like you were walking through a maze but boy did I shop till I dropped. Well at least until I nearly ran out of money.

Buying family and friends some gifts to bring home (in September….) we then had falafel for lunch before hitting our next stop » Kayon Resort.

We paid for a day pass as this gorgeous swimming pool that looks over the jungle. Three infinity pools, one jacuzzi, free cocktails and comfy beanbags made this a definite treat.

After some tanning, cocktailing and swimming we headed back to our hotel for our final night in Ubud.

Once we rised and shined and had brekkie we were off to Canggu. This would be our final stop in Bali together…. these tears are merciless….

In Canggu we relaxed the first day. Headed out for lunch and booked an appointment for a big decision making time for on Friday. When Friday comes around i’ll tell you what it is, don’t worry!

After dinner and a horrid nights sleep, in what seemed like the Sahara Desert (aircon was broken) we headed out to sweat even more on the scooter.

We went down to one of the beaches. Which had black like sand and the waves were massive. After relaxing in the sun for some time we attempted to enter the water.

This did not bode well as we got swept with every single wave that came, being pulled back to then being dragged up the beacb again. Sand went everywhere (I mean literally everywhere.. such fun) so shortly after we went back to the hotel to shower and relax.

Once we were ready Gina headed off to meet and friend and I had my first night to myself ever since we’ve been travelling together.

Somewhat weird to be alone again and getting dinner on my own but I must say, I actually quite like my own company. God that makes me sound little obnoxious. Anyhow my night was spent mostly in an Indian Restaurant and the hotel room trying to get our airco fixed.

Once Gina came back from her night out again we tried to sleep but failed due to the heat and so the next morning, after a bit of a lay-in we went bikini shopping. You can never have too many 😉

Once we scored a bikini we scootered off to Fins beachclub. Poor choice as it was busy, crammed and the vibe wasn’t doing anything for me. We left, after grabbing a small bite to eat, to La Brisa beachclub. A much calmer & relaxed, small beachclub with less people.

After a beachclub day we decided to wake up early and go to the actual beach again in hopes that we could surf. The waves here though are still massive so I didn’t wanna put myself in a stressful situation and Gina also decided against it after seeing the waves still being so big so we chilled, got some mega tan-lines, also a slight burn but hey what’s red today will be brown tomorrow 😏

After our beach day I headed out to meet with a friend for some drinks again at a beach Bar. Pouring down with rain it was quiet and relaxing. Something about the rain always makes me feel zen. Especially with a sea view, soft lighting around and a good cocktail. (I swear i’m not an alcoholic… promise!)

The next day we headed to the mall again for some last shopping together. I desperately needed some warmer clothes for my next destination…

After scoring a few needed outfits, it was then off to the appointment I made on Monday where i’ll be overcoming once again another fear of mine; getting a tattoo.

The tattoo I got is something small and simple but has a deep and big meaning behind it. What exactly the meaning is i’d like to keep to myself but here is proof that I went through with it and crushed Gina’s hand in the process… sorry boo! 😚

Once the adrenaline calmed down, my legs no longer wobbled and the stars surrounding my head stopped we then went out for a massage because why not?!

As soon as we were all zenned out we headed over to La Boracca, an Italian restaurant for our last night together…. Italian restaurants will forever be our thing haha.

We talked about our trip and how much we have both grown in such a short period of time and how grateful we were for doing this together. Gina made a small speech making me nearly bawl my eyes out and wanted to chug my wine for some Dutch Courage. After enjoying our dinner this little nanny napper nearly fell straight to sleep after my final attempt at packing my stuff.

After being totally out of it for ten or so hours we got up and had brekkie (more like lunch actually), finally posted our postcards we bought a month ago.. oops…. Finally it was time to go to Gina’s next hostel destination and relax until I had to go to the airport and this time, for realsies, say goodbye to Gina. Ulgh, goodbyes are so not my thing. Another tissue box all snottered up and used….

And then here we are… after three months, my backpacking trip around and through South East Asia has officially come to end… I have visited the wonderful jungle of Malaysia, the busy & high-end city of Singapore, enjoyed the culture and food of Thailand. Explored the gorgeous scenery that The Philippines has to offer and adventured around Bali as my final destination.

Asia has been a trip of a lifetime and even though i’m definitely coming back for more one day, brace yourself Asia, I am and always will be ever so grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey and all the wonderful people I have met and travelled with. I am also, maybe most of all, extremely grateful to myself for daring to do this, choosing myself over everything else back home and living for my dreams.

It has been a whirlwind of a ride to say the least, starting out good & dandy to having set-backs and bad days with my anxiety to again learning to enjoy life & feeling happier than when Winnie the Pooh finds a pot of honey. 🐝

Not only have I learned more about myself and continue to do so, I am learning so much more about life. What that entails to not only me but also other people. Truly seeing the world in it’s glory and also it’s tragic present and future due to climate change and the tourist industry.

It hits home and ignites my passion for animal welfare and nature preserve even more.

It has fuelled a suspicion I have always had about what I want to do in life and at my next destination I want to do more research into how to reach that goal.

I have once again become excited for my future. Having used to be depressed when thinking about even the following day.. now i’m ready, excited and can’t wait to enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow. I know good things will come and I cannot contain my smiling.

And so after witnessing the most beautiful and mesmerising places this earth has to offer us, I know for sure that I will always look back with such pride and genuine appreciation for having done this. And yes i’m still crying my way through this blog, forever the emotional muppet.. I guess this too is also part of the life of a backpacker. 🤷‍♀️😅

If any of you out there are debating whether or not you should or want to travel, my answer and advice would be: F U C K I N G. D O. I T!(Pardon my French.)

Even if it is only for a few days, go out somewhere on your own. Meet new people, broaden your horizon & intelligence. There is so much to learn when you get out of your comfort zone. I mean yeah, it’s scary, take it from someone who didn’t dare leave her house last year, but look at me now. I’m across the fricking globe, the happiest I have been in literal years and I can not be more proud, enlightened, grateful and confident in myself.

It has been such a valuable lesson that I had the privilege to learn first hand. A lesson I wish to share with you all. Solo travelling is so worth it. Feeling no pressure in rushing things, doing the things you really want to do and see. You might be solo travelling but you’re never really alone, which gives comfort on those days when the world feels so big and vast. There is always someone next door to you. Whether thats in the same hostel, restaurant, beach bar or pool. We’re all in the same situation, navigating through this thing we call; Life, doing the best we can. And the best part is, there is always someone at home waiting patiently until you get back. I’m lucky to have many friends and family cheering me on and one special dog who sits at home wagging his tail every time he hears my voice.

This is not the only lesson i’ve learned obviously, I have always been and always will be a curious one who loves learning things, people, aspects & opinions, earth etc. Etc. And this trip has definitely taught me more than I could have imagined.

But to keep things a little light (if I was wearing any, my mascara would officially be running down my cheeks)… One of the Fun things I have been learning, is to appreciate coffee a little more thanks to Gina, not a lot but a little more 😅 and she has learned to appreciate the much needed and under-appreciated nanny naps from me.

And so with my final words on my journey through South Easy Asia coming to an end, I want to thank Gina again for being such an amazing and empowering friend to me these past weeks. You have not only helped me grow but you have made this such a memorable trip that I shall always cherish. I could honestly have not asked for a better companion to have done this with.

Last but not least I also want to thank YOU all for reading my blogs and travelling with me. Thank you for always supporting me, giving me your kind words and courage when I needed them. Cheering me on and laughing at my stupid jokes.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

This will not be my last blog as I shall fly to my next destination: Australia.

Here i’ll spend my first week city tripping through Melbourne & Sydney before settling down in Brisbane to get a little experience and earning some bob before travelling around Down Under & hopefully New Zealand.

Until next time folks & again T H A N K Y O U !❤️

(Cue the crying again… ulgh thought I was over this already 😅)

Lot’s of love,

G.