The Indonesian island of Bali certainly holds a mystique for the traveler. A trip to the Indian Ocean paradise provides the visitor the opportunity to enjoy so much.
You can watch sunsets from pristine beaches or ancient temples upon majestic cliffs, you can hike to wondrous waterfalls, an active volcano, or across terrace rice fields, you can surf splendid waves, and you can view vibrant art and unique cultural dances.
Recently returning from the island, I can tell you Bali is stunning. But even with all the incredible memories, amazing adventures, and the experiences that will last a lifetime, I realized (again) something simple about travel.
Travel educates.
Mark Twain penned, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” Thanks Mark, I agree. And one step further, for those without such beliefs, it still teaches us to expand our horizon and learn something new. I take something back with me from each and every trip and my recent trip to Bali proved no different.
Bali is largely Hindu, but Indonesia is mostly Muslim and these religions, coupled with the ancient and colonial past provide a peek into the Balinese. However, I even discovered a more precious gem about the Balinese – Attitude.
A positive attitude can change your day. Balinese understand the balance in life and don’t seem to complain even in the recent economic downturn that may make travel less affordable for the very tourists they depend on. My one taxi driver summed it up best.
“It’s all right, it’s ok…”
He just mentioned it would allow him to do other things and that things would turn around. Perhaps his ‘don’t worry, be happy’ attitude exists because he lives in paradise, or perhaps he and the Balinese know something. I tend to think the latter.
Stay adventurous,
Craig Zabransky
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