Of course, there’s no perfect paradise on earth where everything and everyone is flawless, but here, on this breathtaking island, you can’t help but challenge that notion. Bali begs to be called Eden. At least, in my mind, this is what paradise should look like. We were greeted by golden sandy beaches kissed by a warm ocean, picturesque cascades of rice terraces, countless palm trees, and vibrant flowers. Then there are the striking rock formations, sculpted into the most extraordinary shapes, with turquoise waves crashing against them.
It felt like stepping onto another planet. Everything is so vivid, so bursting with life, as if someone deliberately gathered an abundance of beauty in one place just to astonish even the most seasoned travelers. Not that Nila and I consider ourselves among them. Still, Bali has everything we dreamed of for a getaway. A stunning array of natural wonders, luxurious hotels and restaurants, serene spas, and themed parks teeming with wildlife. There are plenty of spots for surfing, as well as nightclubs and other lively entertainment for those who crave a louder escape.
Nila and I aren’t exactly fans of noisy clubs, so we opted for Nusa Dua, a peaceful village with pristine beaches. For the past three days, we’ve been soaking up the warm ocean or lounging in the stunning pool at our hotel, where the water mirrors the endless blue of the sky. Perched on a high hill, the pool offers an absolutely mesmerizing view of the jungle and the ocean beyond. The weather here is almost always perfect. It’s hot along the coast, a bit cooler in the mountainous areas and jungles. Though we arrived during the rainy season, there was no need to worry. The showers were mostly short and came at night, and the heat was more bearable than in the summer months.
We also had an unforgettable experience at a pearl farm. The process was fascinating. Now, we’re practically experts on these treasures, and no beach vendor will fool us with a fake.
We’ve loved sampling the local exotic dishes, many of which are traditionally eaten with your hands. What can I say? It’s a far cry from Ukrainian dumplings or borscht. Here, we’ve been treated to an abundance of fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits. But the star of the show is rice. It’s not just a staple food; it plays a central role in many traditional ceremonies and festivals. The Balinese, you could say, revere rice, much like they honor the goddess Sri Devi, its divine protector. Just as bread holds a sacred place in Ukraine, rice is cherished here. For over two thousand years, it has been cultivated with immense care and love.
For the next few days, Nila and I plan to stay right here. We want to unwind, simply relax, and soak in the beauty. After all the troubles I’ve faced lately, this is exactly what I need. Since we were lucky enough to win this incredible trip, we’re determined to make the most of it and fully embrace the tropical island vibe. Who knows if we’ll ever get another chance like this? I want to dive into this green-and-blue fairytale and leave behind thoughts of family conflicts, romantic entanglements, the accident, the fear, and the uncertainty. I’m done with all the negativity. Just peace. Well... maybe I’ll think about how to move forward with life. But not now. Later. After we’ve savored a few more days of this heavenly beauty. We’ll go see playful pods of dolphins in the ocean, hike through the mountains, and maybe even visit a massive waterpark. I wonder if I’ll muster the courage to zoom down that towering, twisting slide?
Instead of an alarm clock, I wake to the piercing roar of a tiger from a nearby park. How cool is that? I stir on a wide, comfortable bed in a bright, airy room furnished with rattan pieces. I stretch luxuriously. It feels like I’ve slept better than ever before in my life. I’m so refreshed, so energized. The air here is so easy to breathe... One wall and the bedroom door, both made entirely of glass, open onto a private courtyard enclosed on all sides. Just beyond the threshold, a smaller pool begins, inviting me in.
Right now, I’ll slip off my thin nightgown, throw on a swimsuit, and dive straight from the doorstep into the warm water. Bliss...
After a swim, I’ll go find Nila so we can have breakfast together. Fresh fruits, pancakes with mango or some other delicious topping, and fragrant Indonesian coffee... Mmm... Life is good.
Not a bad plan. Or at least, it wasn’t. Until... What is he doing here?
I can’t believe my eyes. My heart leaps and starts pounding some wild, exotic rhythm. So much for peace. A wave of nerves surges through me, making every inch of my body tremble. This man couldn’t possibly be here, on the other side of the world. He couldn’t have flown all this way just to shatter my plans in an instant. It’s impossible. How did he find me? It’s unreal... But there he is. Eyes half-closed, swaying gently in a hanging cocoon chair over the pool, waiting for me to wake up. I don’t understand. How did he get here? What happens now?