Sleep does come, eventually, and I wake up early to the sound of those infernal chickens. I check my email and finish the very entertaining and informative Balilicious by Becky Wicks, meditate a bit, and then Mitsuyo is up. We chat as she shows me how to make the Bali coffee, rather like instant but super powdery. Two teaspoonfuls in a cup and fill with boiling water. Wait until the sludge settles, add some sugar and milk if you want. It’s quite good.
Kadek is the wife of my driver Ketut, and she’s the one who is the house cleaner, cook, and god appeaser at The Nest. When she arrives, she makes us a breakfast omlette, then makes the Hindu offerings that are placed in the kitchen, at each entrance to a public space, and in the road. She’s sweet and we chat about going to the temples when they are having one of the many Hindu ceremonies. Kevin arrives and is welcoming. We chat a bit, share our stories, and as he goes, Mitsuyo takes over. After three days of relative silence on airplanes, conversation is welcome.
I want to walk into town but I’m sooo tired. I’d been burning the candle at both ends in Virginia to prepare for this trip and my upcoming move to Oregon, so I am wiped. Back to the room for a nap.
When I wake, it’s early dinnertime. Mitsuyo wants to take me to Mama’s Warung (Cafe/Restaurant), the closest place to eat from Kevin’s. It’s less than a 10 minute walk. This is how you get there: out the door, turn right, go past the jungle river (a small stream, really, where people bathe and wash clothes and fish), pass the water temple, then see chicken coop left and chicken coop right, and the Gauntlet of Dogs. Mama welcomes Mitsuyo and I with open arms. Since the internet is sporadic for her at Kevin’s she brings her iPad. I am too busy breathing in Bali. Our lunch overlooks her family’s compound, an assortment of small cottages, temples, and gardens. The rain rolls in and we can see lightning in the distance. Orchids hang off the balcony. Magic.

Mixed plate for dinner, rice in the middle, some greens with spicy peanut sauce, marinated tempeh, fried tofu with sauce, and a chicken cake.
Dinner (mixed plate) is $1.39. Add an avocado salad for another $1.39 and a mango lassi for another $1 and you’ve got yourself a meal, complete with rainstorm. After our early dinner, there’s time to take a walk down the main drag and check out the action before dark.
It’s an assault to the senses. Just watch your step. Back to Kevin’s and more chatting with Mitsuyo before bed. Earplugs tonight!!!