There’s always something very special about coming back to Bali, especially being so fortunate to build relationships over the years with many locals here in Legian. 
Now I get to show Matthew ‘my Bali’ and introduce him to the language, the shopping, the food and the people.

After getting to bed at 2am local time here (5am AEST) I honestly thought I would be exhausted and sleep in well into the morning. Sadly, no such luck as I stirred at 5.30am with nothing to do but watch the fan spin above me. Matthew deep sleeping beside me, I wait till he stirs before making any sudden movements.

I went online to search for some Bintang Zeros, so Matthew can still have the full experience. GoJek is a very helpful app which has everything from transport to groceries. It’s like Uber on steroids.

We decide to head out to grab some breakfast and for him to get his first glimpse of Bali in the daylight. He practices his Bahasa and asks lots of questions about what to say and how to say it. I love his curiosity about the world and the people in it.
We find a spot which gives Matthew a chance to watch the world go by as nibble on pancakes and omelettes. Matthew’s the sweet and I’m the savoury.
As always we are well looked after by the Balinese and we say our farewells to take a wander along Legian beach.

We watch many people pass by on the sand and so many trying their hands at surfing, with surf schools scattered along the beach front. Beach bars and restaurants are just setting up for the day.
Before long we head back toward the villa and stop in to see Kathy who runs a shop I’ve visited many years. I’m greeted with big hugs and smiles as always. I get to introduce Matthew who has heard all about her in my many stories of Bali visits.
We promise to return to do some shopping before we head out for some lunch. Matthew experiences his first taste of the shop owners trying to get our attention.
We finally arrived at the Spice House and order a Nasi Campung which is a delicious traditional Indonesian dish with lots of tasty offerings. We chat with the staff and learn another word in Bahasa (where did you come from) and say our farewells. I’m always impressed by the kindness, patience and willingness to teach me their language.
We take a different route home as Matthew admires the intricacies of the stone work. It is truly remarkable, and is often unappreciated if you don’t take the time to really look.

With Matthew now feeling a bit dehydrated and jet lagged, he opts for a nap while I head off for a foot massage. Being on your feet is so common around here so it’s such a welcomed treat.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is precisely that….rest.
The evening I order in a few tasty local dishes and we both have an early night.