So independent, always in control, master of my own destiny. Wow, traveling alone has set me straight (for a while anyway!). I have quickly developed huge respect for people who travel solo. It takes courage and the willingness to lose control, not easy for me.

Some personalities who have made me feel more relaxed.

Roby Wijaya, a friend of a dear friend Walter, operates a tour company in Bali Samanjayatrans ; yesterday he gave me a true local’s tour all over Ubud to see the palace, the market and of course the monkey forest. We skirted the monkey forest, the idea of monkeys on my head was holding me back! The highlight was lunch overlooking the Ceking Rice Terraces in Tegalalang. So serene, just perfect.

Jasson, at Canggu’s Black Pearl Villas, celebrated his 24th birthday. Celebrations included grilled chicken, clams and fish all served on a bed of rice presented on banana leaves; then we washed down birthday cake with a local strong rice wine.

Aneta, a breath of fresh air, Canadian/Polish/American with more passports than me! She was tons of fun and also traveling alone. With a partner in crime, it seemed reasonable to dance the night away at Old Man’s beach bar with a rowdy Australian wedding party. You get the picture!

Now it’s time to step away from the safety of my computer to go and meet some new friends and take a Balinese cooking class.

Quick itinerary update

Day 1-4 – Canggu Surf Beach Village http://www.bali-indonesia.com/canggu/

Day 5 – 8 Ubud – Remember Eat Pray Love? Yes, that village.