Getting a big tattoo is a big decision and I made mine with much deliberation too. After considerable research, contemplation and discussion, I chose West Coast Ink, Bali over everyone else.
That day is especially etched in my mind not only for the Sun rise I woke up for but also for the way that morning made me feel. As I watched the crane smoothing out the beach, wrinkled from the previous day’s activities, slight breeze and soft light touched my face ever so gently…
The anticipated pain of getting inked for the first time got me to do some crazy yet fun things. To wrap up in a sentence, the day started with martinis and ended with LIITs. In between, there was vanity to maintain
sanity during the one-month long staycation in Bali.
While I had already stayed in Ubud during one of my previous visits to Bali, this one was dedicated to the Kuta night life and SemiNyak’s many charms from spa to retail therapy. At the same time, trust AIRBNB to find lodging in their top ranking, safe villas.
Whether it was my observation or a detail not-worth-caring-for, a swimming pool is omnipresent in every Bali house. Another cultural detail that was fascinating was the entrance door of a house. Every home or property had well-carved doors that told a story.
As I hopped from one lane to another or strode from one beach to another, I realised that Bali is an Indonesian haven loved alike by the west and the east, the Oceanian and the Middle Eastern.
If I noticed right, there were the natives and then there were those who came and never could leave. There were travelers who were seeking wellness and art. And then, there were those who just wanted to surf the waves. Some just came to drink, eat and watch the sunsets while some let love to soak
them inside-out just like the heaving ocean.
But, it was difficult to ignore that for all those there, it was neither their first nor their last. They were there again. They will be there again. As for me, the tattoo, the daily excursions, the bright beach parties, the grand villa life for a month turned out pretty neat. And therefore, reason enough to go back again!
