I’ve felt a little burned out the last few days. I checked my blog to see when I last was out in nature — almost 3 weeks ago, I noticed! Not good!
So today, without a plan, I hopped onto my motorbike and decided to ride deep into the country.
I remembered a small village on hilly mountainous terrain with a large river running through it — Sidemen, in the Karangasem region of Bali.
Only an hour’s drive from my place, I was soon in the deep jungle, carving tracks up and down the steep, narrow, and windy mountain roads. When I say steep, they’re scary steep! Good brakes required, top riding skills, and no fear too!
These motorbike rides are the closest thrill I get to the good old days whizzing down the slopes as a former downhill ski racer. But — I’m also somewhat careful!
Food Time!
I stopped at a random little local restaurant (more like a shack) in the middle of nowhere for lunch.
It turned out to be a great find — lovely staff and excellent simple food. An omelette and chicken satay later, I’m back on the bike.
Friendly people, a nice meal, and a good chat immediately ease your mind and put you in a happier place.
The remaining bike ride was a fun cruise around the jungle taking in nature’s beauty.
Sidemen.
Arriving in Sidemen was a challenge. I came in from the wrong side of a mountain ridge and had to cross tiny rice field paths to get over to the other side and a hill where the village is situated.
Concentration and focus were required — you don’t want to slip and end up in the ditch — a muddy rice field with your heavy motorbike. This challenge also turned out to be a great core workout!
Once on the right side, I explored a few little shacks I remembered from 2 years ago. I found stunning views of the hills, river, and rice fields.
Sit, relax, observe and release. Sitting there, staring into vast green nature, makes you let go of all pressure. It’s a natural mind detoxication experience.
You feel your mindset go through a reset. It’s almost as if you can feel the stress and tiredness melting away.
Back on the road, I run into a new-looking resort —The Samanvaya — let’s take a look.
As I walk in, a beautiful Balinese woman greets me at reception. She looked familiar, but I didn’t know why.
After a couple of minutes of chatting with her about the Sidemen area, I began to recall where I’d seen her.
Are you the lady in a Facebook ad for this hotel last week, I say? She smiles, embarrassed, confirming it’s her.
That was such a funny coincidence, as I had no intention of visiting this resort because of the ad, but I now think the name/look of the place sat deep in my subconscious mind as I felt drawn in.
When I saw the lovely woman in the ad a week ago, I thought it would be nice to meet her one day!
It’s weird — it feels like it was meant to be. Or who knows, it could be a pure coincidence!
Now that I popped in for a short visit today, I think I’ll make it my next weekend nature, hiking, and chill-out trip! It’s a gorgeous place!
All in all.
As I write this piece, I’m sitting at the terrace of this lovely resort staring at the palm trees and surrounding hills, relaxed and focused.
With little effort, a short trip away from my daily bubble and into nature had the desired effect. I feel more relaxed, balanced, and reset.
I didn’t even have to take the day off – just drove somewhere lovely, took my time, visited new places, meeting new people, and enjoyed good simple food with stunning views.
My work with me — phone and laptop — I took some beautiful photos and videos for my memories and blog.
It’s that easy, folks. A short trip to nature is all you need to restore your balance, energy, get a clear mind, and train your positivity!
Back home I go now.
Thanks for reading,
Rob
