Bali is Bagus!

i’m buying breakfast off the streets in the dark.  then eating it on the way to the beach.  i still can’t believe it only cost .42 cents!  

throughout the years, there are new places where you can see the whole coast line.  that’s usually where i go check the waves and decide where to surf.  and when i find a nice wave with nobody around, i end up there.   

the lineups are still empty.  you can find perfect waves like this and nobody will be out.  

then when you come in, you can find some treasure if you know where to look.

good waves, good food, and very affordable.  Bali is Bagus!

Sushi for Breakfast

driving through the usually traffic congested Kuta is eerie.  it reminds me of driving though Waikiki during the pandemic.  so many shops closed down, so many companies bankrupted, so many shopping malls deserted, and hardly anyone walking on the streets.  but just like Waikiki, things will return to normal someday.  but for now, i’m a surfer enjoying Bali at it’s cheapest time ever.

these 5 star hotels use to be out of reach and just a dream for me.  dreams do come true right?  i feel like i’m the only guest here.  a room here usually would cost $300 but i’m only paying $60/night.  i have this huge pool to myself, and the white sandy beach right in front is deserted.  next time i come to Bali, 5 star hotels will be back to normal pricing so i’ll downgrade back to my 2 star rooms.  so for now, may as well enjoy this amazing dream!

these guys pick me up from the car and take me to my room.  so this is how the rich live huh?  i would usually walk to my room but this hotel is so dam big big that it will take 15 minutes.

no guests here so the breakfast buffet is on hold.  instead, you can order anything and everything off the menu.  there is no limit so i’m literally eating $300 worth of breakfast!   here is some french toast.

and i eat about 3 platters of sushi.  it’s unbelievable how i’m eating more for breakfast than what my room cost.  and above all that, there are staff walking all over ready to satisfy your needs.  it’s a crazy time to travel but sometimes the crazy times are better.  i predict by Summer, Bali will be back to normal prices and millions of tourists.  it’s just too good here…

Bali Smoke House

Mike has a really good smoker at his house.  and he sure knows how to use it!  

from the sea to the fish market to the smoker to our stomachs.  all in a single day!  

the BBQ chicken had to have been the best chicken i’ve eaten in my whole life.  thank goodness Mike shared his recipe!  

and the fresh clams? omg!

then poke was our desert.

a very happy man!  Yassin is eating the best food ever!

so happy to travel to Bali again.  i’ve never experienced Bali like this and thanks to Mike, i love it even more!