I awakened relieved that I felt essentially back to normal health. I rode the rented motorbike to Suka Espresso, a nearby breakfast joint in Uluwatu. There was a line of people outside waiting to be seated, which is normally an indicator that the food is high quality and worth the wait. A worker came outside to intake waiting guests. I told her party of 1, and a girl in line behind me also told her party of 1. The worker then asked us to sit together for space purposes, to which we agreed. I enjoyed breakfast with Jessi, a fellow American from Miami traveling during a gap year before beginning a post-secondary degree. We shared an order of eggs Benedict on sourdough and an açaí fruit smoothie bowl, both of which were delectable.
After breakfast, I paid Padang Padang Beach a visit, where I would post up for the afternoon while writing and relaxing. Jessi joined me at the beach, and we had a good time continuing conversing and climbing some nearby rocks on the beach.
That evening, I went to Mana, a resort and restaurant, hoping to enjoy another good meal and sunset. In the restaurant, shortly after placing my order, I pulled out my computer to work. Within a few minutes, the manager came, introduced herself, and politely told me that there is a restaurant rule of no computer screens allowed. However, instead of coming to me with our problem and no suggested solution, she proposed that I can move to the rooftop area, usually reserved for private events and VIP members. I agreed and migrated to the rooftop, where I enjoyed an even better view and private space all to myself. Getting upgraded seating for unknowingly breaking a rule? How fortunate for me. I’m grateful for the friendly staff at Mana and for their accommodation. There was yet another beautiful Uluwatu sunset over the ocean, and after the sun went down, an entrancing heat lightning storm across the sky. I treated myself to their dinner special, the catch of the day of pan fried red snapper, rice, and bean sprouts, all delicious! I had a moment of immense gratitude radiating from my entire being on that rooftop, appreciating all of my blessings and recent adventures traveling.
After dinner, I went to Lola’s, an upscale Mexican restaurant and bar where I met up with my mate Solly. Solly and I spent a lot of time on Gili T together diving and partying, as well as my first night here in Uluwatu before I fell sick. It was his last night of his trip before heading back to Australia, so we had a few beers together and played some pool. Although his holiday heads towards an end, he soon begins a new chapter with a move to Israel in the coming months. I plan to visit him in Tel Aviv in the near future. After pool, we sat with some new friends and had some conversation. One of our new friends here was a girl name Witsqa, an Indonesian local rehabilitation doctor and accomplished singer. What an amazing person leading an admirable life! I continue to be inspired by and grateful for all of the incredible people I’ve met during my travels.