Re-entry Sequence Initiated
by mollyapple
So, huh, I’m a bit at a loss. I’m sitting on my little front porch for the last time in Bali. Wayan, the mama at my homestay, made me an extra big breakfast this morning. I am waiting for the airport shuttle, which is due in 45 minutes.
Yesterday I spent walking in and out of shops trying to buy presents for a few people back home. I love getting presents for people, but only when I know the perfect thing. I kept telling myself that I didn’t have to get everyone a souvenir. I think the stress I was making for myself contributed to some unfortunate events. The day started out okay. I planned on taking it easy, doing some shopping and then going to a hanging yoga class (awesome!) to unkink my body for the long airplane ride ahead. I had a leisurely morning then hit the pavement. Trying to estimate how much money to withdraw was the first stressor.
(I’m noticing the time and want to get this off before I leave, so I’ll cut to the chase.)
Many sweaty hours later, and with a head full of allergy from the beer that sounded so refreshing an hour before, I found myself back in the wood carving shop I found the day before. The man was really wonderful and we had a good connection. I got a dragon for my friend Leo who is into fierce these days. Nyoman carefully wrapped it for transport. He taught me the Indonesian for “see you soon” (Im not writing it here because I’ve already forgotten) and I was on my way. I turned on the bend at the Monkey Forest and heard some people making the noise they use for scaring away animals. It didn’t work because in an instant a monkey had tore open the plastic bag I was carrying and had made off with the wrapped dragon. He quick-as-lightning shimmied up an electrical pole and started to tear open the tissue paper. All the shop owners were looking up with only mild astonishment. They’ve seen this kind of thing before. One nice man tried to get the monkey down by throwing an acorn at it and shaking the pole, but he wasn’t budging. He was too busy with the dragon, chewing its face off and part of one wing. Sure wish I had had a banana to trade. I also wish I had asked one of the half-dozen tourists taking pictures of the event to email me a picture. Eventually, the thief realized it wasn’t edible (if he had only listened to me at the start of the whole ordeal) and dropped it. I brought it back to the shop and Nyoman did a little sanding and we decided at least it was a good story, even if a dragon with no teeth, no face really, is far less fierce than with.
All this hullabaloo caused me to miss my yoga class. Big bummer. On my walk home I came across a gathering of dogs in the road. There was a woman on a motorbike maneuvering through them with a worried look on her face. I was hanging back and when she got to me she saw the look on my face and offered to ride me down the street. People are so nice. Getting home, feeling wrung out and a bit shaken, I got right into the shower. The phone rang and I made wet footprints to go answer it. No luck (Made had been trying to call so we could say goodbye, but service was not working). A bit later I slipped on one of my foot puddles and did a semi-graceful half splits, bruising my knee and the top of my foot. This is when a few hot tears finally came. Just a few though, I was busy feeling so grateful that I wasn’t more injured, it could have been way worse. And I couldn’t dilly dally in self pity, I had packing to do. Later I felt the old pain from my bicycle accident years ago. The falls were almost identical.
But now it’s a new day and I’m going home!
All my love,
Molly
Wait! STOP! Who will write of far-off places, green and more green and wondrously verdant? Who will take me away from my desk and phone, and show me temples and fields and jubilant flowers? How will I learn of lantern festivals and the need to cover one’s legs before entering and where to buy those curiously carved bottle openers?! I’ve grown accustomed to your pace. It lifts me from my hurry/worry. Where will you go next? Could you get there with little delay and send us your findings and photos?
I am cheered to know my posts weren’t simply floating into the ether. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, Pat.
There are dozens more photos and stories and reflections. In the weeks to come I hope to continue the blog, even though my body will be back in the States.
It’s strange and yet normal to be going home.
May they dribble in measured doses, like a medical drip, to sustain the wonder. Would love to see your beautiful face when you return.
Bummer of a last day, lovely. Though the monkey story is pretty funny if you look at it right. I know Leo will think so when he gets his dragon — he’ll have a great story to pass on. I’m thinking of you all the way home, Molly. XO
Yeah, a bystander said it was pretty funny….. I said, “It will funny later, but not right now.”