Domestic Life in Bali - Part 3
Since 99% or so of my readers do not (currently) live in Bali, I thought it might make sense to continue to occasionally share what daily life is like on the Island of the Gods. I’ve shared previously here (Part 1) and here (Part 2).
This section comes courtesy of bali buddies: Lindy and Leigh Sutherland arrived in Bali to begin their retirement in July of this year (when Covid-19 was far more active), from Australia, which goes to show that when there’s a will there’s a way.
The move took eight months of planning, after three years of global research.
Lindy said her typical day includes some or all of the following:
Definitely no alarm
Leisurely breakfast at home sitting in our tropical garden
Ride to do groceries
Lunch with friends beachside
Catching up on Netflix or YouTube
Afternoon swim (every day) followed by a Bintang (local beer)
Cheap massage to ease away any stress
Occasionally a little bit of daily chores, but not often
Cheap happy hour at home with gin or vodka
Meeting new friends
LOVING LIFE!
My comment: Not so shabby!
From me: a more micro example of daily life in Bali:
At a local farmer’s market I met a businesswoman who sells jamu (health drinks made with fruits and herbs). On Thursdays she sends texts to her customers via WhatsApp and then delivers on Saturdays.
Here’s the delivery guy:
After inquiring about his scooter, I was told it’s a 1978 Honda, handed down to him from his Dad. That’s a 43 year old machine for those who like math. The brakes are more than a bit squeaky but it goes from point A to point B (slowly). Pollution controls? No way. Up to date license? Doubtful. Welcome to Indonesia :)
I ordered two bottles of guava / mint, each for 75,000 rupiah (USD $5.25), including delivery. This would be considered an extravagance by local standards, but once you learn that Diana, the owner of the juice (jamu) business leases her own plot of land from a Balinese farmer, grows the fruits and herbs herself, prepares it fresh the day before delivery, and nurtures her customers with kindness and delicious tropical flavors, I’d say its entirely worthwhile.
Not crazy about tropical juices? How about good old fashioned French quiche? Ninie’s kitchen is willing to send you an amazing goat cheese and spinach quiche for a sum of 350,000 rupiah ($24.50 USD) including delivery.
Now that’s first-world pricing any way you look at it. But consider that such an item is as exotic to a local’s taste buds as durian fruit is to an expat.
Since my wife is Indonesian, that means that the entire quiche is for yours truly. So I cut it into 6 pieces, froze 3, stashed 2 in the refrigerator, and ate one slice within minutes of its arrival. So now it’s a tad over $4 a slice. The verdict: totally OMG!
If you stick with local cooking most of the time and rarely splurge on some of your home country’s favorites, those memorable, wondrous classics will taste all the more amazing. Trust me.
Foodie issues aside, domestic life in Bali is super comfy as long as you: don’t have to work for a living, or are a digital nomad.
As a reminder, this graph spells out your annual financial needs for one person, if you were to live a modest life in Bali:
Latest update from our upcoming Samara Residences project:
We have renderings for the upper section of our loft-style residences. Here’s the one-bedroom view:
Behind the TV is a glass wall with views past the balcony and towards the rice fields.
Not all units will have circular windows (but the first few lucky buyers will).
An optional bathtub will be available on your private balcony.
That’s it for now.
Stay healthy and as always, feel free to comment!
Later,
Neill