Exciting Days in Bali

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Exciting Days in Bali

After three weeks in Bali, our lives felt completely shaken up. We left our home in Bulgaria in mid-January, yearning to escape the cold. While Bulgaria isn’t as frigid as Canada, the prolonged winter weather had us craving a change. In a flash, we decided to book tickets to Asia. It had been over two years since I had set foot in the East due to COVID, and now I was eager to experience something new.

The Start of Our Journey

We booked our tickets less than two weeks before our departure. In the midst of cleaning our home, wrapping up work, and prepping for the trip, clicking that "book" button ignited a unique emotion within us—a feeling we might have forgotten. It was a sense that could potentially change our lives, environment, and careers in the coming months.

The Reason Behind the Trip

Why are we going? Well, it's because two dear friends, Vivien and Aaron, are getting married in Australia. Initially, we planned a quick two-week trip for the wedding and then back to Bulgaria. But anyone who's been to Australia knows the distance is vast. So, we decided to combine multiple destinations into our journey. What started as a two-week wedding trip quickly transformed into a three-month adventure across several new countries.

First Stop: Hanoi

We flew to Hanoi first, as it had a convenient flight from Bulgaria. From Hanoi, we would head to Taiwan, then Bali to meet some other friends, and finally on to Australia. Not to mention, we couldn’t go without stopping in New Zealand, known for its fantastic fishing experiences.

Leaving Bulgaria to Explore

Bulgaria has been a wonderful chapter in my life. The country is in what I like to call a "safe zone." It’s not overly crowded with tourists, yet it offers plenty of amenities and diversity. There are delicious restaurants, a thriving expat community, and beautiful spots still waiting to be discovered. We absolutely love the mountains, nature, and incredible cuisine here.

The Feeling of Homecoming

However, during my years in Bulgaria, I realized something was missing. The thrill of cultural differences, the little oddities… where the language sounds different, and the pace of life isn't what I’ve grown accustomed to. As I clicked “book” for the flight to Hanoi, I felt a surge of energy, reminiscent of the excitement I had back in 2008 when preparing for my first trip.

Arriving in Hanoi

After 24 hours of travel, we finally arrived in Hanoi. Instead of the planned 12-hour flight, we had to wait an additional five hours in Istanbul. Despite the delay, stepping foot in Hanoi late at night filled me with a refreshing vitality.

First Day in Hanoi

The next morning, we woke up early, and the moment we hit the streets, smiles were plastered across our faces. I savored my first Vietnamese coffee, sitting on tiny stools while enjoying street food. Wandering through the narrow alleys and witnessing life around me truly made me happy.

Returning After a Long Time

In fact, my first visit to Vietnam was in 2008, but I encountered some health issues afterward. Now, returning to this place, I can’t help but wonder why it took me so long to come back.

The Journey Isn’t Over

This trip is not just about a wedding in Australia; it’s also an opportunity to rediscover myself, to learn and explore new lands. Every stop on this journey brings me valuable emotions and experiences.

And as I reflect on this journey, I feel rejuvenated, as if I’m living in the present moment. This trip has rekindled feelings and dreams I had long forgotten.

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