17-March - Tuesday - Experiencing Bali in the 80s or 90s

We set out to explore this island of Nusa Lembongan with a walk along the beach shacks. All along the way we were greeted by locals, having nothing to do due to the dramatic lack of tourists. We passed bungalows, warungs, diving centres all empty, not a tourist in sight. A sad sight, knowing how dependent the local economy is on tourism. A few voiced their surprise at seeing us, but we re-iterated our trust in their hospitality and the safety of being outdoors and mingling, despite COVID-19. Especially in a deserted environment as this, there is hardly anyone around. Indeed it seemed as if we traveled back in time to a Bali of the 80s or 90s that we hear so much about from intrepid travelers that experienced it. There is only one paved road, the main circuit around the island, a small one-lane sliver of bitumen. The rest are dirt tracks, leading to what-ever side business one wishes to visit, lined by shacks, barracks, abandoned properties or lush plot of lands, where nature still rules. We found a few essentials that we were lacking (incense for the Swiss, to keep mosquitoes at bay) and Bali Kopi to allow us our daily brew (as despite for their best intentions, the one of the hotel is undrinkable). We enjoyed the sun in the tranquility of "our" pool (no other guest in sight). We ventured into the village for dinner, only to decide to retrace our steps to a restaurant by our hotel, where we saw more tourists, hoping it would guarantee a food standard we are more accustomed to. COVID-19 once again hit, reminding us to be vigilant about our health. We will ensure to food we consume is as safe as possible, we will not use the comfort of air-con to sleep in, to avoid a potential "air-con" chill/cold. The evening progressed to a cup of tea on the balcony of our villa, to the sound of a barong dance at the local temple down below, with lots of drums and chimes. This is such an idyllic place, where it not for the tentacles of COVID-19...

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