One month in Bali. Here's what I know now that I didn't know before:
1. The traffic is insane but it has a rhythm — you just have to find it. 2. Everyone honks, but it means "I'm here," not "you idiot." 3. Warung food (local small restaurants) is almost always better than anything aimed at tourists. 4. You WILL get sick at least once. Drink bottled water. Always. 5. The internet at co-working spaces is fast. The internet everywhere else is not. 6. Learn a few words in Bahasa Indonesian. Even butchered attempts make locals laugh and love you. 7. The $7 massage is not a luxury. It's medicine. Get one as often as possible. 8. Sunscreen is a lifestyle, not a choice. 9. Temple ceremonies are everywhere and gorgeous. If you see one, stop and watch. 10. Grab food is the Indonesian Uber Eats and it costs about $2 including delivery.
11. The expat community is warm, talented, and surprisingly drama-free. 12. A motorbike is faster than a car almost everywhere. 13. Nasi goreng (fried rice) for breakfast is the move. 14. Sarongs are required at temples. Keep one in your bag. 15. The rice paddies in the center of the island look exactly like the movies. Better, actually. 16. Don't touch the monkeys at Monkey Forest. They will bite you. 17. The sunsets here are different. Slower. More intentional. 18. You can negotiate almost everything. 19. Your concept of "expensive" will be permanently altered. 20. People smile here constantly. Not fake smiles. Real ones. 21. You'll call your friends in LA and realize they sound stressed in a way you no longer are. 22. You'll start to wonder why you waited this long.