fourteen -- back in bali

Ah, yes. I've survived that horrendous roach-infested twenty-four hour ride back to Bali. The seats were comfortable and there was plenty leg space, but that does not make up for this strange crick in my neck that has yet to disappear or erase the nasty bathroom smell from my memory. (We did yell at those who dared to use it.) Really, it's good to be back in Bali. I enjoy the lushness and narrow streets... I enjoy not being perpetually stared at (because there are other tourists here!). All in all, I feel much more at home in Bali. In the next few days, though, I think I'll invest in a massage -- they are fairly reasonable here -- to work out all the kinks I've developed in the last few days... in addition to my pre-existing combination of knots and tension.

The highlight of the morning was calling the family from the next-door internet cafe. It was just really nice to hear your voices, Ma, Baba, and Mishti! It really made me feel more invigorated and cheerful about my stay here. This time, I'm rooming with Meghan. That's the good thing about the room assignments thus far, I think... it helps us know people we wouldn't otherwise.

After showering off the grossness of that 24 hour drive, we went back to Mangga Madu for lunch (mie goreng, es soda gembira). I, along with a few others, walked up a different directino on the street. I mean, I'm going to be here for another two weeks, so I am in no hurry to spend my money, but I did cave in and buy a pretty blue-and-silver pashmina shawl for $8.50 USD. (Yes, yes, I did bargain it down.) Afterward, I snacked on the peanut butter cookies Mom had made for me and read a little bit. Currently I'm reading two books relating to India: Freedom at Midnight and The White Tiger. I love the first one -- it's super intense -- but I'm not far enough into the second one to make up my mind.

Soon we'll be going to dinner... and I really don't know our schedule for the rest of the week. Oh well! more updates soon!