Traveling isn’t only about discovering different cultures and new corners of the world; a special kind of magic happens when we bring what we love with us on a journey, and then share that love with the world.
I’d come to Jimbaran Puri Bali resort to sketch, not be sketched, but my brief friendship with Made is humbling, reminding me for the thousandth time that we have little idea of the vast web of connections around us.
And, really, couldn’t much the same be said of harmony in travel? Not only staying aware of what notes a place is striking, but conscious of the notes in your own journey as well – two melody lines, two journeys, one beautifully agreeing arrangement.
With that observation pointed out, as simple as it was profound, I realized how easy it is to take this world around me right now for granted. That differences like a candle left burning on a cake are always there; it’s just up to us to stay open and discover them.
While I exult in the natural beauty of Pandant Beach, I exult furthermore in the gift Made has given me – the gift of solitude. The gift of space. The gift of an illusion – of being able to imagine I’m the first one here.
Surrender is about coming to a wall and deciding whether you’re going to merely bang your head against the bricks, or actually figure out a way to get over them – the act of “finding another door” which the resort’s manager, Marie-Hélène, referred to.