Settling back into the Hipster Community in Canggu, Pat’s original travelling companion Matt joined them at the Jungle House Hotel. Pat and Matt had been travelling since October through Nepal, Vietnam and Thailand.
With another Skater lad to hang out with and watch, Jess thought it was time to make some girlfriends. Plucking up courage she made a few failed attempts and didn’t bond with anyone. Making new ‘Girl’ friends at this point in her travelling experience was extremely difficult. The three travellers moved on to Canggu Castle , which Jessie thought was the best hostel they had stayed in so far. Persevering with her attempts at making friends finally paid off.
“She’s 22, so not a lot older than me compared to everyone else.”
Jessie’s new German friend was travelling alone and was a good tonic! An American followed and a couple of Portuguese girls soon after too. So while the lads were skating Jessie and her new friends had a few good days of “bonding”, “chilling”, “exploring” and shopping. On the Sunday they went to Old Man’s Sunday Market.
I am glad my daughter loves food. I am not surprised one of her favourite places to eat was Ithaka Canggu. As someone who has suffered from “Hangar” since she was little, this menu should refuel any foodie.
For less than £3 healthy portions of Gado Gado – Peanut Sauce with Veggies and Rice or Nasi Goreng – with Sambal Sauce or Pad Thai etc… etc… can be devoured. Western Fusion Food is also on the menu – The Canggu Combo – Veggies, eggplant balls, Tapas, omelette, rice fritters, and samba sauce. They even serve Tapas, or Build your own Sandwiches -Yummy!
Jessie also loved the local Balinese ‘Warung’s’, and even though she had become ‘Veggie”, liked ‘Shmurger” at Berawa’s Kitchen. She is also a bit of an avocado fan.
Fifteen days into her trip I was still missing her very much. I am not sure why people become tearful when they are happy to see someone they miss. But I felt relieved and happy and sad all at the same time, and during a video call must have come across as a wounded animal.
So my Gen’Z child sends me a lovely comforting “Don’t cry” message then hits me with ….
“Soooooo….I got a tattoo….don’t shoot me…What’d u think?….
“Followed shortly by a cheeky message of photos
“…Here’s some pics if u miss my face”.
Like the Yoga classes in Ubud Jessie had been researching where to get a Tattoo done – La Femme Tattoo House does have an impressive Instagram account, and a day after her 2nd Rabies injection my daughter, the first person in my family to get a tattoo, entered ‘La Femme Tattoo House’ in Badung and let a talented tattoo artist inscribe in ink her arm with “dainty fine lines”.
The boys Mums’ later found out that their boys had been “inked” in Thailand, and they were also left temporarily speechless. I had given Jess a pashmina before she left the UK to wear in Temples, this she told me is perfect for keeping the Sun off a new tattoo!
The final few days in Bali started to become more entangled with all the Australian travel and work plans. Instead of going back to Ubud they stayed on at Canggu Castle for a few more days, soaking up Pretty Poison vibes and being sociable. La Laguna was a perfect place for Hipster, Somerset types, who are accustomed to bunting and wagons. Then they moved in convoy, on scooters and in a Gojeck to Uluwata in the South of Bali. This would make it easier for the Airport.
The three buddies stayed at the Karma Backpacker Hostel and relaxed on Padang Padang beach. Jessie’s favourite place to eat was Single Fin. A bar/Cafe/Restaurant/Shop overlooking “a surfers spiritual home” – The Indian Ocean. Set above the Warung’s along the Suluban Beach and below the Blue Point Hotel and Spa.
Cocktails on the balcony and a dip in the pool?
“Don’t catch me drinking my daiquiri”
Here you can have Acai Berries and Revolver coffee for breakfast in the Nula Bowl Shack, Uluwata. Burgers and Coconut Pudding in the Restaurant for Lunch, Tapas for Dinner and Late night Cocktails and Music on Thursdays and Sundays. Jessie said the Cocktails were around £5.
Being dancers, skaters , gymnasts and adventurers they had to see the Kecak Fire Dance at the Open Air Amphitheatre on the cliff top by the Temple. With the Sunsetting into the Indian Ocean as the backdrop to this Great Hindu Epic Story it must be rather impressive. They missed the performance in Ubud which featured an all female cast. This one was all Male.
Jessie, still wearing her pashmina was perfectly dressed for the performance. The lads were given beautiful purple sarongs to tie around their waists that covered their legs. Jessie found it amusing that everyone used their story sheets that explained the performance as fans to waft the heat away. This was a good end to her trip on the Island of Bali, the only problem now was being on her own in Australia and missing Pat.
My Daughter's Gap Year & Other Adventures 
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