My last day in Bali started a bit early. I told my mom the night before that I will return by 8AM for breakfast. Kuta beach at 6am was quiet. Some people jogging and some cute dogs playing and swimming. The sun was still hiding and the sea breeze rather strong. It’s totally different view of Kuta beach. I walked in cold water along the coast line to the eastern side until I reach the cultural market that I can no longer walk. When I return to my starting point (just in front of our hotel) i sat on the sand reviewing pictures in my camera. I still have half an hour.
There I saw Mr. Kekaha coming. He’s carrying a white surfing board.
Mr. Kekaha : Good morning, how are you doing ?
Me : Morning. Good, thanks. Isn’t that too cold for surfing?
Mr. Kekaha : No. I prefer morning surf because less people, and during the day the sun can be too strong.
Me : I see. Where are you from?
Mr. Kekaha : Hawaii. Are you Chinese ?
Me : I’m local
Mr. Kekaha : No way. You’re not look like locals
Me : No, I’m Indonesian, but half Chinese.
He had his surfing board stood on the sand.
Mr. Kekaha : Hei, would you look after my (surfing) board? I’ll buy coffee for us and come back. You prefer coffee or tea?
Me : Coffee with milk, please
Mr. Kekaha : Ok!
I was reviewing my pictures when he returned with 2 cups of coffee from MacDonalds. Too bad that I did not asked for sugar, but hot white coffee still do the job 🙂 Sitting next to me Mr. Kekaha sipping his black coffee.
Mr. Kekaha : Where do you stay?
Me : Over there I pointed to the hotel a few stone’s throw from us
Mr. Kekaha : Wow! You must be a very rich girl
Me : Me? Na. Its not a 5 stars hotel though
Mr. Kekaha : Yeah, but its an expensive one. They have all the facilities: door man, room service, swimming pool, good breakfast, tv, air conditioner, and all ..
Me : Hahaha .. True. Where do you stay ?
Mr. Kekaha : Poppy Lane. Small simple room with fan and morning breakfast.
Me : Cool. Heard of hotels in Poppy Lane.
Me : Don’t you feel steamy in the room without air conditioning?
Mr. Kekaha : Nope. When you travel, you don’t stay in the room during the day. And if it’s too hot I deep myself in the sea. I don’t need TV, I don’t need porter or newspaper.
Me : What do they serve for breakfast?
Mr. Kekaha : Toasts, coffee or tea and fruit.
Me : How much do you pay for your room?
Mr. Kekaha : IDR 50.000. How much is your room?
Me : Uhh .. I pay IDR 300.000.
Mr. Kekaha : Hahahahaha … With 300.000 I can stay in Poppy Lane the whole week
Me : Hehehehe .. You’re right. But to defend myself I should say that I’m here with my mom. I wanted to make her happy, so I try to get the best I can afford 🙂
Mr. Kekaha : Hahahaha … Nice try. But you’re right, if it’s with your mom, then you’re right 🙂
Me : You brought your board all the way from US?
Mr. Kekaha : Yep. I won’t do it again next time
Me : Why? You gave up surfing ?
Mr. Kekaha : Plenty of board rental I can find here. I should not bother myself carrying my board.
Me : Where are your surfing friends?
Mr. Kekaha : No no no .. I travel alone ..
Me : Oh, why travel alone? And how do you come to Bali?
Mr. Kekaha : Long story
Me : I’m ok with that, I have time until 7:30 🙂
Mr. Kekaha : 4 years ago I broke up with my girlfriend. I was so sad and everything seems to be wrong. I don’t want to live anymore.
Me : Ok ah .. boring old story, but looking interesting in his story is not a crime
Mr. Kekaha : Then my friend brought me to Hawaii for vacation and he taught me surfing. I found that I love it. I shifted and start my new life in Hawaii.
Me : I see .. How did you end up here?
Mr. Kekaha : I heard that Bali has one of the best surfing spot. So I’m here 🙂
Me : Cool!
Me : So surfing makes you forget about your girlfriend?
Mr. Kekaha : Hahaha .. I met her once back in US. I thank her for dumping me.
Me : What??
Mr. Kekaha : Yes, honestly. Provided she did not leave me, I might not surf, and I would not come to Bali and see how beautiful the world is 😀 Now I’m happy.
I collected my oranges shoes : “Sorry, I need to run back to the hotel to company my mom for breakfast”.
My mom : Where’ve you been ? You haven’t taken shower and have breakfast.
Me : Attended a morning session with a traveler in the beach
My mom : What traveler?
I stack up my breakfast in a white plate and ordering fresh cheese-mushroom-onion omellette from the stand by chef, grab a glass of orange juice and rushed to my mom’s table.
Me : I met a traveler named Mr. Kekaha in the beach. He taught me some valid points about traveling I keep in mind. First, I don’t have to pay porter or convention hall or swimming pool when I don’t need it. But it’s not wrong to pay more when you know what you’re paying for. Second, Life sometimes can be unfair to us, but happiness comes when you have peace in your heart. Third, enjoy your travel light.
My mom : What are you talking about? Finish your breakfast and get ready.
