Little moments #TrueStory

Day 3

6:30am
My alarm started beeping like a devil wanting to ruin your dreams. But I got up as a new wave if excitement passed through me. I was gonna see this place!

After a breakfast of strawberry and chocolate pancakes (they were marvelous) I went to meet our driver.

"Kadrk" he introduced himself, extending an arm. I shook it, "Hey Kedak, I'm Shreya"

He smiled politely, "Kedrk" he said. I grinned "Yeah Kedak". He rolled his eyes and went to meet Dad.

"Pura Ulun Danu?" I asked. Kedak grinned and nodded. I looked at the brochure I held in my hand. Viable.

"So it's like a lake" mom asked. Kedak nodded excitedly, "At edge of the lake, temple made of roks".

I smiled to myself. The Balinese accent and broken English won my heart in the spot.

After a treacherous 3 hours we got out in the blistering heat to see a temple at the edge of a lake. Inching closer the intricate design came into view. Dragons and flowers carved into the stone.

I ran a hand over the rocks and could feel the ancient carvings underneath.

Americans, Australians, all crowded around the statues of the deities. I caught a glimpse of a Rama and Sita. We weren't all that different were we?

After spending an hour admiring the view we set off again for what was gonna be our second temple of the day, Monkey Temple.

To say that I was scared of monkeys might be an understatement. I clung to my dad's hand as he steered me inside the main temple area. Monkeys were present in hundreds.

A small baby monkey approached me and I ran away screaming. Not really my forte.

Ignoring all said animals I went to check out the stores lining the entrance. Fake flower clips and bands graced all the shops. I bought some flower clips which seemed so popular and put it on in hopes of looking pretty.

Next we went to a temple I can't quite name right but it was worth seeing. 11 structures made of dried coconut leaves standing tall in the sunlight. We looked on in awe at the sight. Beside an artificial lake, only adding to its beauty.

The sun was about to go down as we rushed to see what is said to be perhaps one of the most iconic sunset in the world.

Tanah Lot, restricted temple located on a ledge. The sea surrounding it frothed and foamed. With bounds of people coming to see the sunset, the crowds grew more and more crowded by the minute.

Couples kissed and made promises if forever. I smiled for a bit but it wasn't really forever? Because isn't that what you promised me. I would give the world to be with you right now but why for something so temporary.

We promise forever in a world where even life is temporary.

The sun dipped lower and the sky turned a dark shade of orange. Every minute the sky changing color. From orange to red to pink. With the backdrop of the cliff, it was a sight to behold.

Countless cameras clicked and flashed but you can't capture something like this on a memory stick. You have to see it for it can only be saved in the memory, for forever.