Summer Adventures: Bali to Osaka

Phew! What a summer it’s been—long and glorious, packed with family, friends, and places close to my heart.

First stop, Bali. This year, my mother moved to a new home in Sanur, and I have to say, it’s perfect. She’s now just a stone’s throw from all her favorite things—beach walks, padel, golf, and friends. Plus, it's a quick drive to the airport, meaning less Bali traffic (well, mostly).

We kicked things off with a traditional Balinese melaspas—a house-blessing ceremony. A local priest came to offer prayers at the spirit houses around the property, and by the end, my mother was beaming, her home officially blessed. It was a beautiful way to mark this new chapter.

Sanur—Bali’s original resort town—became my personal retreat this summer. I spent hours biking through its quiet backstreets and strolling along the beach walk. People sometimes say Sanur’s the “sleepier” side of Bali (I’ve even heard it jokingly called "Snore"). Sure, it’s quieter than Canggu, with all its hipsters, surfers, and sunset crowds. But if you’re an early riser like me, Sanur’s sunrise is just as good, if not better. What really stood out for me was the public beach walk—it’s for everyone. You’ve got five-star luxury resorts sharing the space with local warungs where you can grab a delicious, affordable meal right on the sand. It’s the perfect blend of old and new Bali.

The real adventure this summer, though, was Komodo National Park. These rugged islands are just a short flight from Bali, but stepping onto them feels like entering another world—dry landscapes, surreal pink beaches, and of course, the stars of the show: Komodo dragons. We spent three unforgettable days on a boat, snorkeling vibrant reefs, hiking to breathtaking views, and just soaking in the beauty around us. Truly, the trip of a lifetime.

After Bali, I made my usual stop in Singapore. My brother lives there, and my dad’s just a hop away, so it’s always a must. We spent most of our time doing what we do best—eating! Laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab... the list goes on. Plus, plenty of padel. I’ve managed to get both parents into the game, although my dad, now in his 80s, still swears by tennis. As for my brother? I’m working on him!

Next up: Japan. This trip was part work, part play, and Osaka—Japan’s kitchen—did not disappoint. “Eat till you’re broke” is the local motto, and I did my best! Every meal was a delight, but my favorite part was exploring Tsuruhashi, Osaka’s vibrant Korean neighborhood. It’s a sensory explosion: towers of red kimchi, slithering octopi trying to escape their tanks, and that’s all before you even sit down to eat!

Japan holds a special place in my heart. My first posting as a journalist outside Indonesia was in Tokyo, so being back always feels like a homecoming. I only wish I’d squeezed in a visit to Tokyo this time. Just another reason to return soon, right?

Now I’m back in Valencia, riding that post-trip jet lag to get some serious writing done. There’s something about the quiet, pre-dawn hours that’s perfect for getting lost in my novel-in-progress. Sure, this early bird routine clashes with Spain’s late-night culture, but for the sake of my word count? I think it’s worth it.

I’m also diving into new storytelling projects—especially in audio. So, stay tuned, because there’s more to come on that.

For now, I’m just happy to be back with my toughest critics: my cats. They may not hold back on their opinions, but they make great company.