Day 4 – Of Jet Lag, Naps, and New Beginnings
Dear diary 😉…
If I had to sum up yesterday in one word, it would be: Jetlag.
Honestly, after the long island tour on Day 3, I thought I'd sleep like a rock. But nope. The night from Friday to Saturday was anything but restful. I kept waking up, my mind racing with thoughts, and—let’s face it—no one sleeps well with a busy brain.
Usually, I handle jetlag pretty well, thanks to my “zombie” arrival strategy on Day 1 (remember that?). But I have to admit, the same thing happened on a business trip to California last year. Day 3 there was rough, especially in the office. After that, things improved… and I hope the same applies here.
Resetting, Recharging & Revisiting Creativity
So yesterday became a much-needed recovery day: time to relax, write, and work on my photos.
That, however, turned out to be more difficult than expected. With the sun directly overhead, shadows are harsh, the air is boiling, and the sky shows little variation beyond solid blue and white.
Time for a strategy change: get out during sunrise and sunset for softer light, warmer tones, and more depth in the images. Easier said than done, but at least I’m mobile now—I finally rented a scooter. And trust me, in Bali, you need one.
Of course, the scooter came with barely any fuel, so the first thing I had to do was find a gas station. Oh—and the guy delivering it was hours late, delaying my whole day. So, I was basically stuck at the hotel most of the time.
The Nap That Shouldn’t Have Happened
I eventually gave in to my fatigue and took a nap.
Big mistake.
I couldn't fall asleep later until 3 a.m., which turned into an impromptu movie night in my nicely air-conditioned little house. Silver linings, right?
Side Project: Writing Something That Matters
Over the past few months, I’ve been working on an article that’s been brewing in the back of my mind. I’ve even done a few interviews for it. But as a total beginner in writing, it’s been a challenge to figure out how to put it together in a way that’s interesting, engaging, and not too long.
But I think I’ve found my direction. The structure is starting to take shape, and I’m excited to keep going. It’s one of those side projects that finally feels like it might become something real.
Final Thoughts
Not every travel day is full of temples, waterfalls, and grand views. Some are about slowing down, rebalancing, and taking care of yourself—and your ideas.
More adventures tomorrow.