Catherine and Thomas made the decision to descend to the hotel's lobby for breakfast before the arrival of their boat. As they entered, they found themselves in a grand hall adorned with meticulous carvings. Beyond the lobby lay a courtyard nestled amidst a field of vibrant, picturesque flowers and lush green meadows. The timeless beauty amidst the wild expanse of nature gave them the feeling of stepping into an authentic ancient castle.
The sweet, tantalizing scent of pastries, combined with the fiery warmth of cinnamon, created an immensely cozy atmosphere. After a round of menu selections, Thomas and Catherine resolved to try some of Bali's signature dishes.
For an appetizer, they indulged in Rujak Buleleng. Rujak Buleleng is a spicy fruit salad with a unique, tropical flavor that no traveler to the enchanting island of Bali can resist. Like other fruit salads, Rujak Buleleng typically includes tropical fruits such as pineapple, guava, jicama, and mango, sometimes even sweet potatoes and cucumbers. The sauce for Rujak Buleleng consists of brown sugar, vinegar, shrimp paste, chili, and wild bananas. The ingredients are pounded in a mortar and pestle until they blend into a delectable, textured mixture. This salad is easy to eat and delivers a stimulating fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that tantalize the palate.
First up for the main course was Nasi Campur, a mixed rice dish. The plate included a portion of white rice with various optional toppings, comprising:
Plecing Kacang Panjang (steamed long beans with tomato chili sambal and roasted peanuts).
Urab Kellymun Kacang Barat (coconut, cucumber salad with local herbs).
Be Siap Megorent Base Manis (Balinese-style fried chicken with sweet soybean sauce).
Following that culinary delight was Bebek Timbungan.
Bebek Timbungan is a distinctive local dish from Bali, utilizing duck as its primary ingredient along with a medley of spices. The preparation is intricate, taking up to 12 hours to complete before gracing the dining table. In the local dialect, "Timbungan" signifies the method of slow cooking within bamboo tubes, while "Bebek" translates to duck. Besides duck, other familiar ingredients like fish, chicken, pork, and vegetables can also be used in this dish.
Catherine and Thomas sat side by side in the breakfast room, relishing their colorful and delectable meal. On the table, a variety of foods, from legumes and vegetables to meats, were spread out.
After savoring their delightful meal, the train had arrived, gliding gently over the water's surface. In stark contrast to the stormy weather of the previous day, today's weather seemed much more favorable. The boat cruised gracefully over waves resembling feathers in the air. Upon reaching their destination, they spotted two familiar figures.
"Catherine, do you have any idea how worried I was about you? I was almost fainting here," Nicole exclaimed, acting out her words.
"I'm so relieved to see you, Thomas. Yesterday, you left without saying a word to go find Catherine, and it had us all terribly concerned," Matt added with a knowing smile. "This kid here was genuinely worried about you."
On that day, Thomas managed to locate Catherine quickly, thanks to a middle-aged Vietnamese man who lent him his phone. It was a godsend considering the turbulent weather; Catherine couldn't imagine how they would have coped otherwise.
Following that, the four of them began their exploration of Bali. The sun shone brightly, and the lush greenery lined the streets, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Thomas and Catherine strolled through narrow alleyways, discovering unique shops and colorful streets.
The locals greeted them warmly, with cheerful smiles, as they stopped at a fruit stand to sample the delicious fruits of the land. Thomas chose a ripe coconut, while Catherine selected a fresh red rambutan. With each bite, the sweet and refreshing flavors filled their mouths, providing relaxation and freedom after their daily stressful routines.
The weariness of daily life seemed to dissipate with the refreshing taste of the fruit and the atmosphere around them.
After exploring and learning about Bali's unique architectural style, Thomas and Catherine decided to visit an ancient temple to delve deeper into the country's distinct culture. They stepped into the temple grounds and were captivated by the reverence and spirituality of the space. The ancient stone statues and pathways were adorned with delicate flowers and gentle fragrances.
Thomas and Catherine sat down to pause, taking in the sweet air and savoring the tranquil surroundings. From there, they could see lush rice fields and serene rivers flowing gently. A sense of peace and elegance enveloped their souls as they witnessed the harmonious blend of nature and Bali's unique architecture.
As the evening approached, Thomas and Catherine decided to return to their hotel. They passed through quiet streets and began to feel the serenity of Bali's nighttime. The streetlights and the glow from the shops created a dreamy and romantic ambiance.
Finally, as they entered the hotel, they felt a sense of exhaustion after a long day of exploration. But with new and exciting experiences, they knew this trip would be a memorable chapter in their lives.