Travel Diary: Aaron Yoo in Bali
The StartUp actor takes us on vacation
Written by Rachel Barber
Panoramic view of Dream Beach in Nusa Lembogan, off the coast of Bali.
Panoramic view of Dream Beach in Nusa Lembogan, off the coast of Bali.
When your luggage breaks a week before Bali and Tumi comes to your rescue with a suitcase made from Kevlar. I asked for something big. It's the size of a New York City studio apartment. But I still can't take you with me, Merlin.
30 hours of travel and three countries later we're welcomed by gargantuan statues under a tropic sun. Something epic to cut through the jet lag.
Vacation coffee. If I were the first man on Mars I'd brew a cup before radioing home. Balinese beans happen to be some of the world’s best.
I do yoga at home, but in Ubud on the patio of your bungalow with the morning sun filtering through the jungle it's just, well, better.
My wife is a vacation pro. When life gives you a tub, you make a bubble bath.
Pura Tirta Empul is a holy water purification temple an hour outside of Ubud. Go early to beat the crowds. Do the ritual; cleanse your mind, body and soul. Then pee. Because you drank A LOT of holy water.
In NYC there's a bodega or a Starbucks on every corner. In Bali there's a temple everywhere you turn. The culture prioritizes kindness and smiles. Having skipped the playa to come here I feel its spirit in the people.
Everywhere you go you're surrounded, SWARMED by mopeds. Like many places I've been in South and Southeast Asia - Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka - the roadways are full of creative license and artistic interpretation.
A black sand beach in Tabanan province, grains as fine as baby powder. I've seen my share of shores but nothing like this.
A week away from everything, even the rest of Bali. Daily yoga, massages and floating in an infinity pool. And a postcard sunset to welcome every evening.
The Potato Head. At night. With my person.
One final location change. En route to Sanur to catch a speedboat. The moped gangs chasing.
I find myself overpacked for Nusa Lembogan, an island outpost for surfers and adventurers. But these bags are indestructible, and waterproof enough. Have Tumi, will travel.
Last stop. Dream Beach Huts in Nusa Lembogan. Wondering if I'll be able to stream my new show from here... Wondering if... What were we talking about?
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