Bali, July 2022

I waited impatiently for this evening. Crafting my look for that special moment where I imagined standing against the horizon with the sunset behind me. The dress I adorned for that glimpse of time was deliberately selected for the picture-perfect Instagram post to gloat to my friends that I’ve ticked one of the items in my bucket list. Having drinks at the edge of the cliff of Uluwatu. Check. Bucket list ticked.

With the boyfriend in tow, holding hand in hand for this particularly special time together, where we flew 1200 miles just so we can embalm this experience as one of the milestones in our relationship. It’s our first overseas trip together. After the borders open having relaxed Covid restrictions. He looked a little anxious at times on flight. But managed to pacify himself, passing the three-hour journey to this place I call heaven on earth. It was worth it.

We would not be offered a love seat by the rocky cliff if we hadn’t spent about 1 000 000 Rupiahs that night. The boyfriend rushed to please me, agreed to it. We popped chicken pieces into our mouths, enjoying the scenery where we waited impatiently for the sun to finally settle. Phone in hand, we snapped pictures in different poses at sporadic moments to preserve this section of time should it dissipate from memory.

The sun finally set. A golden ball almost touched the border of the calm blue sea. It’s yellow -orange rays glistened on the mirror like surface of the sea creating a spectacle worthy of admiration. C’est magnifique. If I could, I would freeze this moment in time. I’m at a good place. My head in the clouds, not from the alcohol. With my companion beside me, at a gorgeous venue, sunset in the background. What more could I ask for? I’m blessed indeed.

Once the obligatory photo taken, I crawled back to the seat with my head against his chest. Slowly sipping the minutes the sun shrinks from view until darkness totally engulf the skies. I looked into his eyes, without any force, a natural reflex carved a smile. I was happy. I am happy.

We stayed an hour more as the Rock bar was gaining more patrons. It was getting louder with the chatter of the visitors. I could see different characters patronising this must place for a visit. If CNN says it’s one of the best bars in the world, who would oppose that? Some people came dressed up to the nines, some were simply clothed. Most would appreciate the exceptional moment it offers.

It’s time to leave. It’s moments like this I firmly believe that life is precious indeed. We don’t deserve amazing moments nor second chances at life. When the Almighty hands it to us, cherish it with all our might and be thankful.