Seeing our dear friends Rita and Gerhard in Bali yesterday was the best possible port-of-call tour we could have imagined, the kind of day that fills the heart in a way no guidebook or excursion ever could. After Rita broke her foot on a tour in Africa a few months ago, she required months of recovery, a period that would test the patience of even the most resilient traveler. But in true Rita fashion, she and Gerhard decided to spend those months somewhere beautiful, warm, and soothing to the soul. They chose wisely. They’ve been tucked away at the exquisite Grand Hyatt Bali in Nusa Dua, a massive, lush, undeniably five-star resort that has been their temporary home these past few months.
The resort itself was a sight to behold, sweeping grounds, carefully manicured gardens, and the kind of tropical serenity that makes you wish you could slow the day down just a little more. But as lovely as it all was, what mattered most was being with them again. There’s something about familiar friends, the ones who have walked alongside you through years, continents, and countless stories, that makes even the simplest moments feel elevated. Yesterday was one of those days.
They picked us up in a taxi at the pier at 11:00 am, and somehow, despite the crowds and the bustle of disembarking passengers, we spotted each other instantly. The four of us piled into the vehicle, as no time had passed at all, and made the easy 20-minute drive to the resort, chatting nonstop the entire way. Upon arrival, we were given what they jokingly called “the Grand Tour,” and truly, it was. Their suite was nothing short of phenomenal, with breathtaking views, airy spaces, and that intangible sense of tranquility that only a few places in the world seem to capture.
As we wandered through the property and admired their temporary home, we slipped right back into our usual lively, animated banter. It’s funny how friendships like this move effortlessly between laughter, reflection, gentle teasing, and deeper conversation without missing a beat. We caught up on their months in Bali, on our recent travels, on the mundane and the extraordinary. It was wonderful, comforting, energizing, and grounding to be with them once again.
Eventually, we made our way to lunch at one of the resort’s stunning restaurants, where the setting was as delightful as the company. The four of us savored a delicious meal while continuing our rewarding conversations, the kind that stretch well past the last bite and leave you feeling fuller in every sense.
I found myself surprised—and grateful—for how well I was able to walk. Rita and I held onto one another as we navigated the massive resort, two women in recovery, encouraging each other with each careful step. Still, we managed to rack up about 5,000 steps, an achievement that left us both smiling. It felt good to be outdoors, even wrapped in Bali’s signature heat and humidity, the air thick but somehow still comforting.
As the afternoon began to fade, we knew it was time to return to the ship. Parting was softened by the knowledge that we’ll see them again in about five months, this time on their home turf in Vancouver, Washington, when we’ll be back in the US for grandson Miles’ graduation. The thought of another reunion is yet another reason to look forward to our trip to the US.
Once back on board, we slipped into our usual routine, dressing for the evening and heading to the R-Bar by 5:30. The routine of ship life after a day ashore is reassuring and comforting. We settled in for another delightful evening, enjoying the new and familiar faces, easy conversations, and gentle buzz of fellow passengers winding down after their own adventures. Dinner followed at a shared table in the main dining room, the perfect ending to a day that felt both full and restorative.
It was, in every way, a memorable day—one that reminded us how lucky we are to have friends who feel like home, no matter where in the world we meet them.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, December 5, 2015:
