Vacation, that’s what it feels like to me when I walk home from work on a Thursday afternoon. On Friday, we have to move out of our house, so there’s some moving on the agenda, mainly for my flatmate. Before the day begins, I decide to go for a run with Sander’s RunClub. A great way to start Friday and the weekend. Clear my head first, then carry boxes into the van and go up and down in the elevator. An active morning.
Karl, my flatmate, is kind enough to drop me off at Bernie’s place, where I can stay for two nights before flying to Bali. Bernie and his family are people I feel connected to and is like home and it reminds me how important that sense of connection is to me.
Speaking of family, that week I also had a conversation with my parents that definitely gave me something to think about. That’s good, logical, and normal now that I’ve been away from home for almost 8 months. I notice that whenever I’m in the right atmosphere or environment, traveling comes naturally to me, although of course I miss certain things from home now and then. In the end, it’s always the people and the memories that matter most they’re what make a place special.
On Saturday morning, I take a refreshing dip at Freshwater and then head to my piano lesson. Now that I’ve worked for a few weeks, I feel a different kind of freedom. It feels wonderful, like something I’ve earned after about seven weeks of work. I walk back through Manly and then cook a nice lunch for myself and everyone at home. The rest of the day is spent packing for Bali. In the evening, Bernie, Dave, and I head out to a rugby match. It’s definitely an Aussie experience, and there I am, standing on the sidelines with a beer in hand, watching the Manly Sea Eagles take on the Gold Coast Titans. Afterward, we catch some live music at the local breweries and wrap up Saturday in style.
On Sunday, I take my usual morning swim and then tidy up a few last things before heading to the airport. The airport feels like an easy place, and six hours later I arrive in Bali in the evening. I stay in Kedungu, away from the crowds, on my friend Niels’ recommendation, and immediately feel the Bali vibe. There’s something magical about it, and I get easy into the flow.
After several attempts throughout my lifetime, I decide to give surfing another try, and Bolu becomes my surf instructor. A bit of basic instruction, a mix of Bali’s magic and Bolu’s magic, and before I know it, I’m actually catching some really good waves. Standing up, steering a little, riding the wave for a long time. Incredible. I can hardly believe it myself, but I’ve learned something new and completely caught the surfing bug. Am I a pro? Not even close. But after two hours in the water, I definitely want more. A delicious nasi goreng and a Bintang afterward, and honestly, there’s no better way for me to start a day. Can’t beat it.
My dear friend Jessie has also arrived in Bali, together with lovely Justine and lovely Andrea. They’re here for the wedding and decided to turn it into a holiday. They spend a few days in Bali first. When I see him from his hotel lobby and give Jessie a big hug after eight months apart, it feels as though time has stood still. Friendships where time seems to stop are one of the most beautiful aspects of being away. They remind me how much I love them and how special it is to create memories together in a completely different place.
Relaxing by the pool quickly gets us caught up on everything.
That evening, I have dinner with Niels. When I was in Bali back in February, I visited him in the hospital. Now he’s doing well, busy with life, and happily living here. It’s a wonderful day, and surfing definitely is top of mind and I want to give it another try to confirm it wasn’t luck. The next morning, I’m back in the water early for another lesson.
That afternoon, I have a great conversation with Danny, the owner of Little Ripper in Kedungu. What a fantastic place. We talk about how he started it back in 2020. He’s German with Filipino roots and has found his place in Bali, running some apartments and a beautiful café. I spend most of the afternoon there before heading to Seminyak, which is closer to the airport.
Seven years ago, when I was here with Joram, I had a massage in Seminyak. I dug through my archives and found the same place, still operating. After an intense deep-tissue massage and plenty of cracking and stretching, I walk out feeling like a spaghetti. I sleep well and feel ready for my flight to Lombok.
Lombok is the island where the wedding takes place and is only a 25-minute flight from Bali. Upon arrival, I feel like a VIP when a driver is waiting with a sign that reads: “Wedding Annemijn & Jordy.” I toss my backpack into the car and head toward the accommodation.
The landscape is similar to Bali’s, though much less crowded. As a result, it feels more relaxed, though perhaps a little less magical. The day I arrive is Eid Mubarak, and the area around the mosques is busier than usual. Lombok is a Muslim island, and that’s reflected in the clothing, the appearance of the people, and the many small mosques I see from the taxi as we drive through different villages.
Eid Mubarak means many people are walking around with goats, and here and there goats are being sold with their throats already slit. Welcome back to Asia, Stan. Scenes like this no longer surprise me much, but they certainly leave an impression and a reminder of another reality.
After an hour-long taxi ride, I arrive at an incredible location. As I mentioned earlier, it’s the people who make a place special, and that’s certainly true here. Seeing familiar faces again after more than eight months away feels almost new. It’s wonderful to see Jordy and Annemijn again. I catch up with both of their parents and all the amazing family and friends gathered here. It gives me an enormous amount of energy, which feels great upon arrival.
The hotel is quite remote, about an hour from the nearest town, creating a dreamlike setting. Everyone is staying at the same resort. One by one, families arrive, and when Annemijn’s sisters arrive by boat with their partners and children, it feels like being on a setting of TV Program Survivor. People gradually trickle in throughout the afternoon until the resort is buzzing with life.
This Survivor / Robinson contestant has been on expedition for eight months now, so I have plenty of stories to tell and questions to answer. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that I’m now a yoga teacher, so naturally a yoga class is scheduled for the next morning at 9:30 for anyone interested.
We roll out the mats for a gentle session. It feels good to share my love, energy, and sense of calm. It’s far from perfect, but that’s not the goal. Crying babies are welcome if they miss their mothers on the yoga mat. Full credit to everyone who tried yin yoga for the first time, and I’m grateful I got to be their teacher.
Still, it turns out to be quite a busy morning, and I become a little overstimulated by all the babies, nannies, and activity. I feel the need to get out and unwind. I find that relaxation on an adventurous scooter ride with my friend Ernst.
Our mission: find a barber for me, diapers, ear drops, cigarettes, and two items I need for a little act I’m planning for Jordy. Ernst and I succeed on all fronts, and this active form of relaxation leaves me recharged for the welcome dinner.
After my big little friend Jordy opens the evening with a speech, I feel immense pride and gratitude. There he stands, speaking from the heart to everyone who traveled so far to be part of these unforgettable days. After heartfelt words from his Father and a wonderful Indonesian rice dish, it’s my turn to give a short speech.
Naturally, I speak about my love for the bride, groom, and their families. I finish with a Balinese version of Jordy performing AndrĂ© Hazes’ song “Kleine Jongen.” The line I use in my speech “The pressure is off” turns out to be the highlight of my speech, and fortunately it sets a relaxed tone for all the speeches that follow.
After a pleasant welcome dinner and a few beers, I decide to go surfing. I’ve really caught the bug now, alternating between days with and without an instructor. A perfect escape before the big day.
That afternoon, the wedding ceremony takes place. One of the nicest things is that the schedule isn’t packed, so everything unfolds at a relaxed pace. The staff work hard to create a beautiful, romantic setting. People spend the day by the pool, eating whenever they feel like it, creating a natural and unforced atmosphere.
Of course, everyone gets dressed up in time for the ceremony. Beautiful Annie arrives with her father, and the ceremony is made complete by Nathalie, Jordy’s mother, who serves as the non-official officiant. Once again, heartfelt words are shared, accompanied by both laughter and tears, as it should be.
Her story brings back many memories, allowing me to be fully present in the moment. One hundred percent focused on everything around me. No distractions, no pressure, no obligations. Hardly any time spent on my phone. Surrounded by these people, I realize how wonderful it is simply to be together.
After the ceremony, we move to the wedding cake and a toast to the happy couple. Dinner is incredible, featuring great speeches and videos from people who couldn’t attend. Once again, laughter and tears. Naturally, the evening ends with a celebration.
This wedding is special. Nothing over the top, just relaxed, authentic, and perfectly balanced.
A late night means a late morning after the party. I slept in. There are a few hungover faces around the pool, including my own. We recover by the water before joining a group surf lesson in the afternoon.
My ego and overconfidence get in the way when I decide to paddle out on my own rather than take the instructor’s help. Well, lesson learned. Good for my balance and a reminder that I still need some guidance.
For the final dinner, fresh lobster is on the menu—but first, it has to be caught.
About 250 meters offshore lies a small lobster farm. Amid a few nervous screams from the ladies on the boat, the lobsters are hauled in one by one. No problem at all, however, for the fearless Andrea, who casually grabs them out of the water with her bare hands.
The lobsters are tossed into the boat and later grilled on the barbecue for our final dinner. An incredible BBQ, spent lounging on beanbags, reflecting on and recovering from some truly amazing days.
Fantastic. Truly fantastic.
A few old stories are shared, and the next morning, as the first guests prepare to leave, it feels like the end of a beautiful and unforgettable wedding that contained everything I could have wished for: love, humor, togetherness, great food, friendship, family, sunshine, sea, beaches, and memorable experiences.
More than grateful, I board my little boat with a deep sense of satisfaction. I wish everyone a safe journey home or onward travels, and naturally they wish me well on the next chapter of my own adventure, which is far from over.
I enjoyed every moment and am incredibly happy that this became part of my journey.
Dearest Jordy and Annemijn,
Thank you!
Big kiss,
Robinson Stan
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