“`html
Alison Emerick
- Alison Emerick and her spouse took a trip to Bali as a respite on their journey back to Colorado.
- They quickly adapted to life in Bali with their two young children and found it hard to leave.
- Now, after two years, they both work remotely and cherish the increased family time.
Upon our arrival in Bali, we brought along nine suitcases, one child recovering from an illness, another struggling with sleep issues, and aspirations that a few months away would help us determine our future direction. That was our initial plan.
After spending three years in Singapore due to my husband’s corporate role, we sent all our belongings back to the United States. My husband was employed at a tech firm while I worked as a freelance photographer. Although Singapore offered an excellent living experience, it eventually felt constricted and costly.
The intention was to stay in Bali for just a couple of months for clarity before returning home to Colorado.
However, two years have passed since then—and we’re still here!
Quick Adaptation to Life in Bali
As weeks turned into months and life began its slower pace here, we discovered how much we truly enjoyed living in this paradise. The cost of living is remarkably appealing; for instance, we pay around $2,200 monthly for a modern three-bedroom house complete with a pool—about one-third of what we spent on an apartment back in Singapore.
The affordability extends beyond housing; dining out is also budget-friendly. Our family can enjoy meals at Western restaurants for approximately $30 or even less when opting for local cuisine.
A surprising expense has been school fees. While tuition costs are lower than those at schools like the Singapore American School—which starts at over $35K—international schools here range from $3K up to $20K annually. We currently pay about $10K for our 7-year-old son’s education.
A friend once remarked that Bali either captivates you or drives you away; fortunately for us, we’ve felt its magnetic pull. With children aged 4 and 7 years old making transitions like starting new schools easier than it might be later on—we embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly!
Alison Emerick
Bali: A Perfect Match for Our Family
Over these past two years residing here has revealed countless activities available throughout Bali and Indonesia as well! From regular beach dinners near Sanur where we live—to short drives watching surfers catch waves during sunset hours at Canggu—we’re always discovering something new!
This adventure has included hiking through northern coffee plantations; swimming alongside manta rays off Nusa Penida; sailing around Komodo Island; climbing volcanoes located within East Java; tubing through hidden WWII tunnels close by Ubud—all unforgettable experiences!
Mornings now consist of biking together as a family while dropping kids off at school—passing by Balinese neighbors engaged with ceremonies held nearby temples along our route! We often buy coconuts from Nyoman—a friendly man who rarely wears shirts but carries his pet squirrel perched upon his shoulder—and eagerly anticipate his cheerful greetings each time we pass him by!
Embracing Simplicity: More Time Together
This lifestyle offers newfound freedom—a sense that anything is achievable! I relish zipping around town atop my motorbike while inhaling fragrant incense wafting from morning offerings during errands run throughout each day! Everything feels accessible—from food deliveries right down childcare options available locally—all complemented by numerous activities offered nearby too!
I no longer miss those harsh winters experienced back home—instead appreciating sunny days allowing kids outside whenever they need refreshing breaks via swimming sessions together instead! The absence of Amazon or Target means impulse purchases become rare occurrences—helping keep unnecessary consumption levels low overall too!
Alison Emerick
Living amidst such beauty grants us precious moments spent together without feeling rushed daily—we can say yes spontaneously when friends invite us out over coffee midweek—or indulge ice cream treats post-school drop-offs right there along sandy shores too!!
This journey introduced fascinating individuals hailing globally who’ve broadened perspectives regarding possibilities ahead & encouraged rethinking priorities surrounding what truly matters most within life itself!! We treasure quality time shared amongst ourselves prioritizing both physical & mental wellness alike!!
Todays’ reality sees my husband thriving independently working real estate ventures plus alternative investments whilst I remain busy blogging about travel adventures across not only beautiful bali but beyond too!!! Both jobs allow flexibility setting own schedules recognizing these privileges granted unto us!!!
Challenges Faced Living On This Island Paradise:
Bali isn’t without flaws—is it really an idyllic haven?? Certainly not entirely so… Many people express disappointment upon arriving here lately due largely because influencers flood social media showcasing picture-perfect landscapes often concealing underlying issues such as trash accumulation caused excessive tourism plaguing this island paradise!!
The rapid development threatens many beaches rice fields alike—the current construction pace raises concerns among locals regarding sustainability long-term viability overall health environment surrounding them!!! Traffic jams plague roads frequently leaving vehicles stuck crawling snail-like speeds instead moving freely across open spaces once enjoyed previously!!! Many residents resort burning waste leading toxic air pollution affecting everyone’s health negatively including visitors passing through area regularly!!!! Rivers beaches choked plastic debris further complicating matters worsening conditions faced daily!!!!
Caution must be exercised concerning drinking water safety standards which fall below expectations set elsewhere globally plus medical care doesn’t meet same high-quality benchmarks expected either resulting constant anxiety lingering mind constantly worrying about these factors impacting lives lived abroad far removed families left behind stateside knowing distance grows larger every day separating loved ones further apart until eventual return becomes necessary someday soon enough… Until then though gratefulness fills hearts cherishing moments curated uniquely tailored lifestyles suited perfectly fit needs desires fulfilled happily ever after…
If you have personal stories related relocating Asia you’d like share please reach out editor:[email protected].
