BLOG TAKEOVER: LIFE IN BALI

We sent a few pairs of Skechers to Bali for expat American writer Caroline Griswold to share her take on what it means to live in paradise when you’re not just a tourist.

Bright sunlight streams in through my curtains, and the roosters up the road are crowing. I hear some distant chanting at a temple, and the fragrant incense from the daily offerings wafts through the air. These foreign, yet comforting, sensory experiences have all become familiar the past three months I’ve been living on the island of Bali.

Full of beautiful landscapes, lush vegetation and cheerful people, Bali has everything I could ever want. I’ve spent the last three months in Canggu, an area of South West Bali that’s just a 20-minute scooter ride away from the bustling city of Seminyak. During the typical day in Bali, I usually have some tropical fruit for breakfast, go to yoga, and get some work done at Dojo, a coworking space just steps from the beach.

Seen above:  The Vinyasa – Beach Bae sandal during yoga practice and a relaxing fruit breakfast in the BOBS Day 2 Nite espadrille in turquoise. Plus, below as well on the scooter is the Ultra Flex – First Choice.

Yes, you read that right. It is possible to get work done in Bali. Doing so, however, has made me way more effective at time management. With so many adventures available a short scooter ride away, it’s definitely difficult to be disciplined and work on my laptop instead of exploring a hidden waterfall or wandering through a monkey forest. Somehow, in this verdant paradise, I manage.

Every day, it seems like more and more tourists come to the island, but I honestly don’t blame them. Who wouldn’t want to come here and relax on beautiful black sand beaches, sipping from a refreshing coconut? Doesn’t trekking along picturesque rice terraces among lush greenery seem more appealing than a morning commute on the highway? I can assure you that a picture of a Balinese sunset on Instagram doesn’t compare to witnessing it in person, relaxing on a bean bag on the beach.

Below the BOBS in chestnut and the Reggae – Zig Swag sandal are perfect for beach days.

Whatever your style may be, Bali probably has something for you. Adventure, relaxation, and endless natural beauty — along with beautiful people and culture — make for a destination like no other on this planet.

Caroline Griswold is a writer originally from Los Angeles, and currently living in Bali, Indonesia. Check out her website thecarolinegriswold.com, or follow her on Instagram @grizshiz. Pictures by Conor Macken. See more of his shots on Instagram @conor_macken.