The Allure of Island Life
Another day, another friend of yours sets sail for warmer lands. And you are sitting here stuck in the middle of the concrete jungle and can't help but wonder: Am I doing something wrong? Of course, each of us was allured by island life, but the question remains: Is the grass really greener on the other side?
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Just you and the calming breeze of the Indian Ocean flowing all your troubles away. The sun is waving to you, sitting at the Bali seashore, hidden from the concrete blocks. "The one who survived" - that's how your colleagues talk about you. Stumbling upon another block of papers, they dream of the sweet island life. Here you are, posting another sun-kissed selfie and living your best life. But for now, just stop. What if we could scroll the tape? Let's look at some blindspots together and see if this best-case scenario is a real-life case.
First, let's figure out why Island Life, and specifically Bali, obtained its almost legendary position. Island Life tales have been around for decades. Remember the stories of your mum and dad earning money to move to some seaside coast to spend the rest of their lives. What's more, for those who didn't have the luxurious chance to spend their childhood at the seaside, the summer sea vacation seemed like a magnifying dream. The beloved pop culture indeed added the allure of this lifestyle. Tons of adventurous books like "Robinson Crusoe" or "A Captain in Fifteen", films like the iconic "Blue Lagoon" starring Brooke Shields romanticized within the fleur of deserted nature and last but not least - advertisement. We all surely remember the legendary 'Bounty' campaign, which portrays "the taste of paradise" like shots with breathtaking views and turquoise waters. We couldn't escape the temptation of life full of sunshine and salty hair. We never had a chance.
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Then there's Instagram. Have you forgotten about "living in the moment, freelance, yoga, pilates, it girl lifestyle"? Hopefully, you did. But the legacy of Instagram feeds filled with picturesque sunsets, beachside workstations, and yoga sessions on the sand remained with us. Especially in the modern era of distant working, who would bother spending 8 hours a day amid a concrete block when you can enjoy the sea breeze and do some freelance/remote job while sipping your coconut milk? Some seaside coast surfers will be on your Zoom background during the meetings. It's pretty silly for some, but others live it as a dream. Not an American one, but still quite solid. The rise of remote work has made this image seem more attainable than ever, inspiring many to swap their cubicles for cabanas.
The serenity of sunrises and the beauty of lagoons - okay, we all get it. But why Bali? Why does this specific island become the first one that comes to mind when talking about Island Life?
Bali's cultural aspect is one of the most fulfilling. The promise of immersing oneself in a vibrant ambience, experiencing new traditions, and savoring exotic cuisines makes island life even more appealing. Bali's culture is deeply rooted in spirituality and tradition, and the island is filled with temples that provide a wide range of Hindu practices. Many people visit and stay specifically for the spiritual experience, not considering the down-to-earth lifestyle and laid-back atmosphere. While the island is famous for its "wellness" part, it has also become the center of the freelance and remote movement among many professionals in the last couple of years. The thriving expat community and digital nomad culture promote the Bali image. The island is a hotspot for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and creatives all because of its affordable living costs and the lifestyle it promotes. So next time somebody considers a remote job relocation, don't forget to use the classy Bali reference line.
But jokes aside, in recent years, the easy-going nature of Bali life has experienced some transformation as more and more people strive to get their piece of paradise. The prices of previously cheap and easily affordable life have constantly risen due to the influx of tourists and expats. From time to time, the beautiful beaches with stunning Bounty campaign views are filled with litter and overcrowded with visitors. Bali’s waste management system leaves much to be desired. The cultural landscape has undergone some changes as well. Previously solemnly spiritual and artistic, commercialization can sometimes diminish Bali's authenticity. Even the most picturesque landscape, straight from the latest tourist email messages, can bring up issues far from the vacation routine. Living and dreaming aren't the same, and while it's certainly good to keep this heaven-like image in your head and keep it sane, it is sometimes crucial to look back and imagine the real "living" in the place of your dream. It isn't always about sunshine and beaches. It can also be about taxes and living costs (and I'm not even talking about local snakes and other beautiful wildlife forms).
We all live in the constant search for authenticity, looking for something previously unseen or unexperienced. Maybe that's where the real allure of island life lies. In the hidden dream of a 12-year-old to become a captain or a desire to be caught up on a deserted island with the love of your life (or at least your recent crush)? It's certainly natural for us to depict this ideal place where our life would always seem like an unstoppable vacation. But speaking from the perspective of someone who already lived in three different cities for at least a year, trust me - even the biggest of them all can become dull with some time. So while considering your next destination, always follow your heart and (just in case) the latest geo-political agenda.
