Indo with Indo

I am writing my latest post from here..

The Indosole factory is in part the reason why I havnt blogged in a bit. I could lie and say I've been slaving over shoes all week but I won't. I have been lucky enough to spend time in the factory set in the beautiful Balinese counyryside but for the most part this week I have been chilling here... 

I moved in last Saturday and since then I've been getting to grips with how Indosole as a company works. 

I was actually a little nervous starting. I know that most if you that know me are thinking "nervous, what?" but rather than being nervous of a new experience, it's people or anything else I was a little worried that Indosole might not be the company it appeared to be once I was behind the scenes.

Before arriving on Bali my impression of Indosole online and on tv (where I first caught sight of the brand) was super green, environmentally conscious and had a great story from its humble beginnings that it has carried through until today. I thought their concept and creation of a brand that prodominently used recycled motorbike tyres, organic threads and natural materials was amazing. I got the imoression the company was inspiring and such a refreshing change from your usual fashion brand that churns out countless pieces most of which people do not need! From what I could see I thought Indosole had fashion integrity, something somewhat missing in today's environmentally friendly garment market place. 

Fortunately for me and my experience Indosole's public face has held up and I'm happy to say I'm loving working with a company that can boast the attributes of all the positive points above. 

Yesterday was a pretty 'average' day for my past week:

I woke up early and headed south from the Indo house at beautiful Echo Beach. 

Reaching the factory I spent most of my morning sorting shoes, testing product through Indosole's super strict quality control process and I spent some time cutting and tying laces.

I later spent the afternoon taking pictures for Indo online and for a few upcoming magazine pieces. After falling off my bike followed by getting soaked in a tropical storm on the way home I finally made it in one piece and spent the rest of my time until dark in the pool. 

I mean it's less than glamourous (well apart from the pool bit) but I have to say I feel super happy at how my first week has gone down.

The team here are pretty sweet! I think I might just be happy for the next while in Indo with Indo...

Waiting and wondering...

I have so much to say but don't quite know how to say it. I'm writing this from my latest location. I'm sitting having dinner on Echo Beach as the sun sets, watching surfers and listening to an amazing acoustic version of Bob Marleys redemption song. It's breathtaking!

It's moments like this you can't really plan and for sure I didn't see coming when I set off from my friends place and headed north on my bike to move into my new house.

The house is awesome but more about that later.

I didn't expect much of my last week as it was beginning. I was so sad to leave Ubud and the amazing Mara that I hadn't really given it much thought. Well what a week it has been! 

Ellie has yet again been an absolute star! Once I got back to hers in Kuta we were straight out for my few days belated birthday celebrations and hit a club to see super cool progressive house dj Dinka (who turns out is lovely and lived downstairs). From that day for the full week following I stayed there. I did mean to move on Wednesday and then Friday but as it turns out I didn't move in until yesterday (Saturday)... 

I've spent the last week waiting and wondering but have to say I have had a fabulous week for it! 

We have seen amazing temples, some awesome sunsets, we hit a few bars and I met some seriously cool people along the way! 

What more could I ask for? 

My Ubud birthday on Bali!

Before I came to Bali I had unbelievable plans for my Birthday. In my head it was a Hunter S. Thompson style drug and alcohol fuelled frenzy all topped of with lashings of local boys and blistering sunshine on some far flung beach... 

My reality could not be farther from the truth. 

After first arriving in Kuta on Bali I did dabble. I met a few people and tried a few nights out. Unsuccessfully.

It just wasn't for me. I still can't put my finger on it but it felt a little too staged. I mean nothing in Kuta is underground, there's no new music and as I have said before the people were pretty ridiculous. It was like a dodgy club reps episode and I needed out! 

I had heard of Ubud from a few people all over my trip and when Ellie and another few friends said they might head there I jumped at the chance! 

I spent most of my time with Mara. Mara might just be the sweetest travellers I have met so far. On the first day we quickly found a hotel that we shared, planning only the first night in luxury we ended up staying there for a week as the staff were so amazing and living together felt so much like a holiday. 

We chilled! We didn't do much else but sleep, meditate and the occasion yoga class. We met Ellie lots for amazing food too! 

On my birthday itself I awoke to a lovely card from Mara and a rose from the staff. We spent most of the day on sharing a scooter we rented and visited a few local galleries before hitting the art museum for lunch. That night we met with Ellie again as well as another few friends for some amazing Cuban food followed by a few drinks. It was relaxed but ooh so fabulous all the same! 

In fact Ive never felt so relaxed and after day after day of amazing conversation, meeting more amazing people and trying lots of new things I've never felt so at one with myself and I'm happy to say the wonderful world around me. Riding back down south on the back of Ellie's bike I felt awesome.

It's strange because I feel settled here now. I got my own bike today and I'm moving into my house on Wednesday. 

I'm excited for the next few months and no longer spend time looking at flying planes. I no longer wonder or wish when I see them because for now at least I'm already here. In paradise :)