As I walk out of the airport after (finally) having picked up my luggage and cleared the customs, it feels like a slap on my face. The weather in Bali is uniform throughout the whole year, around 26-30 degrees—which is the perfect interval if you ask me. What I didn't realize, however, is how the extremely high humidity makes it even hotter. (I checked my phone later - it said that the temperature you feel is around 40 degrees.)

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The first morning is very overwhelming. I wake up to the noises of nature—I hear water falling down, birds chirping, kids laughing, and some beautiful Balinese music playing in the background. I see loads of green everywhere, with cute little Balinese house opposite my room. I feel like I am in paradise—until I realize how I feel.

I woke up sweaty and warm since I refused to the turn on the fan after being in an air-conditioned space for around 25 hours. I feel really sick. My nose is stuck and I have a headache, I'm dehydrated and hungry. I have no water, almost no food, and nobody around me. As it is Saturday, volunteers go out for the weekend and sometimes come back only on Monday. My roommate is not there, and I don't see anyone else outside in the sitting area.

Roel tells me to go out and get some water at least five times as we call. When I get off the phone, I finally manage to put on some clothes and am ready to go on a quest to find an ATM and a supermarket. My warrior mode, however, was totally uncalled for. As I walk out, I see that the homestay "reception" is right in front of me, with the whole family at home. I get my water as well as breakfast. All is good.