Living in Bali

Looking towards the sea at the Seminyak beach on the south west of Bali, Seija knows how far she has travelled since her days as a graduate student in Finland. After travelling to many parts of Asia and a few times to Bali, she knew someday she has to stay in this small part of the world. From the sea, from the sun, bouncing off the walls, off the glass, off the rice fields, Seija was looking for reflection in nature and delving into the happy parts of her life. She wanted to live in a relaxed atmosphere and maintaining some basic international lifestyle, dining and shopping, while still retaining its traditional spirit and breathtaking natural surroundings. Ever since she lived in Bali 4 years ago, she couldn't be happier doing business and raising Anna here.

Seija is not the first foreigner who has found "home" on the island of Bali. There are approximately 25,000 foreigners living and working here. Most of them are staying in southern coast in Seminyak and parts of Kerobokan from Ulamas to Petitengent. There are also a great number of expatriates living in Ubud, known as an art center of Bali.

For Seija, raising Anna in Bali is easier than I would have thought. The lifestyle is Bali makes it very affordable for them to get proper education and with the growing number of bule kids, many parents are putting their kids in a playgroup to encourage interaction with the locals few hours a day.

Staying in Seminyak area allows Seija and Anna to go to the beach very frequently and enjoy the Balinese carefree lifestyle. Although Seminyak is a township and a residential area on the south west of Bali, it remains a very less crowded place compare to Kuta beach. On a sunny day, you will see many expatriate enjoying their jog, locals playing football and many couples having a good walk here.

Picture Above: Taken at 5:53 PM on the 10th of March 2007 at Seminyak Beach, Kerobokan, Bali.