A look in the rearview mirror…

I was never supposed to end up in Banyuatis.

Choosing Sri Lestari Hotel wasn’t a plan —just a last-minute decision.

A place to sleep.One more stop, without thinking much about it.

Everything happened by chance. And yet, everything started there.

If I hadn’t stayed at that hotel,I wouldn’t have met the French friendswho became so much more than acquaintances.

I wouldn’t have met Pak Gusti,with whom I later decided to build this project.

And I wouldn’t have met the person who now shares my life, nor the circle of friends that shapes my daily life today.

I might not be here.

I might not have come back.

And I might not be living here now.

Looking back, I realize this islandwas never really about places.

It has always been about encounters.

Nothing was rushed. Nothing was forced.

Each step grew out of a conversation, a shared moment, a simple trust.

What I have today exists because ofkindness, support, and friendship.

Without all of that,I would probably have chosen a different path.

I have always followed my energy. Quietly. And it has always guided me to the right people.

This story is not only about chance.

Above all, it is a story of gratitude.

For those who welcomed me.

For the bonds that were created.

For the life that slowly took shape,almost without me realizing it.

This island gave me a second family.

And for that,I will always be thankful.

Today, it’s my turn to pass it on.

To let you discover what carried me here,and to leave space for encounters that might, in time, shape your journey in their own way.

Some journeys start with a conversation.

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