Emotional Landscapes: My First Day in Ubud

Today, I cried.

Riding into Ubud, the scene shifted from bustling city streets to the embrace of the jungle. There, in the back of my Grab—the Indonesian Uber—I watched life transform in front of me. My first time in Asia has been a series of firsts, but nothing prepared me for the overwhelming sense of awe that hit as we dove into the dense greenery. It wasn’t sadness that made me tear up; it was pure, overwhelming gratitude.

I’m honestly so grateful for this life, for the relentless work and the mental hurdles I’ve leaped over to get here. I’ve shown myself that I’m not just a talker; I’m a doer.

Here I am, 27, ticking off my 30th country and stepping onto my 5th continent, seeing the world with fresh eyes. Finally living those dreams I’ve scrolled through on my phone and imagined while listening to traveler tales.

This trip? It’s about seeing the world, sure. But it’s also about crafting a content portfolio so irresistible that hotels can’t help but want me to come stay and create for them. A dream, right? But here I am, making it happen.

Checking into The Sun of Granary Ubud, I tried my luck and asked for a room upgrade in exchange for some stunning content. “Closed mouths don’t get fed,” as they say. The receptionist, after a quick look at my work, upgraded me without a second thought and showed me to my suite.

The hotel, nestled in the heart of a jungle, is a dream realized. My suite overlooks a vibrant tableau of green foliage, a striking blue pool, and the iconic wet rice fields of Bali. The pathways, flanked by black volcanic rocks, weave through a landscape that feels like a living screensaver, where nature and architecture exist in perfect harmony.

Dinner was something straight out of a foodie’s dream. At the hotel’s open-air restaurant, overlooking more of those famous rice terraces, I had Kare Ayam Bersantan. It’s this braised chicken in a yellow coconut curry that came with a side of chili paste. They warned me about the spice, but I went all in. And it was the right kind of hot—the kind that keeps you coming back for more.

Ubud is a must-visit for anyone coming to Bali. The tranquility here is almost tangible, a serene stillness that everyone deserves to experience.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Sun of Granary for its serene ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and the personal peace it offers. It might be a quiet Tuesday that makes it feel like my private escape, but the beauty of the grounds, the meditation-ready calm, and the culinary delights make it a sanctuary.

I’m eager to partake in the hotel’s complimentary activities—morning walks, afternoon tea, and the mysterious “evening ritual.”

Today, my tears were of joy and discovery. In Ubud, I’ve found a path that feels like mine, something I’ve searched for my whole life. It’s funny how traveling feels more like home than any place I’ve ever lived.

The world is my home, and with every moment I explore it, I’m reminded of how truly blessed I am.