The archipelago of Indonesia is a treasure in itself, from hosting over 170 million islands (taxi guy facts) to enclosing the Indian Ocean, to a plethora of tribes and now finally a world-class destination that comes forth as a result of a culmination of races from literally all over the world, Bali is a lot more than its country Indonesia. It is another world by itself. And then there is Lombok, another island that goes beyond its country. Jakarta too isnt half as engrossing or life-changing as Bali, it's just another city, probably like the rest of Indonesia. Braving an 8-hour layover in Singapore, Bali is two flights away from India yet it is a lot like India! I could imagine the Cholas spreading their territory all across the Indian Ocean setting sail from Nagapattinam in current-day Tamil Nadu and reaching Srivijaya spreading Hinduism in its many forms across South East Asia. They went for trade, for conquering territory, today we travel along the route in a much faster route for the benefit of their trade, our learning and discovering chasing a sense of wonder. Bali is now the most Instagrammed place on this planet and I can only see why. Travel has lost its meaning over the years, with everything out there, every restaurant reviewed, every spot covered, it feels like we've been there and done that even when we go somewhere for the first time. And I have come to feel that the best moments have always been missed being captured, they slip with time. The moments that are truly filled with a sense of wonder are the ones that aren't pre-empted and mostly aren't planned. Whether it was chancing upon the crescent at Bath or the spectacular Indian Ocean from the throes of the Alila Vilas Uluwatu, the moments of wonder that come unannounced inspire and fill one with a magnificent sense of wonder. A picture tells a thousand words, yet the noveau experience leaves one speechless! Hear me out as I talk about a recent and an older foray into a country a lot like India just as it is a little like India!