There are some routines that have quietly become part of my Bali life, and buying lumpia from the be

There are some routines that have quietly become part of my Bali life, and buying lumpia from the beach is definitely one of them. If you've never had one, they're little crispy spring rolls, usually served with a generous drizzle of peanut sauce. They're simple, they're delicious and, in my opinion, they somehow taste even better when you're eating them with sandy feet and the sound of the ocean in the background. The conversation is almost always the same. "Cabe?" For anyone who doesn't know, cabe means chilli. I usually smile and reply, "Nggak, terima kasih... saya bule." "No thanks... I'm a foreigner." It gets a laugh almost every single time. Sometimes they'll grin and say, "Sedikit?" Just a little? Other times they'll tell me, "No spicy, no Bali!" before laughing at their own joke. It's become one of those silly little exchanges I genuinely look forward to. The funny thing is, I don't say I'm a bule because I think foreigners can't eat spicy food. I say it because it instantly breaks the ice. It usually leads to another question about where I'm from, how long I've lived here or whether I like Bali. Before I know it, what started as buying a snack has turned into a five minute chat. I've realised that's one of the nicest parts about living here. It's rarely the big experiences that make a place feel like home. It's the lady who already knows your coffee order. The man selling fruit who asks where Ned is today. The beach vendor who laughs because he already knows the answer before he asks if I want chilli. Those tiny conversations probably don't seem like much on their own, but over time they become part of your life. They turn familiar faces into friendly faces, and eventually those friendly faces start to feel like your community. Although... one day I really should stop using being a bule as my excuse and just admit I'm still a complete wimp when it comes to chilli. 🌶️😅