14: Last Moments in Sidemen and the Art of Creating Memories

Our stay in Sidemen is coming to an end, but we had an unforgettable experience at the Sidemen Silver Yellow Bridge. The girls got to create their own silver jewelry, and let me tell you—it was quite the adventure!

Everything begins with a small pot of silver stones, which need to be melted down. Even at just five years old, Marion took charge of the blowtorch, carefully controlling the flame with a mix of caution and fascination. Watching her handle the fire with such focus was a moment we won’t forget!

Once the metal was melted, it was time for the anvil work!

They hammered, stretched, and eventually flattened the silver wire into a thin, spaghetti-like strip. Next came the finger measurements, followed by another round of heating, shaping, and stretching until they had the perfect ring shape.

After a careful polishing process, the result was a shiny, one-of-a-kind keepsake, handcrafted from start to finish. It was a beautiful moment of bonding between mother and daughter, filled with patience, creativity, and shared pride in their creations.

For our last walk, we set off to explore the rice fields surrounding our guesthouse.

The landscape is breathtaking—endless green terraces, water glistening under the sun, and narrow dirt paths winding between the paddies. The kids run ahead, laughing as they try to balance on the small ridges separating the fields, while we take in the peaceful rhythm of daily life in Sidemen.

The farmers, wearing their traditional Balinese conical hats, known as caping, work with patience and skill, creating a living postcard of rural Bali.

Before leaving, we had a long conversation with the owner of Rumah Sidemen, our guesthouse. His mastery of French was impressive, and he shared so much about life in Bali—customs, religions, the school system, and how villages are structured on the island. It was a truly fascinating and enriching exchange.

For anyone looking to discover Sidemen, Rumah Sidemen is a wonderful place to stay, offering two charming rooms with stone bathrooms and an atmosphere that blends comfort and authenticity.

Now we’re back on the road, heading to the center of Bali for new and exciting adventures. A short one-and-a-half-hour taxi ride, and we’re ready for a change of pace.

See you in a few days for an even more authentic experience—see you soon!