Author: Tricia A. Mitchell
-
Our Heart For You: A Beautiful Coincidence in Bali
The man sat hunched over, with sunken cheeks, and spindly legs. As we walked along one of Ubud’s main streets, his empty stare, meek mumbling and outstretched hand caught our gaze. Our hearts sank. Though we had a tourist site to which we were heading, we unconsciously tossed the plans aside. We were determined to…
-
The Straight Scoop on Indonesian Kopi Luwak ‘Poop Coffee’
On a Balinese coffee plantation, during a downpour of torrential proportions, we swilled cups of the world’s priciest and rarest coffee – Kopi Luwak. In gourmet establishments across the globe, this cup of Indonesian java would cost upwards of $50 a cup. This coffee may sound familiar, as it has been featured in numerous foodie…
-
Statuesque Bali
Bali’s statues and reliefs are extraordinary. Drawing spiritual inspiration from a blend of Buddhism and Balinese Hinduism, the figures wear coats of moss and crowns of hibiscus and marigold flowers.
-
Backstage at Balinese Dance Class
In Jimbaran, Bali, we had the great fortune to have been befriended by a local resident named Mariana. Along with his extended family, Mariana exposed us to rich aspects of Balinese culture. We observed his nephew’s 42-day ceremony, as well as full moon celebrations at a neighborhood temple. We also participated in a Prana Shakti…
-
A Morning Walk Through Balinese Rice Paddies
I love how this morning unfolded. After awakening to a symphony of creatures large and small, Shawn and I set out to explore the rice paddies that surround our Ubud, Bali guest house. Even though it was just after eight o’clock, the rice fields were already twinkling and sizzling under the hot morning sun’s rays.
-
An Offering Basket Procession in Ubud, Bali
While walking to dinner in Ubud, Bali, we were delighted to cross paths with a procession of women as they gracefully carried offering baskets to a nearby temple. Younger girls used a “training wheels” technique of sort whereby they practiced by holding the hand-woven baskets with both hands. Their mothers and grandmothers, on the other…
