Category: Indonesia

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…
Lessons From a Balinese Classroom: Our Visit to an English Class in Jimbaran

As I go through life, and especially when I travel, I am reminded of a lesson from Mark Twain: “We are all alike, on the inside.”
Photo du Jour: A Rice Paddy Panorama in Ubud, Bali

If you’ve read Eat, Pray, Love, you’ll remember the Balinese city of Ubud, which is featured quite prominently in Elizabeth Gilbert’s book. We’ve just arrived to our new home away from home in Ubud, the Nirwa Homestay (affiliate link). The family run guest house is surrounded by a panorama of vibrant rice paddies. Our soundtrack is…
Photo du Jour: Monkey Business – Uluwatu, Bali

When they’re not spiriting away Uluwatu Temple visitors’ sunglasses, shoes and water bottles, the wild monkeys in Bali’s southwestern-most corner are preoccupied with personal-grooming rituals.