So let's play catch up: In December I was sent to Bali for work. I got to go 2 weeks early so I could research the area and learn the culture and routes. It was incredible.
It was my first time to asia and I had no idea what to expect. I was in complete shock when I first learned I was going and then the reading began. Cultural readings, leader's notes, language basics, you name it, I read it. Fortunately I had about a day and a half of flight time alone to help me with that (Portland to Seattle to Tokyo to Bangkok to Denpasar).
My first impressions were a little clouded by jet lag. Out local guide, Wayan Narta, picked me up at the airport with his beautiful wife and daughter. As we were driving to Ubud, I was almost overwhelmed by how much was going on around me. It's chaos. There are people and motor bikes and push bikes and cows.
I went to get a bike the next day so I could ride around and get used to the traffic. I soon realized it's not actually chaotic. There is a flow and order to it. It is systematic, organized chaos. They care about one another: strangers and neighbors and friends alike. It is not a selfish, me-first attitude and by looking out for others there is a natural order to it.
I woke up early in the mornings for weeks. This was my favorite time of the day. It was peaceful and still. The streets were empty and the only people out were the drivers who were washing their cars meticulously preparing for the day. Complete with blessings.
Bali is a very spiritual place. A hindu-based religion with buddhist and animist influences. They do daily rituals for everything. At least 3 a day to bless the food they are eating and because it was during holiday there were even more. I got there on Galungan (a holiday where they believe the spirits of their ancestors and all the gods return to earth to live among them for 10 days). The town was so ornate with all the holiday decorations too. Pingons are these large flag like banners that are hand woven by people in the community. Symbolic of the volcano they represent strength with bamboo shoots. The day before our trip started was Kunningan: the day these spirits return to the after life by noon (when the sun has moved into the western sky).
The unyielding dedication was impressive. So much of their daily life is determined by their spirituality. Not to mention a lot of the arts which are highly regarded and appreciated there and throughout the world.
Looking back, the thing I remember the best about Bali is the color! It is such a vibrant place and with all the "noise" (both literal and figurative) it is important to focus on the beauty that surrounds you. Instead of trying to see everything at once, zoom in and see all the beautiful little things that are taking place all around you. Soon your realize that everything, from the flowers to the rice paddies and the fabrics to the paintings, everything is bright and full of life. It makes me wonder when in the western world we got so dull. Khakis and blue collared shirts going to our grey buildings and working the same 9 to 5 routine. That is the desired plan in life, right? A good steady job to return to our white picket house in the suburbs.
I took one bazillion pictures in the time before my trip and then we had a guest who was (thankfully) the documentarian so if you would like to see more, please check it out here.
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