After my most exhilarating diving experience to date (it was my 6th dive!!) in the waters near Padang Bai, where I spotted several sharks, a tiger ray and an assortment of fish in multifarious shapes and colors, we boarded a ferry to the island of Gili Trawangan, near Lombok. A four hour ride into a glorious sunset. The island is inhabited by warm souls, cats with uniquely short tails and donkeys which provide the transportation. Sooji and I met many people from distant lands, and together we shared this lucid dream.
A room with a view. the rice fields outside of my homestay.
A morning at the monkey forest. Yes, that is really a monkey on my back! Adorable but fiesty!
An afternoon at the impressive Neka Museum which boasts the work of Arie Smit, a Dutch painter who greatly influenced the art movement in Bali.
By nightfall, following a meal at my favorite restaurant Nomad, I experienced a traditional Kecak dance in which many locals participate. The people of Bali are so filled with spirituality!
In the belief of reincarnation, our deeds, wealth, and love determine the next life. I would like mine to be lived in Bali. This is a beautiful land where people smile often and the art of creation brings nourishment to the soul. Ubud is a haven for artists, writers and anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment. My days are spent in admiration of the great artistic expression present in the temples, paintings, dance, even the food, which each mouthful I savour. Might I mention the (ever so inexpensive) art of massage which I experience as often as possible. At the hands of master painter Nyoman Sudadnya I am learning the techniques of Batik painting, quite a skill involving hot wax and patience. Amidst the miles of rice fields this composition of my life continues…
A batik comes to life from the recesses of a vivid imagination…
“Malaysia: truly Asia” seems to be the word on the streets in this modern metropolis composed of trees and skyscrapers, the twin towers being the highest in the world. 48 hours in this jungle landscape proved most stimulating, fine dining and dancing followed by bowls of noodles from the friendly man in the street cafe, do as the locals do…a short break from the quietude of the beach, until we meet again in Bali…
I am now on the island of Ko Phi Phi in Thailand, attempting to overcome my fear of water by diving into the deep end, quite literally. I am taking a diving course and will soon be certified! Tomorrow is my first dive after several days of an underwater education, learning skills and how not to panic. I am not afraid of much in life but I must say this has been a challenge! Seems that I have found another paradise with turquoise waters, cliffs, caves…indeed I feel as though I have stepped onto the set of ‘The Beach’!
It is within these waters that I became a diver with a deep regard for the underwater world, what a sensation!
I have found the most serene, slow-paced city in Southeast Asia, and one of the most spiritual. Luang Prabang is the City of the Buddha of Peace, hidden in the mountains of Laos. The population is a mere 15,000, with over 600 saffron-clad monks who inhabit its thirty pagodas. It’s incredible to walk the streets and suddenly stop to gaze at a temple in a place where time seems to stand still. My days are spent bicycling on the edge of the Mekong in exploration of a city that has become a favorite of mine, with its ideal mix of nature and sophistication. Many elegant restaurants with tasty Laotian cuisine, as well as charming local cafes on the river where I can sit over a good strong coffee for hours. Galleries are finding a home here as local artists are showcasing their work and the Laotians are taking more of an interest in art and literature. It is a place I would love to spend more time, ah yes time…
The Kuang Si waterfall, one of several in Laos…a great force of nature!
The morning monks taking their alms at sunrise. A most thoughtful and intimate moment.