A Slice of Paradise!

March 31, 11am
Ubud, Bali

The birds are always singing in Bali. I love it here!

I arrived March 24th, so I guess I've already been in Bali for about a week. I made it in time for my birthday (more about that lovely day later).

Denpasar, Bali's international airport, is the most lovely airport I've ever seen... even good competition to Ko Samui's charming open air thatched veranda's. Besides the lovely circling decent through the clouds to a stunning turquoise surrounded emerald green island ridged with red clay tiled roofs, the airport is surrounded by neat plots of palm trees and simple beaches. First thing I noticed, is that Bali is big into embellishment... and the airport building was no exception. Lilly ponds, water fountains, little shrines and not so little statues, tropical landscaping... amazing!


It's extremely hot and humid here. And it rains a lot. So many changes... even beyond my Malaysia experience.

I'm afraid I'm about a week behind in my journaling. Bali's internet connections are often achingly slow. Besides, I started started painting again. It's the first time in years, especially for just fun. So my mornings are spent on my balcony painting the beautiful rice paddy views, and the afternoons are spent walking about finding nice local meals and dodging the frequent sudden thundershowers.

I'm in a good place, in the care of a sweet family, and awaiting word on the potential visit of two friends from the states. I have my fingers crossed. As independent as I am, it's fun to share these experiences.

The temples are numerous, and small gem like little bannana leaf basket offerings of fragrant flower petals and rice are scattered about common entries, stairways, and shines. People carry large piles of everything imaginable either atop their heads, or (less elegantly) strapped to their scooters.

I sat sidesaddle on a scooter, locals style, for the first time the other day. It's much preferable to my first awkward western saddle straddle in a sarong; I'm sure I elicited quite a few shocked roadside chuckles and comments on that mercifully short journey back to my guesthouse. Ah well... it takes awhile to learn how to be elegant in a new culture...