The arts are engrained in the Balinese culture. Dance, puppetry and mask performance are a part of their religious ceremonies. I saw a few of the 'touristy' shows but once I became friends with some locals they took me to the real ceremonies that lasted hours, the artists performed for God. There are tens of thousands of temples in Bali and each one is on its own calendar for prayer, offerings and celebration. There is always a ceremony somewhere. It was such a joy to hear the drumming in the distance and then turn a corner and see a precession of beautiful, traditionally dressed people smiling, laughing with a variety of customary accessories. Two artists in particular brought me with them to their performances in temples outside of the tourist zone. I witnessed some really powerful energy and was entranced by the performance. I then learned from some sensational artists the art of Balinese dance, Topeng and the Gamalan. All the lessons were challenging in so many ways and I only scratched the surface. I really wish I had more time to focus on learning but I was also set on teaching while I was there and doing a lot of yoga.
I volunteered for the Bali Children's Project (balichildrensproject.org), a not-for profit that works with underprivelidged Balinese young people. This enabled me to really immerse myself in the culture. You can learn so much from the youth of a society. These children were the nicest, most eager and friendly I had ever encountered. They were so focused on me and so thankful that I was there to teach them. I taught basic English, simple juggling, feather balancing and drama games. The children were so supportive and respectful of one another, the older ones were helping the younger ones and I never once had anyone misbehave. The peacock feathers were super popular, adults and children alike lit up while they were balancing a feather on their palm. I left every session elated by the smiles and positive energy I shared with each group.
There is so much creative education happening in Bali, I met an awesome and ambitious couple who are homeschooling their very cool and smart kids, traveling the world as well as establishing a ground-breaking community farming movement in Australia. (www.organicfarmshare.com). I also visited The Green School (www.greenschool.org), a private outdoor concept school built the jungle. It was designed by a world renowned jewelery designer, John Hardy, about 4 years ago. There is a lot of controversy floating around the island about the school's presence and somewhat elitist demographic but regardless, it is a phenomenal structure as well as an inspirational depiction of what it is to be green. I was a guest at their juggling club in the bamboo auditorium and had a great time exploring the exciting campus. I was also fortunate to perform and teach at a pre-k program called The Spring, a beautiful home style early education program that has a healthy balance of hippy idealism with two feet on the ground.
Yoga, yoga and more yoga. Ok I will admit it I AM A YOGI. I said it, that awful word dripping with stigma and patchouli. There are so many 'yogis' in Bali. It is impossible to sit at a cafe and not hear “Today in downward dog, I was like so present, I didn't even hear Monica do like the next three Vinyasas...” I went to the yoga barn as much as I could and took a variety of classes. I left Bali feeling strong, centered, healthy and very peaceful. It was refreshing to be somewhere where the quality of the yoga classes was so high yet the price so reasonable. I am so sick of living in parts of the world where yoga has become so fashionable that only the rich can afford to practice! When I do splurge on a class in London, I find myself squeezed in between some sweaty dude with a massive beard and a rubber woman whose thighs don't touch, without an inch of space to myself to breathe. I was happy to practice in Bali, as is everyone else who flock to the Yoga capital of the world. The most important thing for me is that since I left I am still practicing and have learned so much about alignment and breath that I can skip the fancy studio and find presence and peace anywhere I lay my mat.
Hiking up an active volcano, Mt. Batur, was another highlight of my trip. I ended up doing it twice. The first time early in the morning to watch the sunrise and the second to watch the sunset and then head over to the hot springs. This is a must if you go to Bali. I had a fantastic guide and enjoyed breathtaking views. The climate is not as hot, a welcomed break from the humidity and heat of the Ubud area.
All in all, Bali is my new favorite place on Earth. Everyone is warm and friendly and I didn't feel the aggressive pressure as some other touristy places have. People try to sell you things but always with a smile and a positive attitude. I also felt very safe there, never a sleazy moment or any fear of crime whatsoever. The food is incredible, fresh and local and very cheap. I have fallen for Bali and now will probably just try to figure out when I can go back.
