Home in Ubud

My God I LOVE Bali!!  There have been very few places that I've visited so far that have felt like home.  Cortes Island and the west coast of Canada is one.  Ubud Bali is another.  There is something really magical about Bali.  I feel like I've really come into my skin here. After being in a different bed almost every single night since I began my travels in at the beginning of February I am staying put for 2 weeks.

When I arrived at Nirwa Homestay I immediately new this would be my home for the next two weeks.  I have no desire to see Lombok, or the Gili Islands as many people have suggested I do.  I will have my fill of beaches in Thailand.  No, Ubud is where I will stay and do day trips from here if I feel like it.  I want to get to know the culture, people and traditions.  I want to spend my days doing yoga (something I've avoided doing for years and I'll explain why soon), and hanging out with Madde, Ayu and their family.

For some reason, coming here feels like the beginning of my journey.  Hawaii, Fiji and New Zealand, were places to get my traveling legs moving so-to-speak.  I wasn't focused on anything other than overcoming fears and continuing to push my boundaries.  It was really hard to focus on anything else except for incorporating a new way of being.  Even though my experiences provided me with the material to grow, stretching my consciousness, heart and mind was all that I was able to do.  I was unable to truly appreciate all that was around me.

Taking baby steps into this journey, I feel that I wasn't really able to take in the richness and fullness of each place I went to.  However, I did get exactly what I needed to be able to comfortably relax into the rhythm of solo world travel.  People said it would happen and of course it has.  I feel much more at ease and really beginning to place more emphasis on other's rather than myself.  Meaning I'm able to explore other cultures more freely, rather than just sticking to other travelers and tourist destinations.  I'm more willing to go deeper into the places I'm in.  I'm less concerned about my egoic agenda and staying comfortable and safe (of course I'm not being silly and always aware that things can happen).  Traveling for me, is about opening to new experiences while discovering yourself at the same time.  It's easier for me let others in when I'm no so concerned about whatever perceived, irrational fears I have.

I will be here for Bali's New Year. I'm hoping to stay with Madde and his family, visit his village (his business is in Ubud, his family is elsewhere), experience traditional temple ceremonies, and experience what it is like to be a part of Balinese life.

Some photos posted, more to follow...