Take a Virtual Vacation: Bali 2018

In which Laura spends three weeks diving, exploring, and teaching in three regions of Bali.

Last Breakfast in Indonesia

Chocolate dim sum. Just had to try it. No, I think not. Delicious muesli cookies. Crumbly and not too sweet. Orange juice, mango juice, kiwi juice, guava juice, coconut water, milk and infused water. This woman offers special herbal health potions, made from ginger, aromatic ginger, palm sugar, tamarind, rice, and brotowali (couldn’t get the

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Sexism, Java Style

At the Sultan’s Palace today, Roy told us the Javanese philosophy of proper gender behavior. To be a perfect man, you need five things: Garwa: a wife Gria: a house Turangga: a horse Curiga: a dagger (symbolizes security in money, a job, in everything) Kikilo: a bird Roy said, “A man without a bird is

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Morning Market

Yogykarta, Java Walk with me on my early morning stroll, just two blocks from our hotel. Coming to the market. 6:45 AM Parking lot. Carving jackfruit. Jackfruit remains. Fish seller. She had a beautiful smile and was very friendly. Chicken seller. Time out. Speckled eggs. Blue eggs. Cooked? Banana fruit. These are eaten, too. We

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Sunrise at Borobodur, Part 2

After wandering down through all nine levels of Borobodur, Roy said we could either stick with him or go off on our own, meeting back at our bus in an hour. I immediately opted for my own freedom of movement. I love groups, but there are times I just want to move on impulse inside

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Arrival in Yogykarta

When we arrived at the airport, several of us needed to use the facilities. When I went to the bathroom, it was empty. There was no toilet paper left in my stall (though there was a toilet paper dispenser), so I used the handy-dandy water sprayer next to the toilet that is found in every

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Since I’ve Come to Bali

This was our final prompt in our last writing class. Here’s my response to the prompt: SINCE I’VE COME TO BALI Since I’ve come to Bali, I’ve seen twenty strangers become a community. I’ve seen monkeys by the side of the road, oranges that are green, perfect orange papayas on my plate, and ten desserts

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Gratitude

Yesterday, at our all final group meeting, we each expressed our gratitude for something we personally gained from the land, the people and the culture of Bali—and from being part of our traveling community. Then we turned and said our thank you to the land. Last night after dinner, the children of Munduk did a

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Balinese Dance Class

Balinese dance class at our hotel. One of the things I love about Puri Lumbung is that it’s also a center for community activities–like this dance class. What a sweet thing to watch on our last afternoon. And here’s the boys:

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I’m No Longer Waiting For …

I read this poem as today’s first writing prompt in our afternoon writing class. The prompt was to use the repeating line: “I’m no longer waiting for…” Advent of Midlife I am no longer waiting for A special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days. I am no longer waiting for The house

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