Laura’s Blog

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:

I will miss the daily reverence of this culture. Photos by Marsha Morgan.

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

If you have to depend on Bali trail signage to find your way, you’re definitely heading into sketchy territory. Check out all the pictures and captions. Uh…which way do I go? But luckily we have a guide, two guides actually. Surya and Ketut. Finally, five turns later, another sign: “Waterfull.” Arrow to the left This

Photo by Sarah Perkins. Photo by Sarah Perkins. And here’s the coffee beans growing just a few feet up the trail. Photo by Marsha Morgan.

There’s a bit of stomach upset running through our some members of our group. When I asked at the hotel desk what the locals do for the runs, they said “coconut water.” When I passed that news on, Evelyn went to order some coconut water for Pat. The waiter said, “I’ll climb up a tree

We’re in the last two days of our Bali trip. settled in at my favorite spot: Munduk. There are many stories and images I have wanted to share with you, the Wi-Fi here does not accommodate uploading very much. I have one post I’ve been trying to upload for two days! For those of you

I saw rice grains hanging from a rose apple tree. I asked Surya, “Is it a rice offering?” He said, “No, it means, ‘This is our fruit. Don’t pick it.” Keep out, Balinese style. The protected fruit.

Yesterday, before we left Ubud for Munduk, we rearranged our entire day’s schedule because Surya told us that there was going to be a mass cremation ceremony at the Temple in the Monkey Forest—57 people being cremated at once—and that we could walk there to witness it. I’ve done this twice before in Bali and

Arrival in Munduk in the cool mountain region of Bali. My favorite stop on our journey. Listening to a sunset talk by Surya on traditional Balinese healing and medicine while looking at this….and drinking a cold beer. Photo by Marsha Morgan. This is just a minute from my new room. Offerings to the Gods…. Sunset

After my ten days of diving while on vacation in Raja Ampat, having a scuba tank on my back 25 times, my lower back began to complain. I pretty much used mind over matter to ignore it while I was diving and with my kids, but by the time I got to Bali, I couldn’t

One of the favorite assignments I give my writing students requires a bit of sacrifice: waking up at 4:30 in the morning, meeting at 5:00 and walking down Monkey Forest Road, one long city block to the morning market. In the early morning, starting at 4, this market is where the local women come to