Good morning from Ubud! I am currently sitting at a beautiful restaurant/cafe enjoying my last free morning before starting my yoga training course this evening.

I am sad to report the sea turtle sanctuary was not open when I visited yesterday, but I was able to take some photos of the outside. I walked along the beach area in Kuta and also walked through the mall. Kuta Beach is definitely more of a tourist area than I am used to when I travel. Typically I like to go to places less busy but it was cool to experience none the less. I entered the shopping mall just as it opened, and was quickly startled by the sound of their National Anthem being played over the speaker system. All the workers came out to stand at their store front’s, so I respectfully stopped in my tracks until the anthem was complete. Was a cool and unexpected experience!

The Balinese people are very spiritual and have many cultural traditions. I realized the reason I had such a long layover in Singapore was because of Nyepi, commonly known as Silent Day in Bali. This public holiday was on Saturday, March 29th. Absolutely nothing is open outside of hotels and hospitals. No food, no transportation, no lights, noise, entertainment or activity. It is their New Year and they use this day to reflect, cleanse and prepare for the new year with a calm mind and pure heart. This lasts for 24hrs, and even their airport is closed. They do not use their phones or any electronics. A lot of people also fast on this day. I found it so interesting and maybe next time I will plan a trip to be here and take part in this unique day.

Choc picked me up from my place in Kuta Beach and drove me to the place I will call home for the next 28 days. The people here have already been welcoming and very nice. I also got to meet some of the other students in the training with me as well! My place is small and a very humble abode I would say. I have a private room and bathroom and little spot with a table and chairs outside my sliding doors. I will post photos of my tranquil estate later this week, once I unpack :).

Once I was given a short tour of where everything was yesterday, (the yoga studio, pool, eating area, etc.), I then made a dinner reservation at one of my favorite places, Chupacabras. This restaurant is one that Steve and I went to last year when we were here. It’s a classy place that has amazing food and a great view into the jungle with a river below it! I ordered a Gojek (their version of Uber/Lyft), and chose to do a motorbike instead of a car because it was cheaper and faster. They pick you up, give you a helmet and off you go! Reminded me of riding motorcycles with my dad when I was younger. Was a cool experience for sure! You really have to trust the drivers, car or motobike here because traffic is constantly moving at different speeds and the bikes are passing the cars and weaving in and out the entire time. Even though you aren’t moving at fast speeds like we are used to in the US, you are so close to cars and other drivers and honking is used frequently! Honking isn’t used much as an expression of anger because someone cut you off here, it’s more a warning or communication to let people know you are coming around a corner where a blindspot is, or letting someone know you’re passing them so they can make room for you.

Chupacabras was amazing! I love my dinner dates with Steve, but there is something about taking yourself to a solo dinner as a grown woman that allows you to feel independent and really enjoy the setting around you, especially when you’re in the middle of the jungle. As I sat up at the top balcony area with my welcome drink (a non-alcoholic brown sugar, pineapple specialty of theirs), I was reflecting and admiring the sunset in the distance, with the lush forest filled of palm trees, banana leaf plants and greenery when I noticed the clouds on the horizon. I was so amazed and taken back when I saw the very distinct figure of an elephant in the clouds! Elephants in the spiritual world represent good luck, strength and wisdom. It seemed very fitting and a direct sign that I was in the right place and reassurance for this training I am about to start.

Chupacabras is known for their amazing meats being cooked to perfection over hot coals, but I opted to have their seafood dish was just as wonderful! I also got to sit up at this bar area that overlooked the whole kitchen space so I got to watch them cook and prepare all the dishes which was a cool experience as well. The chef came over and asked if everything was great and if I needed anything, I told him it was delicious and the only thing I needed was the recipe for the seafood pasta. To my surprise he said wait one moment, and came back with a little notebook and flipped open to the page with the recipe! He told me how they cook it step by step and the trick was cooking the pasta for thirty seconds first then cooking it the rest of the time in the rue! I don’t think I can make it as delicious as they do, but I will definitely be trying when I get back home!

Today I will be spending my day getting an Ayurvedic massage, shopping for some toiletry items and exploring Ubud. Our welcome ceremony will be this evening and we will start early tomorrow morning and go all day long with meditation, yoga and classes! I am anxious and excited all at the same time!

Elephant in the Sky

First week complete!

Travel Days 2 & 3