Thoughts on a Silent Day
Here in Bali there is one day per year where we don’t have a choice about whether to quiet oneself or not. It is forced upon us, due to the unique way that the Balinese celebrate their New Year. They…
Tag culture
Ancestors from the beginning of time
The Balinese go to great efforts to treat their ancestors with utmost respect, as they believe that their spirits, in a very real sense, come back to their homes and the home temples that are a part of each piece…
Mugging for the camera
Each time I arrive on the building site I get a hello and a wave from at least one of the many workers. Usually from quite a few. And when I raise my camera phone I tend to get a…
A Drop of Kindness, a Well of Gratitude
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” — Scott Adams I’m becoming more convinced each day that the real benefit of travel, or expat living, or even…
A very special Balinese experience
Our builder, Wayan, is a leader in his local village and twice a year hosts a Balinese ceremony. (Photo: Wayan to my left, his partners, and the site foreman – in a striped shirt) Wayan invited Shelly and I to…