Tying the Knot (But Filing the Teeth First)

If you should ever find yourself in Bali, take care not to leave home (that is, your temporary home in … More

Cabin Fever in the Tropics

Is it even possible to get cabin fever when you’re living in the tropics? Doesn’t the term imply sub-arctic temperatures, … More

The Pak Man Factor

A handful of what ifs kept running through my mind since noon today, tugging at me from every direction, gnawing … More

Bliss Botanica

Yesterday, Renata and I headed out on a 2k trek up to the Botanic Gardens. We wanted to spend the … More

Remains of the Day

I dreamed about books last night. My suitcase was heavy, my sacrum in despair. In a cursory attempt to lighten … More

Writing from the Soul

What I really want to write about is the marathon writing retreat that I attended over the weekend. Held at … More

A Soul’s Last Hurrah

I joined in a pilgrimage around the neighborhood today, Tebesaya. Peliatan. Ubud. It was a procession unlike anything I’d seen. … More

Wayan’s Way

Early this morning, shortly after breakfast, I set out on a pilgrimage. I was headed to a temple, but not … More

Growing a Religion

You may not have heard of it, this obscure religion, an offshoot from Hinduism as practiced here on Bali. Perhaps … More

War or Peace

It took me nearly forty-five minutes to walk to Penestanan, up the stairs to the path leading to the yoga … More