A Pura Pilgrimage

My friend Bagus (Balinese for good or nice) owns a warung a few minutes’ walk from where I live; he … More

Stairways to Heaven

Maybe it was bound to happen. Again. Flashbacks. Waking up in a sweat. Everything falling; poles, random items, people twirling … More

Oh-la-la Odalan!

I was ready to call it a night last evening, when I heard Nyoman call up at me from below: … More

Off Limits. Verboten. Period.

All across the island, Balinese are today celebrating Kuningan, the holiday that takes place ten days after Galungan. This last … More

The Penjors Have It

Celebrations and fireworks are getting under way half a world away. But here in Ubud, blessedly, there’s not a single … More

Joy of Wood

This is the view from the back terrace of a sprawling home encircled by rice paddies in a suburb of … More

Under My Nose

Like many people who come to Ubud for a short while and then decide to stay longer, I’ve been trying … More

Would You Like Bee Pollen?

It’s not every day that you’re offered this sweet ‘n sticky treat – unless, of course, you happen to live … More

Their Dads & Mine

I have been thinking alot about fathers lately. And not just because it’s father’s day. So many of my friends … More

The Art of Writingness

What a joy it’s been to stumble across and join the weekly writing circle, so ably – and energetically! – … More