In the last two decades, the Balinese people have endured extraordinary challenges: a series of bombings that killed foreigners and … More
Tag: Indonesia
The Plaguest Year of All
Since the pandemic came to town, nothing’s been the same. Most mornings, I wake up, get out of bed and … More
The Curative Power of Cows
Not long into his 2019 TED talk, British journalist and New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari tells the curious … More
Grounded, but Grateful
Today, I was scheduled to fly out of Bali. On a wonderful adventure. On many adventures. First stop: Bangkok. Staying … More
This Too Shall Pass-Over
Another day of surreal stillness in Bali. Celebrating this first evening of Passover, ensconced alone in my new Bali beachside … More
The Balinese Response to COVID19 – The Early Days…
It started the day before Nyepi, when a bell in East Bali sounded by itself. The culprit (or perhaps, victim?) … More
Pulang Kampung
Like the rest of the Islamic world, Indonesians in Bali are about to mark the close of the month-long fast … More
Stumped in Singapore
A couple of days after the final results were called in the recent Indonesian elections; and in the wake of … More
The Purple Pinky
“Sudah pilih?” I was seeking out locals on my way home, asking them – point blank: Did you already choose? … More
The Day Bali Imposed a Digital Detox
Have you ever heard a kingfisher sing? Or seen swallows flit straight across the sky unhindered (for once) by pockets … More