Bring On The Ancestors!

It is no coincidence that the authorities and vulcanologists have just lowered the volcanic alert level. Which would mean that … More

A Long Wait.. and Baby Makes Four

The other day, I set out for one of the most significant Balinese ceremonies that I’ve ever been honored to … More

Nyepi. In Two Acts.

Yesterday morning, Bali hit the pause button. Homo sapiens and machina: exit stage right. Stay in the wings. Quiet. Out … More

The Banjar Boys Work Their Magic (Again)

All day I’ve been feeling like a little kid gearing up for Christmas. I know it’s March, so it ain’t … More

Christmas-y Queries

Sometimes, over Christmas for example, I wonder:Why are shop clerks in Bali required to wear Santa caps or those silly … More

The Last Hurrah

After awhile, well 5 years later anyway, I suppose you get used to hearing sounds at all hours of the … More

Burning Buffaloes

The burn is on. Understandably so, as it’s once again the season for mass cremations. Bali-style. The greater metropolitan area … More

Holy Cargo

When the ancestors came, I was in Ubud. It was the festive day of Galungan and the Balinese were awaiting … More

Six Degrees from Silence

What a difference a day makes. It’s an exceedingly rare occurrence (and becoming ever more so) to experience quiet in … More

Moving Day Surprise

It was moving day. Again. I seem to have developed a regular habit of moving, regularly, since I came to … More