Sabbatical time for the Avid GlobeTrotter
Eat, Pray, and Write - Bali
Eat - Room 4 Dessert
I really do enjoy food. I am not really big on desserts but every now and then I want something sweet. Typically that would include frozen yogurt from TCBY or frozen Twix. I don't always eat desserts, but I made an exception in Bali and what a treat. Room 4 Dessert is a very small picturesque restaurant in Ubud, Bali. What do you think about 7 course dessert accompanied with a tasty mocktail or cocktail? I can feel your excitement. Chef Goldfarb’s seems to have very eclectic taste buds. It's delicious but you need to have an open mind and make reservations 30 days in advance.
Pray
During my travels I enjoy learning more about the culture of the country I am visiting. I am a Christian who loves exploring and learning all about the day to day lives of the people I encounter while on vacation. You can't walk down the streets of Bali without seeing someone praying and offering their sacrifice daily. The time and effort taken to prepare the flower offerings, a daily ritual of self-sacrifice, are given in a spirit of thankfulness. It reminds me of how in the old testament there were different types of offerings of sacrifice.
Bali is known for it's grand views for example the beaches in Seminyak or the endless rice terraces in Ubud. Bali is also known for their many temples. I visited several temples but my favorite was Tirta Empul temple. It is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, Bali. The temple is famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go to for ritual purification. This experience made me think of how as a Christian I was dipped into a pool of water to signify my new life as a Christian. The Hindu stand in line and wait to get an opportunity to take a short dip in their holy water. They pray for healing. I love to enter these holy places with respect and love for the views that others hold sacred while still worshiping my GOD in that moment and understanding how powerful he truly is. Literally in awe.
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As I mentioned earlier there are so many places and things to explore in Bali including the rice terraces that you can view in Ubud from several different vantage points, but I have to say that my time at "The Practice" was fabulous. During a exploratory walk in Seminyak we discovered a yoga and meditation studio that was wonderful. I am a praying women but my brain will sometimes wonder during my prayer time. I learned the Prayanama technique that helped me clear my mind with a breathing technique, ultimately leading me to a very special hour with my GOD where I listened and he spoke. A moment of realization. I need to do this more often. Be silent.
Write - Inaya, Nusa Dua
I journal during my travels. I try to find places where I can relax and renew and allow my brain to disconnect from the day to day work life. It's that home away from home that allows me to feel innovative in regards to my personal hopes and dreams without outside disruption. As each day passes the words come easier and faster. I can't put my pen down for one second.The GOD sized ideas that start to surface are welcomed into my mind with open arms. In Bali I found these types of places so easily. Inaya, a hotel in Nusa Dua, Bali created this type of atmosphere for me. They had stellar service and accommodations. I had a personal pool and a sitting area that was secluded and quiet. I could also head to the beach for part two which may include an hour massage after getting tired from eating, writing and watching the waves role in and walking back and forth from my beach chair to the ocean.
