Day 2

I woke up this morning to the sound of roosters crowing and birds chirping outside my window. The sun was just rising, and I lay in bed and watched it get lighter. After a lovely swim in the pool, I had a breakfast of fresh tropical fruit and toast. It was delicious! Here are a few photos... There will be more soon!

My Arrival to Bali

      Today I arrived at the “Island of Paradise,” as I have seen it be called on the hundreds of billboards bombarding you as you drive away from the airport.  Wayan, a man who works for Bali Purnati, picked me up, and we drove through the crazy streets of Bali, to this absolute paradise I will be calling home for the next month. I cannot begin to describe how absolutely beautiful this place is. Easily, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

While in the car, I learned a lot about Bali, it’s people and it’s history. Wayan shared with me some staggering figures about the island. The one that was most shocking was that 70% of the electricity used on this island is solely from hotel lights. Can you believe that? I was pleased to hear him talking about global warming and the need to be conserving. He also shared with me that over 90% of the population of Bali is Hindu, and each home has it’s own holy temple. A Balinese family has a very simple ceremony every day at this temple, and every two weeks they have a larger one. I also asked Wayan what the Balinese people thought of all the tourists and he said they love us! If it weren’t for us everyone would be out of work. Apparently over 70% of the Balinese population has a job that is absolutely dependent on tourists. Crazy!

            As I sit and write this, I am at my little desk under an intricately woven thatched roof. I feel like I am under a basket, it even smells lovely. I am listening to soft rain falling on the palm leaves outside, while thunder and lightning fill the sky.   My king size bed is enveloped with a beautiful white gauze mosquito net and orchids on the pillowcases. This place is so luxurious! The bathroom is just equally as breathtaking, with not only a hand hammered copper sink, but also a hand hammered copper shower that has a waterfall showerhead. On the vanity there is a beautiful tropical bouquet, and little orchids laid on top of the towels. 

             I am looking forward to tomorrow where the real work begins! I will be unrolling the two heavy rolls of paper that I schlep all the way from San Francisco. I will show you the progress as it comes.

More from me later, I am exhausted from the long travels…