Trois jours à Ubud

This trip was about Yoga and wellness; our day began with a private yoga class with our group. The studio was majestic, with the doors open to the jungle, listening to the creatures during our practice. We had a delicious breakfast; I am a happy camper whenever there is gluten-free banana bread.

Today was the spiritual side of Bali; we visited the Gunung Kai Temple, the temple of the kings. On this visit, it was like a Stairmaster in the humid jungle, 300 steps down and up, in traditional Balinese clothing.

After, we went to the Tirta Empul Temple, built in 962, and participated in a water purification ritual. After completing the ritual, you are oddly at peace with life. The first fountains you ask to remove life obstacles (depression, jealousy, anxiety, etc.) from your life, followed by a cleansing and then a wish. Upon leaving the water, everyone felt at peace.

Lunch occurred at a fantastic community program supported by Planterra, G’s philanthropic charity. We were served lunch and entertained by a group of individuals living with disabilities. In Bali, people with disabilities are thought to have bad karma from a previous life and are largely ignored by society. This program gives them purpose and helps break down stereotypes.

We had another early morning yoga class the next day, and then our group had free time. Our fantastic tour guide, Vera, took me and two other ladies into Ubud to shop and explore. Along the way, we stopped at a local coffee establishment to taste coffee and teas and did the Ingstagram Bali moment of the swing in a long dress. It does make for an impressive photo.

After a successful shopping escapade and a Mexican lunch, we returned to the resort for a cooking class. The resort grew much of its produce; the chef taught us how to make traditional dishes. We all received aprons, a chef’s hat, and the recipes to take home.