Life Update

An accurate, brief and concise explanation of where my life is and my thoughts on a number of issues related to it..

I. Work in Korea. It's been great but sometime in mid-2010, I know I will be ready to leave. The school and academy systems here are such a complete joke and I'd bet my left shoe that 98% of children aren't learning a damned thing. Related to that are my serious issues with Korean parenting. Refer to IV or that. As of November 30, 2009, I will not be working at a school of ANY kind. Instead, I will get work when and with whom I can teaching adults in business and casual settings while living as comfortably, yet cheaply as possible.

II. Transitioning. I've got a place to live until late February so I'm feeling quite good about that. In the meantime, I'm trying to score private work on the side. It's been a little tough doing both. I know that once this regular job is over, I'll be MUCH more available to meet and make clients. This past year has taught me a lot about positive thinking and initiative. With the social skills I have and my "gifted, but not genius" IQ, I don't forsee any real problems in securing employment for myself. More commuting, yes. More stress because it can be unreliable, sure. More freedom, that's the only word I needed to hear. :) Yes.

III. Big fish in small ponds. After over 2 years, I really am starting to feel how I felt in junior year of high school. Might be why I didn't stay for senior year, haha.. Anyway, I know that in the next 6 - 9 months I will reach the apex of all that I can gain from being in Korea. I LOVE the people, the culture, the way of life. I truly do. But it can having a mind-numbing effect on an individual as well. Lack of qualified intellects is certainly one problem. In my opinion, about 65% of the expat male population here is LBH (Losers Back Home) and not to mention the plethora of social awkwardness -- weirdos from other countries come to Korea, where thanks to language barriers their deficiencies aren't as easily detected.. I may be painting a dreary picture, but stay here long enough, and you'll get it.

IV. Korean parenting. What the hell is up with this coddling shit that Koreans are so good at? Is a paper cut really the end of the world? Toughen these kids up! Hit them a little bit. Seriously. I see children hitting their mothers and the mothers not even embarassed by it. It's sickening! These parents want their children to grow up to become lawyers, doctors and businessmen. But if a child can't even learn how to tie a shoe lace by age 7 or wipe their own ass by 16, what the hell kind of citizens are they going to become? I am truly convinced that these bored stay-at-home mothers are doing more damage than good to their children -- just my opinion though. Thank God I'm an American. Am I feeling culturally superior right now? Yes. Unless you live here and can see it for yourself, you'll just have to take my word for it.

V. Best for last. I have been reunited with the love of my life, Dude. Fate has brought us back together, this time for good. The plan is to see each other as much as possible between now and when I leave Korea. If all works as we are hoping it will, I will be relocating to the proper Southern U.S. to be with the Man of my Dreams. It's so cliche sounding, I know. But until you meet the "One", all that romantic shit sounds corny. So despite all these minor issues I am having in Korea, I feel so incredibly blessed. Dude is crazy about me and treats me like a princess, even when I tell him not to. And I love him the way I've always wanted to love someone -- truly, honestly and passionately.

Present Perfect

Present Perfect - in English, the part of speech indicating an action previously completed but of some relevance to the present. Formed by using the present form of have (have or has) with a past participle.

I have loved.
I have surfed in the Indian Ocean.
I have skydived in the Tyrol mountain of Austria.
I have laughed until I thought my stomach would burst.
I have seen the Eiffel Tower light up at night while gagging on escargot.

I have packed my life into 3 suitcases.
I have ridden a bicycle though Amsterdam.
I have cried tears of pain and those of joy too.
I have prayed for one more chance at Cheonggye Stream.


I have fought and healed.
I have hurt and been hurt.
I have drunk too much and regretted it later.
I have written postcards while sitting next to the Colosseum.

I have run barefoot in the rain.
I have broken rules made by others.
(So I made some of my own.
Then broke those, too.)
I have gazed at the Sistine Chapel.
I have climbed the Great Wall of China.

I have felt the presence of God.
I have swum with clothes on in Omaha.
I have been inked in Mexico while drunk.
I have smoked sheesha in Koh Phangan, Thailand.
I have wished upon shooting stars on a rooftop in Idaho.
I have stared at the Astronomical Clock in Prague's Old Town Sqaure.

I have learned a lot of German.
I have learned some Korean, too.
I have eaten dog soup and scorpions on a stick.
I have rocked out, passed out and lucked out.
I have hiked the desert of southern Utah.

I have done so much.

But there is still much do to... The promise of more to come fills me with hope and excitement. With only one shot at life, I refuse to say 'no' to whatever opportunities Life brings me. When I die, I want to say that I have lived and done so fully, with no regrets..

Beijing

On Beijingers

An amazing city in most regards. Creepy at times with the nationalist songs blaring on the megaphones, all the undercover policemen hanging around, and the censorship of sites like youtube and facebook, but full of hard-working, dynamic citizens. Abrasive in business but friendly otherwise, the Chinese are some of the most interesting people I've met.. Beijing is like any other capital city with its malls, sites, traffic and subways. But the real life was in the hutongs, the traditional alleyways where a fair majority of the people live. Children playing with their neighbor friends (as most have no siblings of their own), women hanging laundry, men gathered around cart tables drinking and playing card games...this was the real Beijing. I didn't take pictures of these things. It's rude and an invasion of privacy, in my opinion. And I was too shy to ask. And it's not as organic. It's best to go and experience those human moments for yourself...

The skyline at night

On Nationalism

I had a wonderful time in Beijing! I had the accidental priviledge of being there for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The city center of Beijing was closed off for the military parade. I spent my second day inside the hostel watching TV like most of the other Beijingers. Pride, progress, power and precision were the overarching themes that I took from the whole thing. China has an interesting history and an even more intersting place in the future of the global economy. Due to the anniversary the city was packed to near capacity for most of my stay. It felt a lot like central Seoul on a normal day, but it still amazing to see all the people from all over China gather together in Beijing to celebrate their country. The Beijing Olympics were pivotal for China to show it's face to the world and prove that it was a force to be reckoned with. Witnessing the parade was a reminder of what people en masse are capable of. Scary? Depends.. Amazing, inspiring and even emotional? Definitely..

Women Marching in Tiananmen Square (they were measured for EXACT physical measurements. The timing and precision of the marches was almost unhuman. Reminded me of the Olympics opening ceremony)

On The Human Body

In addition to the parade, I was able to attend the Chinese Acrobatics show at the Tiandi Theatre. Holy shit! I don't know how they move and bend and coordinate so exactly. I was reminded of the beauty and form of the human body. Alone or in a large group, the acrobats performed some unbelievale feats! 12 girls fitting on one bicycle? The picture below was not even the coolest thing I saw. They are spinning plates on sticks while jumping, flipping and balancing on each other! It was a beautiful display of art, dance, body and music. A very moving experience that speaks to the beauty of the human body and life itself. What amazing things we are capable of!

Chinese Acrobats (picture I took illegally...oops)

On Fate

My first night I ate at a lovely restaurant called The Olive. It's funny how I was drawn to it from the beginning. I was meant to go because the executive chef/owner, Cristelle, was quite friendly and invited me out with her and her friends that night. We talked over wine about France (she's from France), cooking, world travel, documentaries, men, life..etc... I felt so lucky to have been adopted on my first night. I visited the expat section of town and met some interesting people. And when I say interesting I mean fuckin' weird. I'm glad I had Cristelle there looking out for me. All in all it was a fun night. Fate is funny. Sometimes it lures you in with good lighting and large, open windows or maybe it's the terrace with the smallest hint of smoking trinckling into the city air..

Inside of The Olive. I love the understated, yet fresh feeling of the place

The outside of The Olive. Perfect atmosphere for a bottle of wine, some cigarettes and conversations about anything and everything with anyone and everyone...

Me and Cristelle, owner and executive chef of The Olive

On Saying "Ni Hao!"

On my second night in Beijing, I befriended my hostel neighbor, Luis. We had met the day we checked in and I gave him my room number. I thought it would be fun to make a friend to see the city with. I'm so glad that we exchanged out little notes because in 4 days, I made an incredible friend. Luis and I had so much in common and had similar travelling styles. After just a couple days, I felt like I was travelling with my best friend. Had it not been for Luis, I don't think I would have had as much fun in Beijing. I really miss our inside jokes and our conversations on movies, books, travel and life in general. If nothing else, I know that I was brought to Beijing to meet him. I miss you, Luis. :(

On Wonders

The combined length of all the parts of the Wall can go ALMOST around the world. It took 2,000 years to build and is considered to be the longest cemetary in the world. And NO, it cannot be seen far from space, only in low-orbit. It's a myth debunked by none other than China's first astronaut into space, Yang Liwei. It is a humbling experience to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World. What truly amazing things humans are capable of! In one lifetime or over a hundred...

Me at the Great Wall

On Culinary Adventures

The Chinese cuisine includes some strange stuff like seahorses, donkeys, rabbit hearts, cockroaches and bullfrogs. Before my trip to Beijing, I decided that I wanted to eat some scorpions. Why? Well just to say I'd done it...and I think I saw it on some TV show back in the States. Surprisingly, they didn't taste all that bad. Overcooked chicken with a mild curry sauce is the best comparison I can make. I got some looks from people. It seems that even the Chinese don't regularly eat these interesting specimens. Maybe the scorpions are there for tourists like me. Oh well, at least now I can say I did it. I ate 4 scorpions.

On Being a Tourist

You gotta see what the hype is all about. Get your feet wet and be at one with everyone else. But once you're done with it all, get away and EXPLORE off the beaten trail.

Me with Chairman Mao, showing my Chinese pride

Luis and me

An Afternoon at The Summer Palace

Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Zipping around on bicycles with Luis. Trying to get lost in the hutongs and NOT get hit by cars and buses. I did slightly better than Luis. Luis nearly gave me a heartattack when he almost got hit by a cab and a bus within 40 minutes of each other. Admittedly though, we got a rush from riding out at night, without helmets. An innocent brush with danger is good for everyone once in a while, right?

They really do all look alike. The bikes, I mean.

There is much more to say about my time in China, but by far the best thing was meeting Luis. Friends are what matter most in life. Travel is great by itself; you get a flavor of the culture, pick up some phrases and become one with the heartbeat unique to each city. If you're lucky, you might even get adopted by a local or a crazy, cool expat. And if you're REALLY lucky, you meet a lifelong friend. Life is awesome no matter where you go. But you have to find happiness with where you already are, otherwise all the travel in the world won't bring you any step closer to what it is you think you may be looking for. Leave the rest to Fate, and good things will come, no matter where in the World you may be...

Martini Backpacker's Pre-Birthday Reflections

This time last year, I wrote with hopeful anticipation for my future as well as a big sense of accomplishment for the time that had passed. This year is no different. Turning 25 is still freaking me out a bit, but I also realize that I've been truly blessed in my life and there is still so much to look forward to.

With each year, life gets better and better. Sure, it also gets more complicated in some respects, but I would never trade the now for any then. Living and working in Korea for 2 years has taught me the value of freedom and choice. Sure, being a kid is fun, but I would never trade that for the choices that I am able to make each day. I am happier, less stressed and a better, stronger person in general now than I ever was. And for that I am so grateful. I always wanted to be an adult and now maybe a part of me has finally become one! :)

Between 24 and 25, I quit smoking for 7 months (too bad I started up again, though), took up running again, started a book club in Seoul, found a soul mate, endured heartbreak, healed, embraced uncertainty, travelled, made amazing new friends, discovered the power of positive thinking, had only 3 panic attacks, became more comfortable in my own skin, and was a witness to the existence of Fate. When I look back, I can't believe all that has happened!

I'm not sure yet where I'd like to hone my energy for the 25-26 year, but I know it will come to me very shortly. I have a weekend full of fun things to do with friends from the 25th to the 27th, an entire week off from work and a 5-day trip to Beijing to help me actualize some goals. I am rather positive that the next two weeks will be celebratory as well as reflective.

A little over a year ago, I wrote, "The story of my life certainly seems to rhyme (in reference to Samuel Clemens' quote that 'History does not repeat, but it does rhyme'.). Feelings, thoughts, events, people and dreams seem to surface and resurface - manifesting in different forms each time. My search for happiness and excitement will be one that lasts my entire life. I know that each year brings me closer to whatever it is I am looking for. I am just grateful to be alive, experiencing all that life has to offer."

Today, I can read that and agree with everything except the part about my search for happiness lasting a lifetime. No, that came to an end sometime this last year. I'm not sure when, but it sort of happened when I wasn't paying attention. Sure, I will continually pursue excitement, but the happiness part I believe I have taken care of. Not that I wasn't happy before, I just started to appreciate the nows and think less about the tomorrows and next weeks. I was too busy thinking ahead to realize what I already had. Remembering to live and stay in the present will be a mental process that will require time and patience.

I want no gifts for my birthday. Why? Because the greatest things in Life I already have. I know that no matter where I go or who I meet, I have God on my side. I will make lots of friends in this lifetime and cultivate meaningful relationships. Whatever I choose to put my heart and mind into, I will succeed. Life has been so good to me, what more could I ask for? Nothing.

Well, maybe one more martini...

Bert Stern's "Marilyn Monroe: The Last Sitting"

I saw Bert Stern's "Marilyn Monroe: The Last Sitting" photo exhibit at the Chosun Ilbo Gallery in Seoul yesterday. Taken just 6 weeks before her "suicide"/overdose in 1962 for Vogue magazine, the photographs offer a stark, honest contrast to the Marilyn that most of the world knew. Though she is still vibrant, beautiful and flirtatious in most of the pictures, some of the photos cannot hide the dark, sad truth underneathe her beauty and fame. Alcoholism and drug addiction along with a large body scar (from gallbladder surgery), sad, aged eyes and undeniable foreshadowing of death are all but too apparent at this exhibit. It was still beautiful, but extremely sad at the same time. So much lurked beneathe the surface of this woman at a time that the world wasn't listening, only looking.Such a diverse woman! Underneathe her seductive and playful sex symbol status, you can clearly see that she was damaged, pensive and desperate.

The scar on her stomach was editted out in some versions of these photos. However, I like the ones with the scars. More honest (and beautiful) in my opinion.

Personality, humour and a good heart are all too often overshadowed by society's focus on sex appeal. When sent the negatives for the photo shoot, Marilyn had taken a red pen and had drawn large X's on herself in some of the photos. They used these in the exhibit and they were among some of my favourites. In some other photos she is seen with jewels and diamonds and seems to be smothered and suffocated by them, clearly no accident. In another, her smile is perfect, but her eyes are incredibly sad. And in others, she seems to be at ease rolling around seductively on the bed. What was Marilyn trying to tell the world in these photos? Bert Stern may well have been the last person to see the real Marilyn, the complex woman behind the camera. If there's anything to learn about Marilyn in the weeks leading up to her death, Bert Stern's photo collection is arguable as good a starting point as any other.

I can't help but notice how sad and old she looks here.
A bit morbid, it looks like the pearls and jewels have killed her. Coincidence or symbolism?
She made that mark herself. They decided to keep the marks she made in a lot of the pictures. The cross symbolism is unmistakeable. Did she somehow sense that she was going to die? I bought a small print of this picture as well as the one taken on the bed with her and Bert. When I have my "home", I plan on hanging them up on my wall. Should make for intesesting conversation pieces...

"The truth is I've never fooled anyone. I've let people fool themselves. They didn't bother to find out who and what I was. Instead they would invent a character for me. I wouldn't argue with them. They were obviously loving someone I wasn't. When they found this out, they would blame me for disillusioning them and fooling them."
Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962)

5K

After 3 months of NOT running, I finally ran that elusive 5K last night and just in time before my birthday!!! I've done it many times before but usually with a 1 -3 minute fast walk in between. This time, I went straight through. Now I want to work on my speed. I think that adding more distance could potentially get boring, so instead I'll work on stamina. At a later time, I'll train for distance, like say when I go truly crazy and decide to run a half marathon.

Slaveless (Soul) in Seoul

Yesterday I notified my academy that I would not be resigning a contract with them in December. Today, I discussed signing a part time contract with the children's library that I've grown to like quite a bit. I was excited at the prospect of staying there on Tuesdays and Thursdays while pursuing private work on other days of the week.

However, my discipline methods were put under some question by a typical Korean mother who believes her child is without fault and is a gift from God. The reality is that most children are infact ordinary and not that spectacular. In that split second I realized that my talents are appreciated by many, so why not work for them only. You can never please everyone in life. But you can at least work for yourself and eliminate the need to serve those who are too blind to see a good thing when it's right in front of them.

I am a bit in shock, as I had planned on holding off this decision for another month. But it's better this way. It's better that I have this time to plan how/where I will work and live come December. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared, but fuck if I'm going to continue being a slave, when my awesomeness is going to come under question.

I'm really sad for all the students who will be losing a great English teacher and for the mothers who have fallen in love with me. But hey, if they'd like, I'll private teach then and/or their child -- they already know how effective and fun I am.

I have no guilt or fear in advertising myself in the last few months before my contract is up. A few mothers at the library already give me gifts and chat with me outside of my lesson time to practice their English, so who knows, that may be a good place to start in order to secure a few privates and make some initial connections.

By 25 I had imagined myself being a lot more indepenent than I am now -- I'll be disappointed with myself if I don't make this work. Why the hell should I settle for semi-comfort and live for weekends when I could work my own hours, use my own methods and be appreciated the way I know I should?

I'm both scared but also quite interested to see what I make of myself in the next 2 months...

Fernando Botero in Seoul

I received free tickets to the Fernando Botero exhibit about a month and a half ago from a student's mother. I took Ji Sun with me and it was quite interesting. Botero is Columbian and uses a unique style whereby he exaggerates the volume of all the subjects. His paintings were diverse, ranging from food still lifes to lively bull fights, circus scenes and portraits. But every subject had that distinct "bloated" look. Some of his paintings have disturbing facial features, such as a glare or a closs-eyed expression. I can't say that any of his people were actually beautiful, but I found the food and circus paintings the most aesthetically pleasing. There were also some women that were clearly men dressed as such, not sure where that comes from. Anyway, I'm glad I got the free tickets. Soon, I want to go see the Marilyn Monroe exhibit. It's her last photo shoot before her suicide, so I think it will be interesting.

On The Pain of Eros

Eros, Greek god of love and sexual desire

Love is grabbing hold of the Great Lion's mane
And wrestling and rolling deep
into Existence
While the Beloved gets rough
And begins to maul you alive.

True Love, my dear,
Is putting an ironclad grip upon
The sore, swollen balls of a
Divine Rogue Elephant
And Not having the good fortune
to Die!

--Hafiz

We're one, but we're not the same,
You see, we hurt each other,
then we do it again!

--Bono

My Body is covered with wounds
this world made
But I still long to kiss her, even
when God said
Could you also kiss the hand that
caused each scar?
for you will not find me
until you do

--Rabia

Taken from an online article on the matters of Love and Pain. http://www.catalystmagazine.net/component/content/article/41/958-on-the-pain-of-eros-opening-to-the-wounds-of-love

On Fate and Love

Taken from U2's Magnifient

Magnificent
Magnificent

I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after I haven't had a clue
Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar

I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn't have a choice but to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted to me
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise

Only love, only love can leave such a mark
But only love, only love can heal such a scar

Justified till we die you and I will magnifiy
The Magnificent
Magnificent

[...]

A progression of time can indeed clarify some things...

(From February2009)

What is this force that weaves threads of our lives together? Is it coincidence or fate that brings us to these intersections? And what, if any, choice do we have in the "ever after"?

What if Fate is the better side of wild? Or have I fatally misinterpretted the poem..? The passage of time is candle wax, dripping ever so slowly that we fail to notice that it does so with defiant purpose. Maybe when our eyes are closed, Fate does the real work. Perhaps we can arrive at the same place via two separate conduits of life. Neither time nor space seem to have any coherence with choice. Ideas, emotions and effects transfixed in the wax; visible, but inert, we are powerless to change the course of things past.

It’s something I can’t explain, but there is something at work and for the first time in my life, for the first time in their lives, we are not in control, we are merely along for the ride. And what a ride it’s been and they can only wonder where it is they may end up next…

Or does it?

(From September 2009)

Love is the most powerful of all human expressions as it is the source of all others. Wrath, anger and jealousy as well as compassion, trust and sacrifice. Which battles do we fight with Love as our ally?

A true love is a sustaining one, but it is not forever. Like a candle, it can ignite and destroy, or it can calmly guide us through our. Sometimes we choose, and other times we don't. But in every case, you only have a finite amount of time, because the fact is, all fires die. We die. So, with what you're given you have to make the most of it and make it as beautiful as possible. The way one might enjoy a sunset -- sad that it can only last a while, but with the hope that soon, in another horizon, we can witness a rebirth of Love, of ourselves.

-- Soldier of Love, just one among millions

Where Have All The REAL Men Gone?

Chivalry is dead, and women killed it - Dave Chapelle

The Game

Awesome book! Part how-to, but more accurately, the story of one AFC's (Strauss') transformation into one of the world's greatest PUAs (Style). Every dude should read this book to better understand HB's and why they go for AMOGs and why AFC's finish last. The techniques can be used in other life contexts so even if you're not interesting in picking up the opposite sex, it's a good introduction to some basic social psychology.

Minus the guys who take it too far, it's a good book to help men get over their fear of talking to women. More importantly, it shows how to keep women interested and deciphering their IOIs. You don't have to be a hunk or a millionaire to get a woman's attention, just different and interesting. Most of them are doing it all wrong, though -- and I can personally attest to that.

From a woman's perspective, I gained a better understanding of the pressure that men go through to meet women. I also picked up a few tips from the author in how I can attract the right types of men and not just AFC's with chips on their shoulders or AMOG's with self esteem issues.

4.7/5

AFC - average frustrated chump

AMOG - alpha male among group

HB - hot babe

IOI - indication of interest

PUA - pick-up artist

Update

So life post-Bali has been surprisingly easy to reacclimate to and I've had a ton of fun too

...just a few of the things I've been doing..

I. Lady Gaga Concert at Olympic Hall (8/9/09). She is an amazingly talented young woman. Piano, comedy, a great voice and the ability to tell a great story. What an incredible concert! I hope she makes more music and continues to make sick tunes and break the mold.

II. Urban Bike Ride. Rode along the Han River with Nicole through the "urban jungle" that is Seoul. We rode from Olympic Stadium to Yeoido, which is about about 5 miles each way. My ass hurt from sitting that whole time but it was a great workout.

III. World Press Photo Exhibit 2009 at Seoul Arts Center. I am really starting to like SAC. I saw a Gustav Klimt exhibit back a few months ago and I'm impressed by the art that is showcased there. This exhibit, in particular, features independent photojournalists that captured some pretty powerful images in 2009. Economic crises, war in Georgia, the earthquake in China, transsexuals in Brazil, albinos in Africa and the ever-elusive snow leopard were just a few of the subjects featured. It an evocative and moving exhibit to see and I recommend anyone in Seoul to go see it. It will leave you feeling different about your own life and with a greater awareness of the outside world. To check out some of the work for yourself, check out their website at www.worldpressphoto.org

IV. Beijing. It's 100% now. Booked the flight, just got the Visa and even booked the hostel. Now I just have to wait. I imagine I'll do a little shopping while there, but I don't think the entire trip will cost more than 1,000,000 won total -- half of that was flight and visa, but the rest should be much cheaper. It should be a nice little getaway for myself and what better way to treat myself for my birthday than to see an amazing city full of history, great sites and fantastic food?

V. Post-Nov plans. I will be staying in Korea. I plan on saving the key money to buy an apartment. I'm sick of changing my residence every year and I think it's time I settle and make my own nest. I'd like to go to Thailand for Christmas and meet Les there, but after that I'm going to shift my focus back to my financial situation. Get my student loan paid off and pay my father back for the assistance he has given me this year. It's a little sad to think of the places I WON'T be going, but I'd rather take some time to get other threads taken care of.

That's about it. Life's pretty cool right now and there's not much I would change... :)

Bali 7/25/09 - 8/1/09

Bali was great. It afforded me some much-needed relaxation and reflection time away from the day-to-day of my life in Seoul. I came to some surprisingly realizations about myself.

Through my travelling, I've always had this inner dialogue about what I see and think. I've become comfortable with my solitude, but the world is such an incredibly beautiful, diverse place and what a shame to experience that alone.

On Solitude

"All of man’s misfortune comes from one thing, which is not knowing how to sit quietly in a room" -- Blaise Pascal

I spent two nights away from my travel mates in order to spend some alone time in Ubud. It was a good time to sit and think and do the things that I wanted to do. I was surrounded by couples and families, so I had to make due with reading, writing and befriending the locals. The Ubud Inn quickly became my home and I was very sad to leave. The Balinese have a way of making you feel at home and that's something that I believe comes with the amazing beauty of the island as well as the deep cultural and spiritual traditions that are unique to that area. In Bali, I learned that no matter how alone you may feel, you aren't. This world is a beautiful place and everything is connected and woven. Even when you feel frayed from it, there is always someone or something that will bring you back to yourself.

My room at the Ubud Inn

Coffee and Contemplation

On Tourism

The Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a necessary but slightly disappointing stop if you are to visit Ubud. For about the same as 80 US cents, you can enter the forest which is infested with aggressive, spoiled monkeys who steal your food, your wallet and your dignity.

Why is is that we want to see what so many others are seeing? Does it comfort us? Does it reestablish kinship between people of other nations? I'm not sure. I was, of course, a tourist in Bali. But every place that was infested with them, I found myself wanting to get out. Too many damn white people, I would say to myself.

I loved Bali the most when I was talking to locals or seeing the countryside. In any case, I find it most rewarding to get the hell of the tourist attractions once I've done the quick run through. Been there, done that. It's not those places we remember the best when we come home, they are peripheral. It's the people, the conversations, the meals, the laughter and the moments of feeling truly alive.

Stupid Monkey

On Religious Expression

The Balinese are Hindu practitioners. There are statues of the gods, like Shiva and Ganesh, everywhere. Each building, home or outdoor meeting place is fragrent with offerings of flowers, seeds, rice, cigarettes, gum and even Oreo cookies in small woven baskets lit with incense. The whole island is incredible beautiful, and it's no doubt to me that God was smiling when he created Bali.

The Balinese will ask everyone, locals and visitors alike, "Where are you going?" and "Where have you been?". I think of it as a sort of "homing device" for themselves, others and the universe. It got me thinking about where I've been and where I am going. Despite the questions that lie ahead, I know that the Higher Power has been with me the entire time and that the path ahead is full of light, beauty and happiness.

Incense and floral offerings

Lotus Flowers


People cleasing before meditating in the Holy Water Temple


Women and girls bringing fruits and other foods for offering


On Art and Work

The Balinese, especially in Ubud, are known for their unique art and culture. Wood carving, weaving, batik, painting, crafts, and jewelry are just a few of the eye candies you can find on the island. You can buy cheap or low quality versions at any of the Kuta stores or you can venture to Ubud and meet the craftsmen and women who make it with their own hands. There is an amazing work ethic in Bali. The people seem at ease and relaxed most of the time, but the time they use to work, they use wisely and carefully. I was amazed by these people who spend their days working for what is probably not very much money, but create such beauty with their own hands.

Lady weaving a sarong

Woodcarvers

Traditional Balinese Dancers

On Nature

The nature in Bali is by far the lushest I've ever seen. The environment is full of trees, flowers, mountains and rivers. It's no wonder to me that the people seem so happy. I didn't see even ONE angry Balinese or foreigner for that matter. It's funny how the environment we live in can have a residual effect on our personality and outlook on life. There is an unmistakable optimism and carefree feeling in Bali. If only we can learn to recreate and transfer one's state of mind from place to place.

Me at the Holy Water Temple

Reflection in the water at the Holy Water Temple

Mt. Batur

Me at the rice terraces

Waterfall

God smiling down on me

The jungle around the pool at Ubud Inn

On Newness

Just the sight of the medicine man Ketut Liyer brought tears to my eyes. There was a presence about him that emitted peace and kindness. He is incredibly old and wise and he smiles and laughs quite often. His hands and face were filled in stories. He told me the story in my left hand and my face. I won't divulge what he told me. I'll just say that regardless of what one might think of seeing medicine men, there was something profound about meeting this man. I couldn't stop smiling after meeting him.

Ketut Liyer

Surfing was a good time. I got a shit ton of salt water up my nose and cut up my knees and hands, but all in all it was a good experience. The next time I am at a beach, I definitely want to rent a board and give it another go. It was exhilerating to actually stand up and balancing was surprisingly easy. The hard part is just getting yourself to stand up in the first place.

Me, Sarah and Mike in our surfing gear

Like I said before, I avoided the tourist spots to the best of my abilities. But on our second to last night Kuta, we were invited to meet up with some people we'd met in Ubud at the Sky Garden night club. It was like any night club you'd go anywhere in the world. The American hip-hop, the awkward dudes standing around bobbing their heads, the scantily clad twenty-somethings with bleached blonde hair... But whatever, I had a great time and it made for some good people-watching.

Me with some pink girls outside the Sky Garden Night Club

On Return

The question was asked many times, "When you come back to Bali?". The answer was and still is, "I don't know". I know that the next I go, I want to bring someone special with me. Travelling with friends is great and travelling alone affords the most freedom. But I think the most joy in travel comes from sharing it with someone you love.

Kuta Beach

Beauty

3 More Days in Bali

Is it possible for a place to be too beautiful? Yes. Lush, green vegetation and tropical flowers completing in overabundance, in constant competition to lure the disgusting, but still surprisingly beautiful insects. The stars are bright and twinkly and the crickets sing in a midnight chorus. There was a dead cicadae in the pool this morning and even it was beautiful. This place will quickly make anyone feel plain and pale... I'm sure I could get used to that feeling of inadequacy