January 10, 2014January 10, 2014

Bali: Maya Ubud | and a Village Trek!

by in Asiatags
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Bali: Maya Ubud | and a Village Trek!

When I started my Spiritual reawakening, all I ever heard was, “You need to go to Bali!”

So, to start 2014 off right, I flew to Bali.

My New Year began at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, celebrating with all the other excited, albeit possibly tired travelers. My flight departed at 1a and I landed at 7:40a on the 1st in Denpasar, Bali. What a great way to start the New Year!

My plan was to go to Ubud for some healing, and then to Sanur to visit a friend and get some sun! I got all that along with a bit of fun!

In Ubud, I stayed in a beautiful hotel, Maya Ubud. Did you know that ‘Ubud’ means medicine? And ‘Maya’ means illusion. Hmmm, did that mean I wasn’t going to be healed? Ha! To the contrary, I had daily yoga sessions, did some village trekking, was dressed in Balinese clothing, learned to make an offering, visited temples, and even visited an ashram! Here are some pictures of my travels!

At Maya Ubud:

Villa Doors!
Villa Doors!
A path of contemplation...
A path of contemplation…

This path of contemplation led me to take advantage of scheduled activities that were part of my booking. The first was a local Village Trek. At the start of the trek, I encountered a cow grazing nearby. I stopped to take pictures and in the midst of saying hello a baby calf walked over to greet me! It was the most amazing thing! Unafraid, this beautiful calf began to sniff my legs, nibble on my shoes and towel and we just looked into each other’s eyes with love and admiration.

Mama and baby saying hello! It was the most touching moment I've ever had with an animal.
Mama at a safe distance and baby saying hello! It was the most touching moment I’ve ever had with an animal!

Shortly after taking this photo mama began to moo, so I graciously thanked them both for the extraordinary moment and continued on my way.

Next on our journey was a visit to the Elephant Cave.

Pathway to Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Pathway to Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Entrance to Elephant Cave Looks scary, doesn’t it? Walking in is quite an experience though and a cleansing takes place of your energy.
Entrance to Elephant Cave.
Looks scary, doesn’t it? Walking in is quite an experience though and a cleansing of your energy takes place.

Continuing on to view the rice terraces, unfortunately, I arrived after their harvest. Still, grateful to be there.

After passing the rice terraces my guide took me to his family compound.

Walking down a local street, my guide is taking me to his home. Each entrance is to a family compound. There are several structures built for the parents, their kids and grandkids, cousins, etc. The family sticks together.
Walking down a local street, my guide is taking me to his home. Each entrance is to a family compound. Within the compound exists several structures for each family unit. Parents and kids, grandparents, cousins and their families, etc. Families stick together there.
A local Balinese woman is cooking noodles within her family's home. The noodles are laid to dry in the sun, and later it will be packaged to be sold in the local market.
A local Balinese woman is cooking noodles within her family’s home. The noodles are laid to dry in the sun, and later it will be packaged to be sold in the local market. (I think they’re noodles. I’m not sure though, can’t remember!)
Inside the compound, a young girl in the distance relaxes outside her home.
Inside the compound, a young girl in the distance relaxes outside her home.

After this trek, I had to go straight back to the hotel pool and just relax.

A nice place to relax.
A nice place to relax.

My trip to Bali isn’t over yet! Click here to visit some temples!

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