My time here has flown by! It’s been refreshing, after two months of travel, to be in one place relaxing. I’ve had some great food, met awesome people, had healing sessions with Papa, taken a motorbike out for early morning exploration, attended a latte art class and so much more. My first two months were full of travel details, transportation to airports, flights, seating, immigration requirements, hotel arrangements, and such! Here, I parked my backpack and did not move for 8 days! Perfect! Tomorrow morning, I leave for the beach for two nights. I want to swim and relax on the beach before heading home. Then, I’m off to Singapore to connect with my flight back home. It’s been an awesome trip! And, I’m looking forward to a change in climate. It’s been muggy here and will be hotter at the beach. Some refreshingly cool morning’s on my patio feel perfect. I’ll get out my hummingbird feeders which I always do this time of year. The early scouts know they can depend on me having an early food supply out for them. And then I plan to chill on my patio with coffee while I adjust to the 14-hour time change and such! Coffee anyone?
Seniman Latte Art Class
Images from Latte Art Class!
Last year, I took a manual brewing methods class with J’co at Seniman Coffee. I was the only student and we had a great time sharing. I made great notes and improved how I made coffee at home. Some techniques changed a little and made a big difference in the coffee taste!
Yesterday, I signed up for the latte art class. Mostly, I wanted to have some time with J’co. And, I have learned so many things in my life by asking questions! There are always things I can learn about latte art so, why not? J’co and James taught a great class to six of us! In two hours, it is not possible to perfect latte art. However, a person can learn the basics, build step by step from there, and make awesome-tasting drinks with perfectly textured milk.
When I help people improve how they are stretching and texturing their milk, I remind then that they have habits. I recommend picking one and doing something differently! I had that experience yesterday. Now, I have several things I learned that I can practice at home. My milk texture was very good, but my pouring technique needed some refining. The good news: with properly stretched and textured milk, the espresso drinks taste better. Now, I know several things I can practice to pour even better milk! Awesome!
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Working with Papa!
When I first arrived, both knees were very sore. Each time I went for a walk, they ached and were painful. When papa first worked on me, I had a lot of pain in most areas he worked. Today, I had very little pain. And when I walk now, I don’t have any pain. The swelling is gone as well.
Each day I stretch with the slant board for 15 minutes. When I first started using this here, I could barely do step one because of tightness and pain. As I continued using it, I slowly moved up to step two but only for a very brief period of time. I did notice my posture changed and I felt different walking. People commented to me about my posture. I purchased one and used it at home. Here, with Papa working on me, I am now able to step up to step three which was surprising to me. Yay!
One reason I come here is to tune up my body before going back to the US. I can’t explain how Papa works but I have seen his work transform people from various conditions to much more upright, pain-free mobile lives. I’m very grateful for knowing him and being able to work with him!
Changes, traffic and same same
My first impression once I arrived and waited about 90 minutes for airport pickup: TRAFFIC! The last time I was here, traffic was heavy at times but nearly empty at other times and on some roads. Now, I don’t remember ever seeing this many cars on the road?? I’ve learned to avoid busy times, go slow, and take my time. And, I’m reminded daily that amidst many changes here over the past 15 or more years, the Balinese people remain warm, inviting, friendly and loving! Last night, after the latte art class, I stopped at a local restaurant on my way back to Sandat Bali. For every meal you buy, they provide 2 medical treatments for people. My meal was great. I thanked them and as I was walking down the steps, I heard a woman ask me to wait. She reached for something and then handed me a small handmade local bracelet and said, “Thank you for coming”! That Bali is very much alive and present! When I left latte art class, one woman who had helped me days before asked me if I would come back one time before leaving Bali? On my way back after dinner tonight, I walked by the laundry. Omang walked out and gave me a hug wishing me good health, happy life and to come back and see him again. That is the heart of Bali in my experience!
My first trip to Bali, I stayed at Dewa’s Bungalows. There, I met this Dewa and we became friends. I was having significant back issues at that time and he noticed. He asked me if I would like to see a healer? Certainly!!
He then revealed his story. He had a stroke that left the left side of his body non-functional. For an artist, that was very challenging. He went to see a healer in Sukawati and after several months of working with him, everything on the left side of his body returned to normal, just like before the stroke.
The healer was Eddy who has been my friend ever since!
Whenever I returned, I would see him. This time, I couldn’t. He passed away last July. Bali is not the same to me without seeing him here.
Motor bike exploration!
I took a motor bike to look for a friend about 40 minutes away from here. I was unable to find him. Turning around to go look again, I realized I was so focused on finding him I forgot to simply enjoy the countryside I was riding through. From that point on, I rode, stopped for photos, visited roadside cafes, and took a slow easy approach to driving through the countryside. Below is a gallery of some of those moments. And I’ve included a few favorites from earlier trips. So amazingly green! Such good memories!
Travel day!
Tomorrow I leave for Sanur where I’ll spend a couple of days near the beach and get into the ocean! It’s a nice transition for me and I love getting in a swim before leaving. In addition, it’s very close to the airport. From there, I fly to Singapore in two days and then board a flight for SFO and a return to the US! Ciao!
What a trip! Can you do latte art on Chai or hot chocolate?!😀 You know I’m not a coffee connoisseur. The pictures are wonderful. Extraordinary! Your experiences are amazing. So happy you are living your dream.
Love you, Bear!
Yes! I’d love to join you for coffee on the patio! The dragon latte art looks challenging!
I’m sorry about Eddie. A big loss for so many people he helped. 🙏🏻