Coming back to Bali is a bit like coming home. I love the culture, the energy and warmth of the people and the family feel of being in Sandat Bali. This is home to my Balinese family! After several months of planning, details, bus scheduled, coordinating trek and travel experiences, I’m here to relax and recharge before heading home. Well, maybe have some good massage, good food and a healing session or two with Papa!
My favorite coffee is still my favorite coffee. The staff there is amazingly friendly and helpful. I saw J’co whom I had a coffee class with last year and it was a great reunion. Friendly. Lots of smiles. Gentle people. Warm culture. It is contagious!
Yes, the kids and family are still here, three generations living together. And because people hear of Papa’s healing ability, a steady stream of people flows through every day! Guest always prove to be interesting. And I know my favorite places to explore, hang out, motorbike, and simply relax. It’s great being back!
Has Bali changed a lot! Yes, since my first visit back around 2008. Away from the major tourist areas, it is still as lovely and warm and friendly as it has always been! If you come to Bali, go one block away from major tourist shops and activities and you’ll experience a more authentic feeling for what Bali is and who the Balinese are!
Welcome to Ubud!
I left my Laos hotel before 6:00 am. 14 hours later, I arrived at Sandat Bali. The driver picking me up didn’t realize how much traffic there was so I waited a LONG time for him to arrive. Normally, I’m very patient. However, it was a real test, waiting at the airport, with a backpack, and EVERY taxi driver pestering me non-stop for over an hour. Finally, as I walked toward the Grab office to get on wifi, four of them blocked my path. “Where you go?” “Good Price.” “Who your driver?” “I can call him for you.” They stopped me in my path and I literally looked at each of them in turn, raising my voice, saying to each: “No!” “No!” “No!” “No!”. What about that don’t you understand? They said they were just trying to be helpful. I asked how many times I needed to say no before they understood I was fine and didn’t want help.
It was not normal behavior for me but I was exhausted and hadn’t eaten since breakfast. I was a bit dehydrated. Whatever. I was just fed up, frustrated, and annoyed!
I was ready to book a driver from the airport when my driver finally connected with me. He was so apologetic when he finally arrived. I’d been waiting for 90 minutes!
I let go of my frustration and accepted the comfort of having my own driver. And, I realized I was part of this issue. When Trisna asked if I wanted them to send a driver, my first inclination was to simply take a Grab from the airport. That is very simple. Go through customs, and immigration, get my baggage, visit the ATM, fix my iPhone number with customs, walk out of the airport, and get into a car. But I decided it would help out my family a little if I used their driver. I felt that from the beginning, it would be simpler and more reliable to just get a driver.
So I couldn’t really be upset with them so, I quickly shifted and settled into the ride back to Ubud. The roads were packed!
I don’t think I have ever seen this much traffic here! And I’ve never seen so many cars on the road. Motorbikes, yes. But so many cars??? Never! So when I am on my motorbike this time, I am especially cautious and aware!
Sandat Bali Welcome Committee
when I arrived, papa was working with someone on his table, so I walked on by to put my pack in my room. When I walked back by, he saw me. He shouted my name and came up front to hug me! Then mama did the same. It was such a great feeling to be warmly welcomed here by both of them, by Trisna and Wayan and the staff in general.
I was starving so walked to a local warung to get something to eat. The older man who owns it greeted me with his hands together, bowing and welcoming me to his restaurant. Ah, that is Bali, the one I know!
I went to my favorite herbal place yesterday, Nadi’s. The man remembered me from last time. So knowledgeable, helpful, and warm! I remember meeting a man 15 years ago leaving Utama Spice to create Nadi’s…if my memory serves me well. It was the first time I had heard anyone say, “I don’t do anything I don’t love!”. I’ve heard it since here in Bali. But that energy is in their products. I love the energy of their products. Have a look: NADI’S.
Bali Welcome
Visiting my favorite places. I had a healing session with Nyoman which was great. I’m considering three different massage possibilities. I’ve had my favorite coffee, seen J’co who was my coffee instructor last time and had a great cinnamon roll! For a snack, I found a place with Mango Lassie and Dadar Gulung which was awesome! My plan while I’m here, relax, enjoy my time and my friends, have some good healing sessions and food…then prepare for my flight back to the US.
Some recent Bali experiences...
After papa worked on me, my knee pain disappeared. I’m taking it easy and took a motor bike yesterday to explore. Initially, I went to see another healer friend. He lives a long way from here but I’ve always driven there myself and as I neared his home, I knew where to turn. This time, it was as if a fog settled in. Instead of clarity, I felt confusion when I neared him. I turned around and drove back…but the same thing happened. At that point, I realized I was so focused on finding him, I forgot to focus on enjoying the areas I was driving through. I let go of plans to see him and set about simply enjoying my drive. Below are some photos I took at that point.
Exploring and resting!
I’m hoping to see Eddy before I leave. One day next week, I will drive to Sukawati to the big market where local markets buy their things. His office is very near there. I met Eddy on my very first trip to Bali around 15 years ago and we’ve been friends since! He shares Prana energy, acupuncture, and acupressure treatment which is amazing!
Hi Larry, so nice to keep following your travel and adventures. Inge was in Bali at the end of februari for 3 days all the way from Holland. The occasion was bitter because Inge’s dad died of a heart attack while beeing on holiday there with my stepmom. Inge and her brother set out to accompany and support their mom in the difficult times. All in all it was a rough month in total (and still is). But it opens your eyes for the small things in life and shifts your persoective. Inge, her brother and mom went to papa Nyoman the day before the came back to the Netherlands and that was one of the best decissions they made. Again thanks for the tip to go to papa when we met you last year by the pool in our guesthouse in Ubud. They also had a beautiful Balinese ceremonie to say their goodbyes. Inge’s dad was a nature lover and was on his first trip to Bali. He only had a couple of days on the Island but he loved all the nature and people during that time. So he died fast and in between what he loved in life. We as a family already had a strong connection with Bali and that only got stronger. Safe travels and much love Mark, Inge and Brodi.
Thank you for sharing Mark! I’m sorry for your loss. None of us know how much more time we have left here in this physical body. The comment, “Everyone dies. Not everyone will live.” Resonates with me. Live! I’m happy he enjoyed the nature here! My first and oldest friend I met my first trip here died suddenly last July. He got up, cooked breakfast and suddenly was gone. I got to see him last April. He introduced me to Nyoman.
I saw papa last night. So happy to have his e ergo and ability in my life. I’m happy your family found help to n seeing Nyoman.
Yes, it seems always to be the small things in life that matter!
I’m winding down and refreshing my body here after so much travel. I found a great deep tissue massage yesterday that was great and a good compliment to papas work. Pool side this morning with coffee. And, hopefully, a latte art class this afternoon! Four more days here, then the beach in Sanur to get in the ocean, then the journey home.
I appreciate our connection and your sharing. Love to you and the family!
I love vicariously traveling along, your senses of kindness and showing appreciation, and your photos feed my spirit, so I can only imagine being there!