Bali Holiday

Bali Holiday

School was out for Christmas break and this would be the first trip after my broken hip, so somewhere relaxing was the criterion.  Christmas Dinner in Bangkok and then a short flight to Bali…. 

The taxi from the airport to the north coast winding over the mountain took longer than the flight. 

After a brief stop for lunch and a view of the countryside we were on our way... finally arriving at the secluded “Shangri-La” Resort.

  

 Down the pathway we had to walk with our luggage as no cars were allowed on the resort grounds. Arriving at a beautiful room at the oceans edge almost seemed to good to be true. Then add to that fantastic fresh vegetarian food, restorative Yoga, meditation, massage followed by a candlelit flower petal bath... ahhh, Bali...I love you.

The doorway to the Meditation and Yoga Temple

 I went to see a traditional Balinese healer to continue my hip bone healing and had an amazing treatment with herbs and natural plant oils
 The Baliane is a healer that can help you by using Balinese traditional medicine which involves intuitive seeing, sensing, and appropriating a special traditional medicine, or giving a massage if a person has problems with muscles or joints. A Baliane assists in atuning your energy, seeking to understand the origin of your unwellness, and will attend to you physically as well as spiritually

Depending on the time of year and month which you visit Bali, you will be able to witness many ceremonies. At night you can hear the priest call out Balinese chants and lull you to sleep. Or on full moon nights you may want to participate in a lively evening Karma Temple event. Dancers and blessings will be bestowed upon all who are willing to sit on the ground for two hours under the full moon light.

Dressed in Temple dress with lace bodice, satin belt, a sarong and hair flower, I was fortunate enough to go to a traditional  Temple ceremony and celebration… one that only happens every five years… I loved the people, the music, the Bali dancers and the whole experience. Even with blonde hair, I got to help the Priest in bestowing the ceremonial blessings with the rice, flowers and water.

Watching the final Full Moon of 2012 shine down on the Buddha head reminded me of how very blessed I am to be walking, traveling and even doing Yoga again after a broken hip. 

A fond happy farewell to the beautiful owners of the Shangri-la Resort... Your kindness and spirit will always be remembered. I will be back!!

Blessings from Bali "Shangri-la"