Bali Reminiscing

Bali – Land of the Gods

A second home to me with it’s lush green forests 

And spirits circling everywhere

From the first smells as one exits the airport

Incense, sandalwood I think

Musty humidity and floral notes

Then the smiles of the locals clambering 

holding signs for hotels and transport

Big smiles, toothy grins and warmth.

I take my time, to decide which way to travel and with whom

Unless it’s already been arranged in which case 

It’s an easy walk to a car, water and the cool air conditioned ride

Through the streets of Denpasar 

And finally the long road towards the East.

The journey to Pondok Pisang is very familiar now.

Dozing off as we pass stalls and cows

Green fields, rice paddies, banana plantations

 and hills in the distance

Excitement builds, subsides and then builds again as we arrive in Candidasa!

The turn to the right with the blue sign and school! 

Yay! We made it!

Tiny weaving roads through even tinier villages

No tourists here

Just pure Bali. People, houses, children, chickens

And Oh! the delight of driving past a gamelan orchestra rehearsing in the village pavilion

nestled close to a Banyan Tree!

 and more smiling children!

Finally we arrive at Pondok Pisang

The bamboo gate is opened and the welcome committee of old and new faces greet us.

My heart is overflowing already with joy 

And then the Peace of Pondok descends

As I’m escorted to my simple abode of tranquility

There is something to be said for simple.

When everything is pared back

And what’s left is

The simple.

Ocean sounds

Birds 

And the silence in between

Excitement morphs gradually into relaxation

As I let go of the journey

And arrive fully

Home in Pondok

The ocean calls with its rhythmic lullaby

A dip is refreshing and so different to our aussie shores

Warm water washes away the stresses of my life

The day ends with the first of many delicious Bali banquets

Served by the sweetest of women

Smiles are exchanged over and over with lots of nodding of heads and bowing of hands

Ah! And then the final peace of the day

I sleep to the sounds of water lapping on the sands of the beach just a few metres away from my head.

A typical retreat day at Pondok starts once again with the ocean

A swim for the early risers

Not me

I wait till the sun is well and truly up and I’ve built up a dance induced sweat!

But first breakfast

I never eat breakfast at home but here, well

I have no will power to refuse the platters of fresh tropical fruit, eggs and banana pancakes

Or maybe the special treat of black rice pudding! 

Some retreaters scurry off with napkins filled with treats for later.

Me, I am happy with one last cup of tea as together we enjoy the magnificent ocean views from our beautiful timber table laden with deliciousness.

Not too much to weigh us down as we climb the stairs to the studio above

More ums and ahs as we take in the higher view 

Which encompasses hills and forests and more ocean

A dance a day keeps the dr away is our motto at Pondok

Every day an opportunity to release and heal as we dance in the light-filled space with it’s smooth timber floor and open vistas

Wu Tao is always a personal journey of descent and return

Yet our connections run deep and it’s easy for us to join in communion

With each other as well as the Divine.

Each day brings deeper changes

And the Divine energy flows freely and easily

Bringing bliss to our bodies and hearts

Letting go is powerful stuff

But we are held so lovingly and gently in Pondok’s embrace

Safe and supported

Just like a mother! 

No wonder we are reluctant to leave!

In fact I hardly ever venture past the bamboo gates enclosing us, 

Only for extra special journeys to the sacred water temple

Tirta Empal 

And then to finally depart until next time.

With shining eye good-byes

And so much gratitude for the whole experience

That is our Bali Retreat at Pondok Pisang