Kadek, Kevin, Mitsuyo, and Mama
Bali alarm clock
Sleep does come, eventually, and I wake up early to the sound of those infernal chickens. I check my email and finish the very entertaining and informative Balilicious by Becky Wicks, meditate a bit, and then Mitsuyo is up. We chat as she shows me how to make the Bali coffee, rather like instant but super powdery. Two teaspoonfuls in a cup and fill with boiling water. Wait until the sludge settles, add some sugar and milk if you want. It’s quite good.
The lovely and talented Kadek making our breakfast
Kadek is the wife of my driver Ketut, and she’s the one who is the house cleaner, cook, and god appeaser at The Nest. When she arrives, she makes us a breakfast omlette, then makes the Hindu offerings that are placed in the kitchen, at each entrance to a public space, and in the road. She’s sweet and we chat about going to the temples when they are having one of the many Hindu ceremonies. Kevin arrives and is welcoming. We chat a bit, share our stories, and as he goes, Mitsuyo takes over. After three days of relative silence on airplanes, conversation is welcome.
Our illustrious host, Kevin
I want to walk into town but I’m sooo tired. I’d been burning the candle at both ends in Virginia to prepare for this trip and my upcoming move to Oregon, so I am wiped. Back to the room for a nap.
Mitsuyo and Me
When I wake, it’s early dinnertime. Mitsuyo wants to take me to Mama’s Warung (Cafe/Restaurant), the closest place to eat from Kevin’s. It’s less than a 10 minute walk. This is how you get there: out the door, turn right, go past the jungle river (a small stream, really, where people bathe and wash clothes and fish), pass the water temple, then see chicken coop left and chicken coop right, and the Gauntlet of Dogs. Mama welcomes Mitsuyo and I with open arms. Since the internet is sporadic for her at Kevin’s she brings her iPad. I am too busy breathing in Bali. Our lunch overlooks her family’s compound, an assortment of small cottages, temples, and gardens. The rain rolls in and we can see lightning in the distance. Orchids hang off the balcony. Magic.
Mixed plate for dinner, rice in the middle, some greens with spicy peanut sauce, marinated tempeh, fried tofu with sauce, and a chicken cake.
Dinner (mixed plate) is $1.39. Add an avocado salad for another $1.39 and a mango lassi for another $1 and you’ve got yourself a meal, complete with rainstorm. After our early dinner, there’s time to take a walk down the main drag and check out the action before dark.
It’s an assault to the senses. Just watch your step. Back to Kevin’s and more chatting with Mitsuyo before bed. Earplugs tonight!!!
First go by the river (sometimes people bathing at the bottom of the stairs)
Then past the water temple
Up through the Gauntlet of Dogs (can be as many as 5 here)
The view from Mama’s – rain is on the way
Watch your step!
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Practicing Travel 
I’ve been craving mango lassi for ages!!!!
May 7, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Mmmm, actually my new favorite is the coconut. Just had some with dinner last night!
May 8, 2015 at 8:08 pm
Hi Julie, you are probably adapting to the environs and time change but when you are grounded let me know if you want me to connect to our friends in Munduk. Our driver friend can take you there and knows Iluh who helps us when we do our volunteer work there. You canoeist some of the local kindergartens we help. It is so fun to see the kids. We can advise you of a place to stay also right on the rice field. (there is also a Lovely short hike to a waterfall and a visit to the sacred Banyan tree.) If you feel inclined you can bring an art project for the kids, or just think of some songs you know and do some yoga with them!!
May 7, 2015 at 6:50 pm
Thanks, Kathryn! Unfortunately I won’t be going that direction. It looks like a great thing you guys are doing, though. Perhaps next time!
May 8, 2015 at 8:10 pm
We will be going in aug/sept for out Heart,Mind & Soul Project, but your photos are giving me Bali Fever. Kathryn Schlesinger (Camino)
look up our website we finally have it up – http://www.hmsproject.org
May 7, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Yes! I love it here! Great website! I love what you are doing!
May 8, 2015 at 8:14 pm
Hi Julie, thank you for the great blog.It’s almost like traveling a little bit together with you! Enjoy!!
May 8, 2015 at 11:00 pm
Thank you! More to come!
May 8, 2015 at 11:42 pm