Vagabonding Field Report: Making art out of life in Ubud, Bali
Cost/day: Around $40/day
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen lately?
I was walking around Ubud, which has so much traffic, and walking down the sidewalk there was a man with his cow!! There is a lot of traffic in Ubud, so it was very surreal to me. Plus, the sidewalks aren’t the easiest to navigate, so Iwas very impressed with the cow for doing so. I love all of the statues and how the Balinese make everything seem so reverent with their offerings and flowers and incense everyday. They have taught me how to show gratitude.
Describe a typical day:
I think a lot of tourists use Ubud as a base. They take lots of tours everyday, but then they miss the essence that is Bali. I just walked everyday. There was so much to see by just walking down the street. Beautiful people, flowers, the fragrance of pandan leaves, all of these things just made me so happy everyday. Also, I didn’t just walk in central Ubud. I walked out in the rice fields which were a world away from busy Ubud. My senses were just dancing everyday. There was so much to take in.
Describe an interesting conversation you had with a local:
I took painting classes from a local artist. I was amazed to learn that when he was a child he wanted to draw, but his family couldn’t afford pens or paper, so he drew in the dirt with a stick. It made me realize how much I take for granted.
What do you like about where you are? Dislike?
I loved how every day it felt like I was part of the art in Bali. I have never felt more in the moment than I did there. I love the friendly smiles of the people, the food, the serenity. I disliked the traffic. I wish they would do some better planning in that area.
What new lesson did you learn?
I learned patience as many things took longer than I’m used to. Meals were two hour events. There were lots of lines at the grocery store or post office. I learned to just look at my surroundings and not be in a rush. I learned it was OK, to do nothing but sit back and watch the rice grow.
Where next?
I am headed to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico next. I am so excited and can’t wait to get there!
For more about my travels and great advice on beaches and islands, check out my website
This Way To Paradise and my Facebook page!
August 7th, 2013 at 11:17 am
such beautiful pictures. seeing them make me want to visit bali in the near future.
August 10th, 2013 at 1:39 am
That frangipani shot is beautiful. It’s wonderful to read the emphasis in taking time to notice and appreciate the mundane daily rituals of the locals, their life. Not just about the usual where to go, where to eat in Ubud.
August 11th, 2013 at 2:18 am
Thank you both!! Yes, to me, that is what travel is. Being in the moment. Seeing what is. That is what you will remember long after. Not where you ate or seeing hundreds of temples!!
August 12th, 2013 at 4:04 pm
[…] vagablogging.net – Cost/day: Around $40/dayWhat’s the strangest thing you’ve seen lately?I was walking around Ubud, which has so much traffic, and walking down the sidewalk there was a man with his cow!! There is a lot of traffic in Ubud, so it was very surreal to me. Plus, the sidewalks aren’t the easiest to navigate, so Iwas very impressed with the cow for doing so. I love all of the statues and how the Balinese make everything seem so reverent with their offerings and flowers and incense everyday. […]
August 16th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Aaaah, that overwhelmingly beautiful fragrance of frangipani. Those photos bring back a lot of memories of our time in Bali. They were everywhere, on beds, in offering baskets, and above our swimming pool. It’s the small things like that that make a place special. Didn’t see a man with a cow in the street, but we did see a family of seven on a motorbike.
August 17th, 2013 at 10:50 am
lovely photos. thanks for the inspiration val.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
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