a day in ubud

a room with a view. the rice fields outside of my homestay.
a morning at the monkey forest. yes, that is really a monkey on my back! adorable but fiesty little creatures.
an afternoon at the impressive Neka Museum which boasts the work of Arie Smit, a Dutch painter who greatly influenced the art movement in Bali.
by nightfall, following a meal at my favorite restaurant Nomad, I experienced a traditional Kecak dance in which many locals participate. the people of Bali are so filled with spirituality!

island of the gods

in the belief of reincarnation, our deeds, wealth, and love determine the next life. I would like mine to be lived in Bali. this is a beautiful land where people smile often and the art of creation brings nourishment to the soul. Ubud is a haven for artists, writers and anyone seeking spiritual enlightenment. my days are spent in admiration of the great artistic expression present in the temples, paintings, dance, even the food of which each mouthful I savour. might I mention the art of massage which I experience as often as possible. at the hands of master painter Nyoman Sudadnya I am learning the techniques of Batik painting, quite a skill involving hot wax and patience. amidst the miles of rice fields this composition of my life continues...

a batik comes to life from the recesses of a vivid imagination...

kuala lumpur

"Malaysia: truly Asia" seems to be the word on the streets in this modern metropolis composed of trees and skyscrapers, the twin towers being the highest in the world. 48 hours in this jungle landscape proved most stimulating, fine dining and dancing followed by bowls of noodles from the friendly man in the street cafe, do as the locals do...a short break from the quietude of the beach, until we meet again in Bali...

ko phi phi!

I am now on the island of Ko Phi Phi in Thailand, attempting to overcome my fear of water by diving into the deep end, quite literally. I am taking a diving course and will soon be certified! tomorrow is my first dive after several days of an underwater education, learning skills and how not to panic. I am not afraid of much in life but I must say this has been a challenge! seems that I have found another paradise with turquoise waters, cliffs, caves...indeed I feel as though I have stepped onto the set of 'The Beach'!
it is within these waters that I became a diver with a deep regard for the underwater world, what a sensation!

luang prabang

I have found the most serene, slow-paced city in Southeast Asia, and one of the most spiritual. Luang Prabang is the City of the Buddha of Peace, hidden in the mountains of Laos. the population is a mere 15,000, with over 600 saffron-clad monks who inhabit its thirty pagodas. it's incredible to walk the streets and suddenly stop to gaze at a temple in a place where time seems to stand still. my days are spent bicycling on the edge of the Mekong in exploration of a city that has become a favorite of mine, with its ideal mix of nature and sophistication. many elegant restaurants with tasty Laotian cuisine, as well as charming local cafes on the river where I can sit over a good strong coffee for hours. galleries are finding a home here as local artists are showcasing their work and the Laotians are taking more of an interest in art and literature. it is a place I would love to spend more time, ah yes time...
the Kuang Si waterfall, one of several in Laos...a great force of nature!
the morning monks taking their alms at sunrise. a most thoughtful and intimate moment.

tailor made

I am trapped in a world of tailors and fittings. of the over 200 tailors in Hoi An I have been to 6, maybe 7...with approximately 4 fittings in each I now have 4 dresses, 2 jackets, 1 suit and a pair of shorts. so rewarding and exhausting to create your own wardrobe! not sure what happened to traveling lightly...

hoi an

I have found a place to call home, at least for a few days. Hoi An is a charming village, filled with the finest eateries in which a 3-course meal at a 4 star restaurant costs $5. I wonder just how many spring rolls I can eat!? I can't speak much for the sights as I have taken a break from visiting temples and taken to visiting the tailor shops, perhaps more exhausting than silent prayer. the streets are filled with galleries exhibiting paintings by young local talent. these lacquer compositions reveal a sentimentality that speaks from the soul of an artist.
my latest acquisition as my art collection grows, by a young Vietnamese artist reminiscent of Paul Klee, one of my most beloved artists.

halong bay

for 2 days I lived on a 'junk' boat, with 12 other equally adventurous souls. lost admidst 950 miles of mysterious limestone formations rising out of the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Bac Bo. meals of fresh caught fish, a morning of kayaking, cave exploration and beaches...some of the most wondrous natural sights I have yet seen, disconnected from all that resembles reality. A beautiful sensation of complete freedom.
sunset from the roof deck...followed by a night beneath the stars drinking Vietnamese wine (some things are better left to the French...)
the darling yet fiesty Vietnamese girl from whom I bought many an exotic fruit. I love the idea of a floating fruitstand!