Ubud Mashup (Vlog Ep. 28)

I’ve said a lot about Bali (specifically Ubud) already. This post and Ubud Mashup video is my farewell (for now) to this magical place in the world.

I spent five weeks in Bali in total (I was meant to be there for eight weeks but I evacuated early), and all of that time I was based in Ubud. I don’t apologize for not staying on other parts of the island; in fact if anything, I apologize that I couldn’t get to know Ubud even better. When I do return to Bali, it will be to Ubud.

This post was originally published in 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy of links and content.

That’s not to say that other parts of Bali aren’t equally (or perhaps more) deserving of my attention. My day trip into Kuta didn’t go so well, but I hear lovely things about many other parts of Bali, and when I return I expect to visit some waterfalls, climb some mountains, and relax on a beach or two.

The attraction to Bali (and specifically to Ubud) was of a spiritual nature, though I wasn’t on any particular quest, and I only took two yoga classes (much to the shock and surprise of many “spiritual” people in Ubud).

I went to Ubud because there are a few spots in the world that seem to attract spiritual pilgrims of all sorts:

One is the Sacred Valley of Peru (a place I was lucky enough to call home for two years) and to a larger extent the Andes mountains of both Peru and Ecuador (where I also spent time doing “shaman-things”).
Another is Ubud, the artistic and cultural hub of Bali, and also the spiritual centre of Balinese Hinduism; something that has attracted tourists and spiritual-seekers since the 1930’s.
The third is India (DUH!) – where I’ve spent the last few weeks, and will be sharing all kinds of information with you about shortly.

This year will have seen me in all three locations; in a poetic and subtle exploration of what attracts people to these “spiritual” places.

Stumbling on a Cremation Ceremony Parade

I’ve written about the importance of ceremony and religion in Bali (see also: Canang Sari – The Ceremony of Life in Bali); it dictates daily life. And although stumbling on a cremation ceremony parade might not be a once in a lifetime opportunity, it’s still a very special event to witness….which you’ll see in the video below.