Why Bali..

I miss blogging.

Many knows that I love traveling and I specially love Indonesia, to be more precised - Bali. I have been to Bali for almost 10 times for the past 7 years or so. My adventure with Bali started when I was still very "adventurous". The first time I was there, I was so busy discovering all the fun things that Bali had to offer. I learned surfing and hung out with new found friends, partying all night. For the next few years, after my first visit, it was pretty much consisted of the same repeated things; surfing, partying, surfing, partying. Although it was really fun, but it was never without a tinge of regret. I partied hard with my friends in Bali back then, every morning I woke up with a hangover and immediately promised myself not to do it again. But when the night came, we went out and did it all over again.*shakes head*

But after a few times going back for the same thing, I got tired. I figured I need a change and we decided to head to Ubud, where the pace is much slower. It was probably because age was catching up with me.

When i first came to Ubud, all that I could think of was,

"If there's heaven, The Balinese there are the ones that deserve to be in it."

Majority of the people in Bali are Hindus but what is interesting about them, especially the one in Ubud, is how they embraced and assimilated the religion with their eclectic culture and old pagan practices. Every act a Balinese does is seen as an offering and their devotion to God - on how they take every day as God's gift and seem to be so content with what they have. They start their day with a prayer and they also end it with one. They are the friendliest bunch and they always make me smile. They always tell me to take things easy and they always say that worldly things are just that - things.

They make me appreciate my religion more and make me think of all the things that God has given me all these while, and all the things that I take for granted.

I have always appreciate good paintings and pretty art things but before Ubud, it was just a simple admiration. Nothing more than that. There, when everyone seemed to walk around buying arts and trinkets to take home as souvenirs, I chose to mindlessly scoured around the area soaking up on all the chaotic vibes of the art market and learned to appreciate what they have to offer in terms of creativity . I also learned about their daily struggle to provide for their families.

Tip for buyer : You want to be the first one to arrive at their shop because you will be considered as good business omen and they would usually give in at whatever price that you are asking for. But do consider the fact that they making a living out of this. Do not take advantage out of this scenario.

That was when I learned that as a traveler, you are somewhat obligated to contribute to their well being by actually spending money in  buying their products and hire them for their services - drivers, masseur, tour guide and whatnot. I know most of us like to travel cheap, but in comparison of what we have and what they need - there is a big gap of what's important. Throughout my journey there, I have made friends with many art sellers and struggling artists. I brought back many of their paintings for my own collection, for my friends and also my relatives. It was the sense of contribution that made all the  money and time spent worth all its while.

Since then on, when my friends knew that I was going to Bali, they requested and asked me to buy them paintings - based on what they need and what works for their home. They encouraged me to start a business as an art buyer and it has now turned into a small business. Every time I go to there, I would walk around and be on the look out for small galleries or small village art shops where the artist sells their own artwork. I don't haggle to get the cheapest price because I know how much time and effort has been put into making these arts. Some of them actually confessed that they sometimes googled the things that they want to paint to get some inspiration, work on the images and try to make it their own. I appreciate their honesty. Truth be told - I don't mind it at all. We get inspiration from whatever that could inspire us - whether it's the internet or our surroundings. Whatever that floats your boat.

I have found a place where I can go back at any time if I need to. Ubud offered me a sense of calm and serenity that I had never experienced before. I was not there because I wanted to shop or to search for what's fun. All I wanted at that point of time was an escape. And that was exactly what I experienced in Ubud. Now, although it seems that am going back there again and again for business, but it never  really feels that way. I love what I do for my friends and customers as much as I admire the Balinese and all those lovely souls that I get to call friends. Gianyar province, where Ubud in located, thrives on handcrafts, stone and wood carvings, paintings and musics. It is in their blood and it is their most proud heritage. It is not easy to live and get by in these areas of Indonesia,  but what they lack in materialism, they offset it with spiritualism and a good heart.