Paradise Found: Ubud, Bali
One of my favorit6e things about traveling is meeting people you would not normally meet at home. Here in the tropical, Hindu town of Ubud, Bali, we've met some unforgettable characters. Considered a Hindu spiritual site, Ubud is verdant, jungle-like, and remote, so it attracts those who want an "escape." Just one half mile from our hotel, people are filming the movie, "Eat, Pray, Love" with Julia Roberts but you would never guess that from our quiet hotel.
Our first friend here is an aging rock star named Jimmy, from Scotland. His band, "Simple Minds," has performed world wide and cut albums for over 30 years, playing with the "Rolling Stones," "U2," and others. He regales us for hours with stories of his "gigs" and "friends." He has broken all my stereotypes of rock stars with his short, balding hair, articulation, and non-drinking lifestyle. Could I be more decadent than a rock star?!!!
Our second friend at this hotel is Brian, a British Ex-Pat shipping magnate who hob-nobs with the rich and famous, looking like a blonde George Hamilton. Last week, he partied at Elton John's (whom he calls "Reggie") house in London with Bill Clinton for a charity benefit. Living locally, he educates us about Balinese culture here. Last week, Brian's Balinese driver (making $150 per month) refused a high paying job at the movie set (Eat, Pray, Love) because he had promised his mother to move some furniture that day, ensuring "bad Hindu karma" if he refused her and did something else. Faith is real to these folks!
Last night (the 21st), we added new names to our list of Bali friends. Luckily, we were invited to an "Obama Inauguration Party" given by an American Ex Pat down the road. After traveling two weeks with no Americans, we were suddenly surrounded by 100 of them, watching the Big Screen TV, all speaking English and eating hot dogs and baked beans (yuck!). But it was all worth it to see our new president sworn-in amidst millions of cheers all over the world. All of Indonesia partied that night and now this new presidency seems like a worldwide victory to us. "Yes we can" and "we did!"
It will be hard to leave this slice of paradise but we head for the mountains tomorrow. Will write soon! To a new era!!
Our first friend here is an aging rock star named Jimmy, from Scotland. His band, "Simple Minds," has performed world wide and cut albums for over 30 years, playing with the "Rolling Stones," "U2," and others. He regales us for hours with stories of his "gigs" and "friends." He has broken all my stereotypes of rock stars with his short, balding hair, articulation, and non-drinking lifestyle. Could I be more decadent than a rock star?!!!
Our second friend at this hotel is Brian, a British Ex-Pat shipping magnate who hob-nobs with the rich and famous, looking like a blonde George Hamilton. Last week, he partied at Elton John's (whom he calls "Reggie") house in London with Bill Clinton for a charity benefit. Living locally, he educates us about Balinese culture here. Last week, Brian's Balinese driver (making $150 per month) refused a high paying job at the movie set (Eat, Pray, Love) because he had promised his mother to move some furniture that day, ensuring "bad Hindu karma" if he refused her and did something else. Faith is real to these folks!
Last night (the 21st), we added new names to our list of Bali friends. Luckily, we were invited to an "Obama Inauguration Party" given by an American Ex Pat down the road. After traveling two weeks with no Americans, we were suddenly surrounded by 100 of them, watching the Big Screen TV, all speaking English and eating hot dogs and baked beans (yuck!). But it was all worth it to see our new president sworn-in amidst millions of cheers all over the world. All of Indonesia partied that night and now this new presidency seems like a worldwide victory to us. "Yes we can" and "we did!"
It will be hard to leave this slice of paradise but we head for the mountains tomorrow. Will write soon! To a new era!!
Labels: Bali 2
posted by Chuck and Gay Mitchell | 11:21 PM
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