BhaskarGoswami.com

Bali, Indonesia | Captain’s Log | Days 1 to 3

The physical effects of jet lag settled quickly. The cognitive dissonance of being about 30 hours of travel away from suburban Montreal life and suddenly landing in this island paradise took a little longer.

Words that come to mind when feeling into Bali are peaceful, gentle, sacred, discreet, generous, and fertile. The energy here is feminine and nurturing. Here in Ubud, people from all over the world seem to gather, each one looking to connect with something deeper, quieter, older, healthier and more alive.

My co-captain Karima, her husband Housni, our fellow traveller Lori, and I arrived three days before the retreat begins. In just three days, we witnessed the most epic sunrise on Mount Batur, swam with manta rays and flamboyant tropical fish among spectacular coral reefs, relaxed on postcard beaches, hiked mountains, drank “poop coffee” at a plantation, explored quaint local stores, and so much more.

Everything here is astonishingly affordable compared to Western standards. High-quality massages for $10. Delicious local dishes for $4. A pure linen shirt and pants for $15. Mani-pedi for $15. Wax candle ear cleaning for $2. Luxurious accommodation for $60. A month here pretty much pays for the trip.

The nature deserves its own sacred paragraph. It feels like living inside the soundscape of an exotic bird song album designed for deep relaxation. Bali is clear evidence that God, the Great One, Higher Intelligence, or whatever expression resonates for you, is hands down the OG and the greatest artist of all time. The place is dense with the widest and wildest variety of plants. Similar in many ways to the deep forests of Peru, Hawaii and India.

And the fruits. Natural, organic and so delicious! I just want to eat fruits and drink fresh juice all day. Mango, pineapple, dragon fruit, avocado, watermelon, durian, mangosteen, salak, passion fruit, papaya. One of the pure highs of life is devouring the juice and flesh of a freshly cut young coconut on a perfect beach day, looking out into endless waters, breathing with the ancient sound of waves.

The retreat participants have almost all arrived now. There are 15 of us on this adventure together.

A deep breath in gratitude and joy before the journey truly begins.

To be continued…