Ubud is My Paradise

Cheesy post alert. 

If you’ve been following this blog, you know that I proclaimed Peregian Beach, Australia to be my paradise. That’s not untrue.  But Ubud shares the spot. 

Have you ever been to a place that captures your imagination and your soul so entirely?  For me, this is it.  For as long as I can remember, I’ve been entranced by distant lands.  Specifically, I have been captivated by the cultures of East Asia, and their philosophy, architecture, art, furniture, textiles, sculpture and food for many years.  These interests lead me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies (with a focus on East Asian religions), and Anthropology.  They inspired me to travel extensively throughout the region, to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia in 2001, Malaysia in 2003 and India in 2006.  My house, with its collection of Buddha heads and Asian style furniture is a testament to my love for these lands.  And my obsession with all things Asian is the reason M. gets irritated going out to dinner with me, since my choice of restaurant is invariably “Somewhere with Asian food”. 

Bali is perfection in the world according to me.  I know I said I’d try to be less cheesy on this blog. But that is proving to be almost impossible for me, especially here.  I feel like the place was designed for me.  I’m someone who pays a great deal of attention to detail, and who is constantly inspired by art, beauty and aesthetics.  Here, it’s all in the details.  The gorgeous daily offerings that are painstakingly handmade.  The flowers people wear behind their ears after visits to their temples.  The ornate wood carvings and stone detailing on buildings.  The intricate details of batik sarongs and ikat fabric.  

 I’m SO not into astrology.  But I’m a Taurus, through and through.  I’m materialistic, I love beautiful things, and I’m a hedonist.  Ubud is the full package. The natural beauty of this place at times overwhelms me.  And if that wasn’t enough, there are art classes on offer (totally my thing).  And shops selling all manner of beautiful fabrics and sculptures.  And pampering that can be had for next to nothing (I’m also a cheapskate who loves a great bargain). And delicious food…

Ignoring the fact that I am currently listening to a  cheesy cover band playing a full orchestral version of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance", Ubud is my paradise. 

 Can I stay here, please?