11 Years in Bali

We go gaga over our girlfriends getting engaged, we spend money on bridal showers, weddings, and invest in the arrival of newborns. There’s even a gender revealing party wedged in between. I’ve had my fair share of fondness over them all.

But while such events are indeed worth of celebration, let’s play around with the spotlight this time and shower confetti on our friend who is celebrating their 9th year living on their own, building a career away from family, and is now a mama of a rescued dog. I am talking about you @runiindrani

Those who lost their job and after a month of wallowing, decided to launch their own business (This one is for many…)

That quietly strong colleague who has ended a toxic relationship and decided to have a pet cactus, to swap one prick for those of another kind…I get you. Also, your sister who’s learned a new set of skills after leaving her old job (Hi babysis @maharanisez

Your girlfriend who’s been sleep deprived, working on her essays, finally getting the scholarship (and is now back in town ready to nail an amazing job!) Yes, you @ristynurraisa

It’s probably the pandemic wit, but I am sure we have learned that life is too short for some, but unbearably long for a loveless one

Make one today, celebrate one, and be that spotlight of love over people you care about.

(Dedicated to myself, on my 11th year in Bali, the ones celebrating my first Full Marathon in 2017, ones who have known too many secrets @yohanes.hutauruk @yosefinewoodford @ria.kentjono.turnbull , and someone that I hope will be part of what the future brings)

Only the good spirits stay

The Balinese Hindu marks the new year with Nyepi Day, or silent day. A 24hr of meditation, where everyone on the island is mandated to stay in their homes, not turn on light, and simply meditate.

It is believed that when we "play dead", evil spirits will be tricked into believing that the island is empty, therefore... he will leave.

This is my 11th Nyepi and I've never wished for the Bhuta Kala to be gone as hard as I am praying today.

Photo from Tribun Bali

A Six Year Old's version of Bali

Photo from Bali Soul

“Ibu, why is the Lord Ganesha statue carrying an axe?” a doe-eyed six-year-old asks me in all her innocence.

And like any other adult of my generation, the first thing that pops through my mind is to search online for the answer. But with no time to sneak away from this little curious one, I vaguely remember what I’ve learned and decide to go with, “It is to protect us from the bad”.

Luckily it was the right answer, as I found when I checked later.

If you are a Bali resident, guaranteed there will be times when you have to host family members coming over for the holidays.  As much as you love doing so, being overwhelmed by an over optimistic itinerary is quite likely. It happened to Yours Truly when playing fixer to her own family, with a six-year-old girl in tow.
But therein lies the difference. A young child in the group will run the show. And requests, wishes, plans, and questions are never ending. They don’t make it easy by only asking about the best restaurants in town, or which hotels have direct beach access.

While we like to think we know Bali is best known for its bright and rich cultural performances, festivals, and ceremonies, rarely do we notice the little details. We see it so often, but we never question why Kecak primarily performed by men, or why some statues are covered in black and white cloth, while others are in gold and red. Children do.

You can impress adults with your network by hooking them up with the best deals in Bali, and your knowledge of the most happening places, but children care about totally different things!

“So, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana is the second tallest statue in the world. Is that why you can see it from the Nusa Dua toll road? And you can also see it when you are in Seminyak? Is its location magic?” was the next question I got. While her first statement is logical, I did use that opportunity to tell her what an old Balinese man told me; that its location is perfectly strategic so that God Vishnu can see everything happening on the island.

Of course, we can try to find all the answers on the internet, or in books if you are a diligent reader, but the best way to understand Balinese culture is to talk to the people – the elderly especially - or visit a traditional village  where you see real Balinese people going about their daily lives. Children love that, and we have the opportunity to expose them better that way.

But just when I think every question is covered, a large group of lobster pink-coloured tourists walks past, beer bottle in one hand, cigarette in the other.
 
“Ibu, why are they not wearing shirts?” she asks me, instinctively knowing that walking around bare-chested just doesn’t seem right.
I tried to explain it in the most soft-spoken and diplomatic way. 
“But why? They are not at the beach now!”, I hear her questioning  at the back.
 
I know my little sweetheart, I know, I say in my heart as I try to keep my mouth shut. As Lord Ganesha reminds me to be wise.

Six Years in the Island of The Gods

Happy Anniversary, to self!
I love you more than six years ago and less than the coming year(s) ahead!

 

Grateful Heart for 2015

As it is, in a speed of a bullet, time flies.

For the next weeks before entering 2016, I will be taking time to reflect, evaluate and mostly to be thankful.

Especially for below...

1. Always and forever will thank God for my health. Two years ago, I started running and gradually increasing my kilometers and speed up my time every month. Since last June, I added boot camp to the menu. It is a combination of cross fit, circuit, tabata and pyramid training that rotates to build your muscle and develop your core strength. It is painful. And I almost gave up on it for so many times. But I did not. Running influence my mood in a good way whilst Boot camp helps me to stay motivated. The combo of both somehow has a magical power to help me focus even more at work and in other projects I have. 
2. Marilyn and Mahoni, my girls. My good side, my remedy, my daily dose of happiness and my strength. I do not need to say more. 
3. My siblings and my Mom who continue to make me feel appreciated and needed. Not because I have it all figured out (because I don't), but simply because we are family. 
4. The past year with the company I am working for has been great too, praise the Lord. May I continue to shine His work through me.
5. Friends I have lost and gained. You have taught me a lot about growing. "Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop."- Rumi. It's just that simple. 
6. I finally re painted my washed out house, built a simple kitchen cabinet in my alfresco dining area and a floor to ceiling closet in my room. I keep making a big deal about it as it really is a big thing for me. For I still remember the days I prayed for the things I have now. So again, thank you God.

The Big Five

Today marks my five years in Bali. 

Arrived wounded, I let the island healed me through even more things to lose, gain, change, and sometimes mutate. My steps were wobbly at first, and I almost gave up. Almost. 

People say you lose some, you win some. That's also the case in my life; in relationships, tangible materials, friends, wealth, weight, and maybe my skin's hydration (which sadly is a loss, grrr). 

After five years, the scar remains. But I am standing far cry from the past with all that I am today. 
Today, I am saying nothing but grace for all the things that I am blessed with; 

1. I am healthier. Sure, I just got better from a three day fever. But I am healthy. It was just my body telling me that I need to slow down. In general, I am healthy. I am in search of a nice skin moisturizer now but nothing like cure for serious illness. Thank you God.

2. The house. Of course. I may not be the only single woman who bought her own house before turning 35. But since I struggled my way to be here, I feel sooooo blessed and lucky. Boy, the mortgage...oh the mortgage! I must tell you, I still cringe sometimes when I have to pay for it. Thinking about holidays that I have not take for the past years, branded bags and or shoes... or lavish brunch that I have to say "Wait/No" to. But every time I wake up in the morning, staring at my 4*3 m bedroom's ceiling, knowing that, even though it is a small house... it is mine, I am grateful.

3. My dogs Marilyn and Mahoni, my siblings, and my friends that are now my families. 

"Not by might, not by power, but by My Spirit." Zechariah 4:6. To God be the glory. 

Some related posts:

Day 365 in Bali

Two years and counting

My three years in Bali
Four and going strong

ps: Next, I will post on why I decided to make this blog public again. Including the reason why I blocked it a few weeks ago. Keep reading... :-)

From Nyepi Celebration.

Strong Woman

This is to celebrate my 4th year being a Balinese.
May His blessings always be with me.
Amen.

Three's a Charm; Three Years in Bali

You and I both knows, time flies. Like in a speed of a bullet.

And without me realizing it, this week marks my 3rd year of living in Bali with its hundredth of gods. Surprise, surprise, #3 is one of my favorite number, next to #7. So without further ado,  here's me trying to wrap my three years in three highlights.

Note: This post may sound spiritual, so if you are one of those half-hearten man (which is fine by me), you can skip it.

Generally, I am a healthy person and been blessed with it. I do not smoke, I always have a good metabolism and my drinking nights are becoming less and less and even getting close to nothing... But, I got seriously sick at the end of last year. To talk about the details of what causing it is not my idea of a paragraph here, but what I want to share is that I did have a near-death experience. Yes. I lost too many blood and... one day early in the morning as I was laying in my bed for recovery, I was slipping away from my body as my feet started to get very very cold... the cold and shivers went up to my upper body and everything gets dark. So that was my first (and oh God please make it the last) ambulance experience, and my anxious drama of being one blood transfusion patient. If the ambulance arrived another minute too late, you would not be reading this:).
People say I appeared to be strong at that time, but little did anyone else know that it freaked me out to the smallest nerves in my body. Today, as cliche as it sounds, I am embracing life and health even-more. There's nothing I fear about death...to be honest. But to depart without knowing whether or not you have fulfilled your destiny? I do not think I am there yet, so maybe I am given another chance.

With a crystal clear memory, I remember, on my first year, My strong, dutch-influenced Grandma made a comment about my kost (boarding house), "Well, this room is fancy. I bet you would only need to add just a little amount of money to pay for a mortgage every month, and the house can be yours. What you are doing for convenience now is just making someone else rich. And that someone is obviously not you."

Today, as I officially am a house owner, I have to admit that it was my grandma who have made a push to my longtime dream. I now have to work twice as hard with the mortgage, but I know if God took me this far already, He shall never abandon me. Amen.

And last. Here's something I have been trying not to mention as often... I want to be a mother someday. For it not to happen in my 3 years in Bali obviously is part of the plan on how I have got this far, but still, the question remains. Last week, I was watching my dogs  as they were falling fast asleep on my bedroom floor. There was this aching feeling inside, realizing how much I love them! And it got into me... If I can have this crazy feeling about dogs, what am I going to feel about my own child, my flesh and blood? What it feels like to love someone more than your very self? To have a gut-wrenching and full-to-the rim feeling of wanting to make sure they are all alright? You know, even typing this down make my heart hurts:'). Bali surrounds me with its magical charm and enchanting charisma the past three years, it also has introduced me with friends who are wonderful parents. I sometimes get jealous of them, there goes another confession... But if I have to wait for even three more years before I can smell that baby's breath under my nose... as long as it will happen under Your will, God. I shall wait.

Pinterest

Battled the Demons

With my undying faith in Christ running through my thick North-Sumatran blood, I couldn't be anymore prouder to be part of the beauty of Balinese culture and its religious life.

Should you want to learn more about what people really think about this magical 24 hour in silence day, you can read this Insider's Story or to find the reason behind the brave title; battled the demons.

As for now, allow earth to enjoy its well-deserved break.
Selamat Hari Raya Nyepi... 

May only the good spirits be with you.  

(More pictures from the battle)

Two years and counting!

Last year, at this time of the month, 2 of my sisters, mom, and grandma were here in Bali for a holiday. We had some serious fun. My goofy sister Detri said that the best place she like the most is this bar that is located in a resort that I took them to. Funny enough, I just wrote  a post about a few new drinks the liquid chefs at Detri's fave bar created. Why? Oh, nothing… It’s just that I am now in charge for the PR/Communications department for that lovely… lovely place of refuge .

To have a more convenient commute from home-work-home, I moved into another place. A bit bigger and has nicer facilities, with the same price. Good for me. Privacy? Yes. Alone? Yes.  When I read an article at The New York Times about "The Freedom, and Perils of Living Alone" , I could not stop smiling.  To this day, I still have all the perks to work my way and run the clock in and around my little casa. I have been doing it since I graduated from high-school. It gives me a good enough of space to be on my own yet at the same time, it also makes my relationship with my family a lot closer. I cannot explain how that works but it does. 

The biggest part about the past 2 years is that I learned to let go of the past and move on. I did. It is so freeing to know that when you have come into an acceptance, you have a smoother path to keep going with a lighter heart. I got healed. I have a closer relationship with God than ever before. I cannot thank Him enough for showing me how much I am adored and loved, no matter what. And not even the darkest part of my life comes into the equation.  He loves me because of what He is, not because of what I have done. People admire me because of what I am giving and doing to my family , but to tell you the truth… I am nothing without them. The fact that I am blessed with the ability to do that is just one of God’s way of using me as a blessing channel and I will gladly keep doing it as long as He is on my side. Tressabel Hutasoit is just a tiny part of His master plan. (I got all teary as I typed this down…but this is true) It is hard for me to stop bragging about His love tho’ so I hope you understand.

I still dream about being a mother. I still am the same person who will cry with you during cartoon movies and keep the lights on all night long after a horror movie. Talk to me about politics; I will still roll my eyes. Ask me out for a good food; I will be-friend you for life. I am still the same person… only, happier :).  If you go to a secluded beach in the southern part of Bali, you may see me under the parasol with a magazine on my nose. 
And who knows… someday, I will have my baby and the love of my life with me.

On a lighter note; I look a lot darker now, gained a few pounds (thank you, suckling pig),I have shorter hair and a more casual-quirky look. All that fits into my way of living in a tropical island. I do not think I know how to walk on high heels anymore :)) I still listen to the same music, still read To Kill a Mockingbird cover to cover for the hundredth of time (I just love it!), still glued to festival movies and cartoons, and stays as a caffeine addict. 

Thank you for putting up with me through these times. I will keep on writing (oh, my superior at work is a brilliant journalist so I am learning a lot from her!) and keep you in the loop with big-small happenings that is worth wandering for. 

God bless.

I took this photo, exactly 2 years ago.

To escape in a wondrous silence

Lights off, ssshhh... Listen, to the real sound of the nature.
Let the good spirits lurk into homes and the evil ones begone. Happy Nyepi everyone.
Om shanti...shanti...Om...

Pande Kadek

Temple Ceremony

The Odalan, or temple anniversary celebration, is a lavish ceremony that is performed every 210 days to commemorate the founding of the temple. There are thousands of temples in Bali and each one celebrates its own Odalan Festival. In fact, as the date varies from one temple to another, you will probably have the opportunity to see one. For the Balinese Hindus, the festival is a reminder to live by the philosophy that happiness and prosperity can only be attained if all human beings live in balance and harmony with God, with other people, and with the environment. On September 12^th, the big family of Ayodya Resort Bali (my work place) held our own Odalan ceremony with a procession to the temple to present gifts and offerings, accompanied by prayers, music and feasting. Sacredly fun !
Here are a few pictures from the day.
ps: Excuse the low quality of a phone camera production images. My friend will send me the good ones and for sure will share some more with you. Om swastyastu. 

The blogger, in a traditional Balinese dress ;)

Three's a Charm ; Beach

Here are the top 3 pictures I like (from this afternoon at the beach :))

I secretly named him Bingo

The Blogger

Three kites flying over three coconut trees :)

Coming Home

Yes. I am back at the airport. Destination? Bali. Yes, my meetings went well. Yes, I got to meet my Nephew and read him books. Yes it was good seeing the capitol again and as much as I cursed the traffic and the grey sky, I had a great time too. I got tons of new dvds and I got a new book from my sister. Yes, some part of me still belong to the city. But I am so looking forward to be breathing in Bali's air again. Yes, There may be time where I get to chose, or if fate decides I have to be in the city life again... but now... I say.. Bali, I am coming home to you.

this is is taken by my friend. an awesome photographer

Sisterly Weekend

Volent (my sister) was here last weekend. We had some serious fun time by the beach- it was a sunny day , serious food at some recommended restaurants and a beach club here in Bali, serious girl talk.. well, women.. and we got to laugh and cry a little too. These are some pictures from the day. Will share some more later. Xoxo.

at a cozy pasta bistro; warung italia

the so called potato head

bali collection

the guilty pleasure treat

In The Sun

I think I look pretty "vintagey" here right? (mind the not so toned tummy , please)

Day 365

Today, a year ago. I first landed here for my passion.

Say it Beach!

There are many many reasons why living in this island is such a blessings for me. The top reason is how close I reside with one of the most beautiful beach in Bali. A 10 minutes of easy walk. The breeze, the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves. Everything. I can sit there for hours, watching birds,  little crabs crawling, and just be with the nature. Well, I have said enough. But I will not get enough of these...

A Walk with a view

This view caught my eyes on my way to lunch at the hotel where I work for. Simply a breath taking blue sky. I am easily amazed by nature, no matter how simple. I can laugh in happiness watching a squirrel set by a tree munching over a peanut, I can be in such euphoria spotting a bird nest. So, this one I consider as a teeny perk of nature during the day. May not be very grand, but i thanked the nature for it. And God, of course. (I took the picture with my blackberry phone camera,no editing whatsoever. Imagine how a DSLR camera will capture it) .Anyway... It feels good to be grateful for simple things. Hope you are too...

Wed. Apr 132011

One Fine Day

My little brother is in Bali with his office team for a seminar. But we have secured this Sunday afternoon to meet up and catch up on things. It has been a few months and I miss him so much... So, despite the rain that is pouring during the day, we had a great time. We had lunch, had a drink at one of my favorite place in Bali (so far); potato head beach club, got to swim at the hotel where he stays, shop a little and of course, enclosed our day with dinner- our fave babi guling.

Here are some pictures I can share from today.

you say potato i say potatah?

two laps only. too lazy.

oh this is to replace "all" the fat burnt from the swimming :))