The Lotus

"As a lotus flower is born in water, grows in water and rises out of water to stand above it unsoiled, so I, born in the world, raised in the world having overcome the world, over unsoiled by the world." Buddha

There is something just so mesmerizing and complex about the lotus. It's multi-layered levels, independent of each other with a burst of color, but joined and united together for this spectacular display.  With stem systems that seem murky an dirty, stagnant even, but look, look closely, it's magic.  

The Perfect Sunset

Check out this beautiful perfect sunset. We stayed at Aishwaryavillas.com enjoyed our private pool villa and these magnificent sunsets after a day out to Sanur beach. 

Ubud-Cremation Ceremony

Whilst in Ubud Bali this August there was a large cremation service held in Ubud. At times I felt as if this was a public-private cultural ceremony but I found everyone to be quite nice and friendly!  

#ubud #Bali #travel #wanderlust #Buddha  

Don't Mess With Baby

While visiting Monkey Forrest in Ubud Bali, I saw what I thought was the beginning of monkey revolution. Of course I started backing up I don't trust them! I've seen them mug people of their sandals (while dangling on their foot), snatch water bottles and play tug of war with purses, caps and anythingthey can grab.

However, upon a much closer look these two were just protecting a baby; maybe theirs I don't know but they flanked her take a look! 

Aerial View of Bali

Lake Batur what a view!  

#Bali #LakeBatur #BaliBoutiqueOnLine #wanderlust #travel

Bali is HOT

There are so many great things to love about Bali. The people, culture, landscape and artistry of the Island of Bali is amazing. As much as I love Bali, the heat for me is a killer! I am  use to the sunny, usually mild climate of Southern California, it hardly rains and we really don't get any hot weather, at least for a long stretch we don't.

One of the hottest times I spent in Bali was February/March 2014.  Bali is known for 80 something degree weather but the "feel like" is much higher due to the humidity. Of course the best way to cool down is to stay hydrated but I am not a big fan of water. However,  I do enjoy Bingtang!

Have you ever been to Bali and what did you think of the weather?

Lake Bratan (Pura Penataran Beratan)

Description: 

The temple complex is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak).

Built in 1663, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali. The 11 stories of pelinggih meru dedicated for Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha statue also present inside this temple.

Lake Bratan is known as the Lake of Holy Mountain due to the fertility of this area. Located 1200 m above sea level, it has a cold tropical climate.

This lakeside temple was constructed in honor of Dewi Danu, goddess of the lake that was formed by a volcanic eruption 30, 000 years ago.