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 Our ten days were spent at three beautiful hideaways in East Bali-
Nirarta Retreat Centre near the rice paddy hills of Sideman, Santai
Hotel in the coastal village of Amed and Taman Rahasia outside the
Artisan market town of Ubud in Penestanen.
Open-air architecture inviting the outside in is beautifully
demonstrated in the Balinese garden bathroom, a private outdoor
extension off each bedroom. It features patterned river stone walls
adorned daily with hibiscus blooms and a roof covering one half, leaving
the other open full of happy plants and the shower area, transforming
mundane routines with the pleasurable inclusion of sunshine, showers and
starry sky.
 Rainy season lasts 6 months of the year in Bali and in the afternoon or
evening, like clockwork, thunder rolls over the mountains and
warm showers or downpours spill over everything, nourishing this lush
green paradise. You can smell it coming and feel the temperature drop
instantly in a cool respite a few minutes before it arrives. Rain makes
for good company as it drips off the thatched roofs, palm leaves,
statues, ducks- rippling over otherwise tranquil swimming pools and
ponds. Puddles can become rivers on roads navigated by seasoned
motorcyclists in makeshift ponchos, sometimes requiring communal efforts
to transport through knee deep junctions.
Showers weave a cocoon of
liquid walls that refresh and fascinate while observing over a meal from
the shelter of the dining patio. We were blessed with a gentle balmy
baptism while meandering through the Tirtagangga Water Palace. The stone
path punctuating a sculpture-populated pool presented an unexpected
watery labyrinth experience.
 Twice daily offerings of braided palm leaf plates filled with flowers,
morsels of fruit, rice and incense are strategically placed by elegantly
dressed Hindu worshippers on paths, sidewalks and temples that grace
most homes and family compounds. Soon dogs, birds and insects discover
the fare made available by this ancient tradition and complete the
recycling of thanksgiving.
An ongoing delight was the vision of men casually wearing small fragrant
blooms behind each ear.
In the still dark early morning hours the roosters begin to announce the
coming day, not in chorus- more like a round- and continue to do so just
in case you missed it, till dusk! Numerous birds, tiny tree frogs,
crickets, and cicadas all chime in at will. Eventually they're joined by
the wind in the palms and in the evening by chanting from neighbourhood
temples, amorous bullfrogs, felines and other unfamiliar songs that
mingle into an endless tropical concert that is now sorely missed in the
hush of the Canadian winter night.
We enjoyed gracious hosts, local festivals and ceremonies, children's
traditional dancing, village hospitality, mossy temples, delicious
poolside relaxation and Balinese massage.
Bali vibrates with a surprisingly provocative energy. The healing
process that blossomed from the personal growth activities- hikes,
Expressive Art, Reiki, meditation, journaling, simply being there- will
resonate for a lifetime.
Written by Laila Ghattas, Founder, Aziza Healing Adventures.
Here are some comments made about the retreat:
" Bali was a beautiful experience. The retreat opened me up in mind,
body and spirit.
I feel my life has changed and improved- it's hard to even explain."
"Taman Rahasia is the most beautiful place I've ever stayed at."
" Excellent service, meals, liked all the small touches- the flowers,
the garden bath."
Next Jan. 26- Feb. 4, 2005, we'll be returning to this lovely green
island.
Activities will include yoga and meditation.
There will be 10 spaces available. Be sure to register early!
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