I’ve found the best way to keep from dissolving into a state of overwhelm after reading the morning news is to walk. It’s essential for my sanity. Without it, doom and gloom tend to consume too much psychological bandwidth.
I go slowly and notice things. Pretty things. Funny things. Solid, recurring, timeless things. I don’t own a car – in fact, I own nothing with wheels. On the rare occasion I need to leave Ubud, I hire a driver. Forty dollars U.S. covers my transport for an entire day and I probably do that six times a year. Maybe less.
So come with me on my stroll. It’s a beautiful morning. A slight breeze carries traces of incense and cooking. At the bottom of my stairway Wayan and Ketut have already thanked Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa for peace and abundance.

As I walk past I wonder…what if I didn’t have to step over offerings on the sidewalk in front of every shop, every day? Could I still be happy? These bright tokens make walkways in other parts of the world seem drab.
As I cross the bridge that separates me from my favorite grocery store, I stop to watch a Ngaben in progress far below. The ashes from a cremation have been brought to the river to be purified – the final step before the spirit can return to heaven to begin the process of reincarnation.

Hindu rituals have been enacted in Bali for hundreds of years. There’s something that can’t be destroyed here. I try to know what it is but it hovers at the fringes of my understanding and I can’t quite catch hold. Yet I feel linked with antiquity. Grounded. Safe.
At Bintang Supermarket I pick up a few supplies I can’t get at the traditional market: raisins, toasted muesli, ginseng tea, and gift bags. You can never have too many gift bags!
Then I’m on my way to Bali Buda Mart on the other side of Ubud. I’m addicted to their sourdough bread. For months I guessed at the mystery ingredient. Cardamom? No. Fennel? Not quite. What then? I was driving myself crazy and finally approached the bakery manager and begged for the recipe. Cumin! I don’t have an oven so I’ll never bake it, but I had to discover the source of that elusive flavor.
My route takes me past Ubud Palace. Could there be a wedding today? Is this the royal getaway car? Exquisite! I could apply perfect lip liner looking into the mirror finish on that classic automobile. What a shine.

It’s hard to pull away from the festive florals and over-the-top decor, but I must. Sourdough sells out early and I finished mine with a spicy omelet two hours ago.
Self-discipline is rewarded. I score the last loaf and continue my loop past Ganesha Book Store then to Sugriwa and Hanoman Streets cutting across on motorbike paths. It’s a quick backtrack north to Dewisita Street where another eye-feast awaits.
I laugh out loud at the sheer creative whimsey of a hot pink bicycle. The new shop is Pina Colada. Even the name makes me smile…and makes me thirsty.

Fortunately, Mingle Cafe is a few steps away and their frozen mojito has no equal on earth. Happy hour begins at 3:00. It’s a favorite afternoon destination.

I check my watch. It’s as I feared, only ten a.m. I order a cappuccino.
Tomorrow I’ll read the news again. Ignorance isn’t bliss. Denial solves nothing. I want to be informed.
Then I’ll take another walk.
Jul 10, 2019 @ 02:19:48
Really enjoyed reading your post, Sherry! Can’t wait to get back to Ubud to walk to some of my favorite places as well, and I must stop at Mingle Cafe – the frozen mojito looks divine!
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Jul 10, 2019 @ 14:18:36
Thanks, Nanci, Mingle’s a must. Their spinach and chicken pizza is delicious, too.
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Jul 10, 2019 @ 06:09:19
Lovely story..I will be there on Sunday…very excited
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Jul 10, 2019 @ 14:19:40
Wonderful! It will be great to see you again. How long will you stay this time?
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Jul 10, 2019 @ 06:50:44
Thank you for this beautifully written post! I really enjoyed reading it. Cheers to you from Kentucky.
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Jul 10, 2019 @ 14:24:13
And cheers right back to you, Janet! Thank you for reading and letting me know you’re out there.
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Jul 10, 2019 @ 08:50:17
I absolutely love your writing and your witnessing such beauty in your world. Thank you.
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Jul 10, 2019 @ 14:29:54
Thank you for the kind words, Karen, and for reading my post. Knowing there are people who enjoy my writing is a great motivator to continue. All the best to you…!
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Sep 23, 2019 @ 12:51:21
I love your writing style and am grateful to have found this post to end my day with. Thank you
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Sep 23, 2019 @ 13:07:17
I’m glad you found me, too! Thank you for commenting. I wish you the best.
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