Bali, a trip back to the trueness of people & nature

I know, this picture is a staple for every tourist going to Bali, but these fellows are my best buddies now. I think I have seen the whole gang growing-up in the past 7 years.

Still hating them as much as I love them. Well, at least my sunglasses favorite store in Paris (Persol) is happy about all my trips there.

I think it was the first time I could really interact with these kids without the parents messing around.

Though this is one aspect of my life which I am not exposing much, but I am very spiritual. Between the age of 12 and 16, I wanted to come a priest and dedicate my life to my religion.

Life led me to another direction, but praying, connecting with my ancestors and giving a sense over the absurdity of life is an everyday fight.

The genuine relation between the Balinese population to their Hinduist religion is inspiring. The temples themselves are an invitation to contemplation and to a step-back on our everyday hectic lives.

Paddy fields and terraces, surrounded by palm trees. Another staple of Bali island which you would not want to miss for anything in the world.

I met with crazy Pak Jon (his nickname) while wandering around in the fields. He proposed to show me around: 6 hours walk, through the forest, crossing rivers, up-and-down the hills of Ubud.

Welcoming people in the villages around, wildlife at every corner, not a single soul until reaching hotel: Happiness & Pure Wonder throughout

Did you really imagine I would spare you with a picture of a wonderful sunbath?!

Heyhey, here is one, in one of the most fabulous villas you could imagine, overlooking the ocean.

Speedos up for a few laps, sunscreen (60) for my very very sensitive white skin, ice-home-made-earl-grey tea with a few cranberry-scones.

That was before of course the cocktail (Aperol Spritz) at 6pm to watch the spectacular sunset.