Sidereal Saigon

Dear Reader,

This is not a Fellow Wanderer entry, as I did by no means do any touristy activities in the past day.

Rather, this is a brief article to say that the masses were wrong: HCMC is definitely not too busy and "worse" than Hanoi.

This charming little place is hectic, for sure, but the sun beaming upon all the little street vendors, the men sprawled out on their motorbikes taking an afternoon nap, the sheets of plastic spread out for the locals to congregate in the evening, the welcome sound of people singing at night all helped to add some real character 🪷 

I found my hostel relatively easily (getting lost every subsequent time) and as there was no where to store my bags, I ate in the cafe and awaited the owner. Everyone was so lovely and the lady even explained all the different foods and how to pair them 🍜

Of course, I already filled you in on the egg coffee, which I ended up revisiting this morning, one last time. 

The hostel was cute, I met some nice people working there and I set off for a pamper sesh 💆

I went to Coco Care and had the single greatest massage of my life. YES. THAT'S RIGHT. The 90 minute "Coco" massage was a blend of Thai techniques, Balinese oil and traditional Vietnamese 💆‍♀️ and it rivaled Shamballa of Ubud and all the beach side extravaganzas I have been lucky enough to try.

Despite having my entire butt exposed for the duration of the massage, I was so relaxed that I dropped one of the hot stones which had been carefully placed in my hands. I also was stood on at one point... And to top it off I was lifted (yes, by this 115 pound Vietnamese lady) and my naked floppy body was cracked in one drastic sweep 💎

I walked out feeling that I had been exorcised of knots I had never known existed 💀 

Being my last day in Vietnam, I decided to wear my blue outfit which I had made in Hoi An... And I have never had some many compliments from women and (straight) men. I felt like a Queen 👑 

That picture. Again.

After some stereotypical Vietnamese cuisine, I hunted for a live music venue. I couldn't find anything that was my "scene". After a lot of walking, last on my list to try was Yoko bar. 

It ended up unravelling into the best 2 hours I spent in Vietnam. I was absolutely astounded by the level of talent. 

I was sad when the first singer "Bruce" stepped off because I thought I'd missed him and he was brilliant, but he came back later. And the man whom I had thought was drunk when I first came in, turned out to be another performer and was just getting pysched up! He also played the drums later on 🥁

The place was filled with Japanese, Vietnamese, foreigners, the young and the elderly. And me bobbing up and down at the back enjoying the best renditions of rock music I have ever witnessed 🎸

Yoko

At the end, they even came over to speak with me and thank ME for coming... I was like "YOU'RE THANKING ME?!" Unbelievable experience ✨ 

To top it off, I went up to the tiny roof of La Ca hostel, to cool off and lounge in the hammock, and ended up speaking for hours with "Stephen" (not his real name), and his friend Linh. Two Vietnamese friends on a weekend break, and a couple of the most endearing people I have met on my travels; full of interesting stories and beautiful auras 🕯️

So no, I don't have lots of photos. But I just wanted to give Ho Chi Minh City the credit it is due. Add this awesome venue to your Vietnamese itinerary and enjoy 😘

 Off to Cambodia we go!

Water 💙

Dear Reader, 

You may be thinking "wow, the titles are becoming a little unoriginal" and it would be a fair assumption for the generic name for this entry 🌊 

But like every word included in this blog, it has been carefully selected for many a reason... Some of which I will delve into in the next few paragraphs of thoughts 🪷

Ganh Da Dia ✨

I sit in Saigon/ Ho Chi Minh City/ HCMC for the cool kids... In one of the three branches of "Little Hanoi Egg Coffee" which you can find here. 

My first experience with this franchise was in Hoi An, as I desperately craved an authentic Egg Coffee. Yes. Egg in a coffee and it's f***ing incredible, as I may have already mentioned ☺️

Basically the north of Vietnam had no access to milk during the American war, so they used egg yolk instead, and now it is a super delicious customary thing for tourists to try... And for locals to enjoy as well ☕ 🥚 

This particular café has an adorable and clever niche- they offer free postcards and little purses for you to remember your wonderful stay in Vietnam 🥰 how cute?! And genius, as everyone ends up tipping more than they would pay for those items separately. It also helps that the staff are even more hospitable than the average Vietnamese (which is already an exceptionally high bar) 

Yes... I was told that people start in the south of Vietnam and work their way upwards... The further north you get the better 💡

My experience is entirely opposite. HCMC is already infinitely better for me than Ha Noi. Perhaps only because there is blazing sun shining above and not the ominous smokey skies of the latter. 

More notable are the beaches of the middle/south... Da Nang was awesome for me, despite people telling me to only stay a day or so... I loved the smooth, choppy water and the crisp white sand.

View from my balcony in Sofia Hotel, Da Nang

Tuy Hoa was also nice, but completely empty of people! I had the entire beach to myself and was afraid to swim in case I died and no one ever found me...

And Nha Trang... Well, the beaches are stunning! ☀️ 

I never realised that I loved beaches so much... Or perhaps this is something which I learned to love from my Little Slice of Heaven 🪷... Either way, I absolutely adored my last few days, basking in the beauty of the Vietnamese shorelines. 

Dirty feet but insane view

I realise now that the universe has once again given me exactly what I needed in this somewhat eccentric country. I have been healing this whole time... Through time itself... But also through water. 

The softness of the water, gently washing away all the negative energy I had been allowing myself to "wallow" in (thank you Annie 😘)... The sand spilling between my toes as I walked along the shore, the friendly local laying out a towel for me to relax on his sunbed, instead of exposing myself to the 38 degree sun rays. 

Vacuous delights in Tuy Hoa

The fact that everyone gives you water here, when you have your clothes made in Ha Noi and you are dripping with sweat all over their fabrics...

Best Hawaiian shirt ever 🌺

When you are flagged down by the fiercest saleswoman on the street, insisting you come for a foot massage in her spa (I had no idea what she would do if I said no) and then you fell asleep in her salon, awakening to a carefully placed bottle of... 

Water... Like the Kundalini serpent, working is way up your spine. 

Yes, Dear Reader. I have also found the time to work on my own little Kundalini practice... It is something I am determined to take with me as I travel... Despite the strange breath work, the weird chanting... If anyone hears and judges, I treat it like water off the back (c'mon, that is a sexy pun right there) 

My little friends are everywhere 💛 

Vietnam is a place where you just have to go with the flow... 

Laugh when you see a man dragging a plow on the back of his motorbike, smile when you see the stereotypical view of the women in the rice paddies with their cone hats, roll your eyes as you are deposited in the middle of a highway at 2.30am, an hour's walk from your hotel... 

It's all part of the wonderful and weird experience 😉 

So, without further ado, here are my recommendations for Vietnam! 🇻🇳

⭐ Visit Ninh Binh and stay at Mom's homestay... Eat at Aroma's Indian and take a motorbike tour with Tommy... Speak to Anh from the Garden spa, as she is the nicest person (pictured below), but maybe avoid the massage from her colleague as it was not so good 🤣

⭐ Drink egg coffee at every chance you get (a little Ha Noi Egg Coffee is the best outside of Ha Noi, alongside Cafe Dinh in Ha Noi itself (original place and only 25 dong!) also special mention to Art Coffee in Da Nang, pictured below- the owner is just so sweet.

⭐ Visit Ganh Da Dia - the Giant's Causeway of Vietnam and my favourite place here 🪨

⭐Get clothes made in Ha Noi - I did mine at Beri Tailors, but it's literally because I saw nice fabric outside... Otherwise it's so hard to choose! 

⭐ Indulge in the incredible food! Be that the meaty madness from the street stalls for all you carnivores, or the delicious French style pastries, which I perhaps over-indulged in ☺️🙃🥐

⭐ Take a night train🚂... It's fun and convenient 😁 but stay in first class...

Thankfully, being a yogi helped with this tight squeeze...

There we have it. Vietnam should indeed be visited... But prepare yourself for a whirlwind 🌪️

And let me know if you need some more recommendations, dear reader ❤️ 

✨ As water to the body, is love to the soul ✨

Fellow Wanderer - Life as a Nomad

 Hello Fellow Wanderer 👋

Welcome to the second edition of the Travel series... This time, I'm going to outline some things to consider for anyone who:

⭐ Is thinking about becoming a digital nomad either temporarily or permanently 🎒

⭐ Is curious about what life's like for Nomads 🤔

⭐ Is experiencing fomo from all the annoying Instagram posts and blogs (hehe) from digital nomads and needs to be reminded that there are also challenges... 😉

It's not all about the beaches, 

though this is a great perk

So here are some important aspects to keep in mind: 

1 . Minimalism 🪷

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about my digital nomad experience is that for the first time in my life, I have to be a minimalist. And whilst I may stretch this concept as far as possible with my Mary Poppins-style backpack, the point is still valid 🌂

Whatever you want to bring with you, needs to have a purpose. Cute shorts that make your butt look good? Great, but do they pass the squat test? (Can you do 3 squats to the ground without discomfort/ripping). If the answer is no, then ditch them 👎

Okay, so you should always have something with you that makes you feel good, be that a nice shirt, a cute bikini or your happy socks. But everything else must be practical 👍

Hypocrite:

Only I would travel with two bloody yoga mats

2 . Practicality 📝

Leading on from the first point, you also have to bring some "practical" items with you, which you may not necessarily carry if you were just going on holiday, such as your laptop! You also need to bring a converter (or multiple), medication and for those of us who are injury prone, a first aid kit. I also bring a needle and thread, which is great for little fixes🧵 

Aside from that, you need to think about footwear 👠

Planning to spend your entire time at the beach? Bring nothing- you won't even wear shoes. But planning on renting a motorbike or hitting up the jungle or mountains? You need some good walking shoes, possibly waterproof and something that will not give you blisters! 

Who cares if you look like a dork?! There's no point in having an amazing Instagram picture if you feel like s**t when you take it because your feet ache/you're too cold/ chafing...

If you can't do yoga in them, don't bring them

3 . Lack of Home Comfort 🛋️

You'll not be home for a long, long time. 

(You should absolutely ensure that you always have enough money saved for an emergency flight home, so you don't have to worry...)

Hopefully this will never be necessary, so you should be prepared to miss home, friends, family, luxury, normality... 📺 

✨ For this reason, taking something with you that symbolizes home comfort can be helpful. For me, this is a tiny figure of Ganesh that my friend gave me, which I put wherever I stay, usually by my yoga mat. I also have a beautiful card with an elephant on it which my dad gave me, and I'll put that out as well so I feel like which ever place I'm in, I have "my space" 🐘 

But it's still hard. Sometimes you want to sprawl on a sofa in your underwear or look at your favourite painting from your flat back home, or water your plants which your friends may be neglecting whilst you're away. I don't have pets, but I think that others would say they are the things they miss the most.

4 . Normality 🚶‍♀️

Nomads are not "travelers" per say. They are people who work in different places, from their laptops. 

If you want to be a digital nomad (or even just backpack for a long time) you don't need to visit every single place and do every tourist thing advertised in Lonely Planet.

In fact, not doing everything gives you a nice excuse to return! 🌏

What I have learned to value, is a slower pace of life when "nomading". Unless your visa duration forbids it, try slowing down. If you like somewhere, stay longer! You don't need to move to the next place, yet. 

You can also choose to lounge around in a cafe all day, or stay in on a Friday night and watch Netflix. You can go and buy a pizza, even when you have an abundance of delicious local food around you. You can just take the time to do regular, non-travel things. And that's okay ☺️ 

5 . Socializing 🫂

People always say to me "is what you're doing not lonely?"

Maybe it's just the period of my life that I'm in, maybe I'm just more confident than I used to be. For me the answer is no. I am not lonely. I feel like being around people sometimes when I'm not and then other times I want to be alone when I'm around people. But these are things which everyone feels!

Being a nomad is what you make it. If you want to make friends, you will have to invest some time to listen to people's stories and make a little effort to smile... That's about it.

As long as you are doing the things which make you happy, and that you want to do, I have found that you will attract people with that positive evergy, and you will makes some lovely connections along your path 🪷

As for relationships? Well that will be another article, Fellow Wanderer 🙃 

Best ladies in Cape Town

All from different countries

6 . Lifetsyle

"You're so lucky to just hit up the beach all morning before work" 

"I can't believe how sunny it is where you are"

"The views there are stunning, I'm so jealous"

^^ fellow nomads, you'll have heard this a lot...

And whilst this is true, y'all miss the hours that I spend in cafes, frantically scrolling through booking.com and comparing reviews with Google so I can find a place that has decent WiFi, isn't in the a**hole of nowhere and won't require me to sell a kidney to stay. 

The (practically) entire days I spend on Skyscanner planning the best route, researching the most affordable option to get from Obscure Place A to Weird Spot B. 

I work hard for this life. There's no one to help me. 

7 . Choices 

The last point I will add for today is that this lifestyle comes with some trade offs. 

You will have to get used to seeing your loved ones on a screen 🥲

You will have to be the one who makes the effort to stay in touch with friends, because you're the one who is away.

You will have to find a job that allows you to live this way. That can take time. It also may require you to take a pay cut. You may even find that you're not using some skills, though you end up gaining very different ones. 

Lastly, you have to say goodbye. 

This is the hardest one. 

You will say goodbye to the people you love a lot more, for a lot longer. And sometimes, you will have to say goodbye forever (not because you die, because you go separate ways, just thought I'd clarify).

Sometimes you will meet the most incredible people on your travels. And they will go back to their "normal" lives on the other side of the world, and you just go on 💔

These are choices you make as a nomad. 

The beautiful connections, no matter how long they last, are well worth it for me. But sometimes, you may find the heartache is not worth the sunshine and adventure. This is something you need to figure out for yourself. Don't let anyone decide for you 💗

Regular calls with one of my favorite people

♥️

And there you have it. Nomadic life in a nutshell. 

I will dive into more tips and tricks in the future. In the meantime, let me know what you think- could you be a nomad? Are you already a nomad and think there's something important to add here? 🤔

Happy wandering 😘

The Gift of a Smile 😊

 Dear Reader,

Being basic everywhere I go 

I hope this finds you well, as the seasons are changing, the sun is eclipsing and the energies around the world are rumbling... ⚡ 

I write to you from a little cafe in Ninh Binh, Vietnam, named Xanh Café. It is set away from the road and there is a little stream trickling away in the background. I can hear the birds sing and I am watching the enormous butterflies flutter... I still have the sweet and surprisingly delicious taste of egg coffee on my tongue. Something which I have been craving since Ha Noi 🥚 

Unfortunately, places aren't always what you expect. Sometimes, no matter how many great things you have heard, your experience is different. 

Ha Noi was not as fun as I was expecting, Halong Bay was not as beautiful. Thankfully, I had the company of my friend, at least, but she was even less impressed. She made the strong decision to go back to Bali early, where she feels good. I decided to explore a little more. 

Despite our trip not turning out the way we expected, we had a lot of fun dodging motorbikes, laughing at the amount of bad luck and exchanging weary smiles. In some ways, I think these experiences make people feel closer with each other. I am glad to have travelled again with someone so kind and loving, for a few days, even if it wasn't what we expected! 🙃

Pastries were the highlight of Ha Noi for us

The decision to come to Ninh Binh was great. As soon as I got here (after a bus ride that rivalled that of Nepal's mountainous bumps for the most uncomfortable journey ever), I felt a nice vibe and comfort. 

Most notably, I felt the warmth of smiles, which were somewhat absent where we had been. And boy, do the Vietnamese have the most beautiful smiles 🪷

I went on a nice motorbike tour and saw some cool surroundings. Also met a lovely couple from San Francisco who were a calm and welcome connection. 

Unfortunately, my karma reset again and I ended up being very sick... I forgot what it's like to be that ill so far away from your home comforts. I would have given all my money for a hot water bottle and a hug from a loved one that night. 

So, struggling with the difference of vibes here, I was in between leaving Vietnam this weekend or heading south, when a very loud American walked into my home stay, with a flamboyant shirt (which I had wanted to buy myself in Ha Noi), shouting "Hey Ladies". 

I know what you're thinking. Loud Americans, shouting in English, mortifying manners. Well, in fact this person started speaking to the owners in semi-fluent Vietnamese! 

Having sat with couples all morning at breakfast, and none of them seeming particularly interested in striking up a conversation, and with me in my current state of perpetual resting b**** face, I had resigned myself to the fact it would be another quiet day. 

Well, Jack from Michigan had other plans. After some really interesting conversations, we went to the balcony and had an awesome yoga session, led by me, and a beautiful meditation, lead by him 🧘‍♀️ 

Within that meditation, there was a theme of giving smiles. For someone you love. Then someone who hurt you... This was a very hard smile for me and it was laced with tears... But then, there was a smile for yourself. 

All of this self love, the effort to be healthy, fit, successful, happy. Sometimes, it only takes a smile. And when you smile to yourself, it allows you to smile to others... And usually, they smile back... 

As I walked through the countryside today, filling my heart with more smiles, externally and internally, I remembered my lessons from the past few weeks. 

If a wounded butterfly can keep flapping then so can we!

✨ The universe will give you what you need. Just accept ✨

And Xanh coffee, where I was greeted by the biggest smile I have ever seen. Genuine warmth. Abundance of kindness. 

I have met some good people here, and I am ready for the next adventure in Vietnam. No matter what type it will be 🦄

Fellow Wanderer - Travel Tips

Dear Readers and Fellow Wanderers out there,

There will be a second edition of articles to this blog, where I will be writing in tips and recommendations for Nomads, those taking an extended break from life or those going for a short break away 💕

These will serve to give an insight into the good and the bad sides of travel, how to make the most out of your time and money, and generally a look at the different places I have been and would recommend for people🕯️

I hope you will find this useful, Fellow Wanderer. Each post of this type will be titled in this way, so you know to look out for it! 

⭐ So without further ado, here are my current top 10 travel tips, which I'll be delving into more in future posts...

#1 Go where you want to go ⭐

This may sound a bit irrelevant, but I speak with so many people who say that X is top of their bucket list because it's where everyone goes, or they are going to some random place because their friends are going there. 

Now, that's not to say that these places wouldn't be enjoyable. If a place is popular, there's a reason for that- it may or may not be overrated. 

Equally, going somewhere where your friends want to go is nice, because you will likely be spending time together outside of the normal day-to-day life, which can be really fun! 💃

Rather what I mean is don't feel pressured. If some insta-worthy place doesn't pull you, then go somewhere else. Find a place on Google maps that looks adorable and just go there! That's what I did in New Zealand and I didn't regret it once ☺️

Similarly, if your friends are going somewhere, you can always join them for a little time and then do your own thing. Or, you can go on a solo trip. It's okay to want to take time to yourself (I of course would encourage it) and the thing is, you will also make other friends who are visiting the same place and doing the same thing, opening yourself up to a whole other bunch of connections and adventures 🪷

Tekapo was EPIC

#2 Plan minimally ⭐

So this is very subjective. I know a lot of people, including avid travellers, who plan absolutely everything. And if that's not too stressful beforehand and will allow you to fully enjoy your trip stress free, then do it! 

However, I have learned through my travels that leaving yourself open to last minute adventures are the best. You never know when you may find some beautiful forest or lake you would like to explore, or meet someone really fun that you'd like to do a 6 hour road trip instead of a bus tour, or maybe you find a wonderful place that you never expected to be on your horizon, and you want to stay longer...

Leave yourself open to all possibilities ✨

Look at the crazy things you may find

#3 Plan well ⭐

No, this is not a contradiction. Just spend the planning time covering the important stuff, like transit, best prices, where to stay, how to get around etc. 

Have a travel bank card. And a back up. I need mine and thanked my former self profusely for ensuring I had one. It's a nightmare if you don't (Sasha, I'm talking to you 😁)

#4 Always double check your flight/train/bus times ⭐

I'm ashamed to say that I have made this mistake... I have only ever missed my flight once and that wasn't my fault (stupid COVID test), but I did once nurse a delicious milkshake when I should have been boarding a bus, and didn't find out until 2 hours later when no one was at the bus stop. Thankfully I was young and haven't repeated this mistake (often) 🙃

#5 Check the entry requirements ⭐

People paid lot more attention to this one around COVID time, when you had to shove a bunch of things in your nose and throat to go anywhere... And those of us who have EU passports (or once did, British friends) often take for granted that we travel in Europe so easily and that further abroad, it's not the case. 

So to avoid paying a £200 fee for a 30 minute rush visa... Check the entry requirements before you book your flight and ensure you are prepared 👍

#6 Be cautious of pricing ⭐

So some people like the freedom to just pick a flight and book it. Done. Next task. I can't do that. I have to check that it's not cheaper elsewhere because I travel so much, work is not paying for it and so I need to ensure I'm not chucking my money away for no reason. So Skyscanner is your friend, but so is the direct airline's own website, which also allows you to collect air miles ✈️

What I would personally avoid is when you use a third party site, as there have been times where they have cancelled last minute, or where you may have to cancel, then receiving a refund is almost impossible, requiring weeks of admin. Life's too short.

#7 Speak to people ⭐

Speak to tourists, locals, staff, anyone! You don't have to put yourself out there much, just be open to some communication and ask for people's opinions and recommendations... You may get locals offering to take you on tours etc and you can politely decline, but they will still know some great spots. Equally, other nomads or travellers will be able to help you find cool cafes, secret beaches and where the party's at (if that's your vibe)... 

Joined someone from my hostel for an incredible hike in Wanaka

#8 Learn some of the local language ⭐

Okay, those of you who know me were expecting this one. I speak 6 languages and am learning Indonesian and now Vietnamese (that's where I am writing this, as I drink my cheese coffee) 

Locals love it when you speak a few words. Just learn some basic phrases and it will warm people's hearts, even if it's just because they're laughing at your atrocious pronunciation! 

Don't be shy to practice. Firstly, you're likely to never see these people again, so who cares if it sounds bad?! Secondly, other people often don't speak English as perfectly as they think, they also have strong accents (Frenchies, I'm talking to you, with love), so just go for it. Besides, it's great for your brain and will also help you to avoid ordering something you don't want to eat... (Like an enormous King Shrimp in the south of France which you have to dismantle in order to eat).

#9 Don't over pack ⭐

I'm a total hypocrite as I entered Vietnam with 16kg of weight on my check-in back pack, but really, try not to overpack. 

You can wash clothes there... Funnily enough, all countries seems to have washing machines (or lakes to wash clothes) so you don't have to bring 20 pairs of pants and 10 different smart casual outfits. Besides, you may want to buy things whilst you're there and it's nice to support local businesses in this way 🩷

#10 Be Street Wise/trust your gut ⭐

This is something that comes from experience more than anything, so fake it til you make it. Wherever you go, look confident. 

Memorize where you want to go beforehand (roughly) so you're not opening yourself up to being pickpocketed or worse... That's an extreme of course, but having a general notion where you want to be is a good thing. If you need to check directions, head to a cafe and ask for WiFi, to a shop or sit in a well populated park. 

Don't flash your cash and always put your money or card away before you leave somewhere (thanks mum 🤗) 

Lastly, if something feels wrong, trust that feeling. Be overly cautious if you have to be. You can always go back somewhere after researching it better or checking afterwards. But if you feel like someone or something feels dodgy or is giving you a weird vibes, abort mission (calmly). Do not take the risk. Do not do it - I am speaking from experience here, trust that gut feeling and trust your instincts, because they are correct. 

Your gut also leads you to the best places and the best people... 

🪷

And so that's it! 

There are many, many more tips to come, but these are the first, in a nutshell, for setting out on your voyages! 

Wishing you happy travels, Fellow Wanderer 🌍💗

Satnam 🪷

 

Selamat Pagi, Dear Reader, 

It's incredible to think that I have now been in Indonesia for almost two months... having intended to be basking in the sun of some Pacific island, expecting to be on a very different kind of path full of exploring, visiting another part of the world... 

The Banyan Tree at Yoga Barn

Having never planned to be here makes the whole journey even more blissful. That I would have found so much peace, joy and love over the past few weeks here has really been overwhelming. 

Returning to Bali back in February, a place I already felt familiar with, having just completed such an epic New Zealand solo adventure, was very interesting. Touching down in Denpasar's chaotic and ridiculously hot airport was no different from the laborious post-covid processes that greeted me upon my initial arrival to this country. 

But travelling through the streets and seeing the familiar shape of the roads, intricate statues and dark shadows of beautiful green leaves at night, instantly brought about a sense of nostalgia, which lasted throughout my first few days back in Ubud.

 

It was a pleasure to reminisce as I walked through the streets, this time with my mum, pointing out the cafes and shops that I remember visiting with my fellow yogis... primarily Miss Roxi and Sithara 💙✨ Having previously left Bali prematurely in a state of longing for Sri Lanka, I was pleasantly surprised at how much joy I was feeling from being back in familiar Ubud. 

And being reunited with my friend, Fresty, in the same hostel 2 years later... well that was just a crazy twist of the universe. Such a nice catch up with such a happy and vibrant person. More adventures to come there I am sure. Thank you to NamaStay hostel and the adorable Ayu 🩷

Friday with Fresty 💕

Then the overwhelming sense of purpose and meaning which befell me under the heavy rain in Riverdome, basking in the Kindness of a Stranger and the union of energy within those walls. The ecstasy which exuded from the Shadow dance preceded an incredible few weeks 🖤

Arriving back in Ubud from Gili Air was difficult. Of course there were ulterior motives for the exact timing of my departure, which turned out to be fruitless. However, the Island was giving me a gentle hug goodbye, letting me know that my time there for that moment was now over. I vow to return one day, when that moment is right again 🌙

Gili Air Bovine

Being reunited with a kindred spirit from Air was a warm and welcome encounter for my first day back in "society". It also served as a sweet reminder that everything plays out how it should. Indeed, we will be heading to Ha Noi for an adventure this week... of course our visas are ending on the same day! 

Then by another twist of fate, I meet my lovely friend from my skydiving adventure in Queenstown... who I had forgotten would be in Ubud with her two friends at this time! I was never supposed to be here after all. 

The makeshift woman's circle which we had after my Kundalini class (and first class back in Yoga Barn) was beautiful. Exchanging stories and laughter with these warm, fabulous women was a welcome treat and gave me the continued solidarity which seems to be a theme of these past months. 

***

More to come on the New Zealand adventures soon, Dear Reader... 🇳🇿

***

Of course, queuing for my Hot Lemon Ginger Honey tea (which everyone wants as soon as they see it), I never expected someone from my High School to come up to me - a girl from a different year, who used to be so quiet that I barely remembered her, but who was now so kind and friendly to come and say hello after over a decade. Indeed we had a proper catch up over lunch the following day, after I was chatting with another lost soul who looked to be feeling similar things. Happy encounters 💛

I met another girl from the Island in Ubud who led me to explore the Sweet Orange Tree walk... where I bought some ridiculously overpriced fruit but which then led to a cheap but delicious papaya juice, so there's the yin and yang for you... 

Another papaya juice experience worth mentioning (yes, I am obsessed and yes in the quiz "which fruit are you?" I got papaya as my answer) is from Cafe Wayan. Failing to get to a Moon or Cacao ceremony as they were sold out, and having perfected my "whites", looking like a hippy princess (also a little like a cult member), I decided to treat myself to the best Nasi Campur Vegetarian in Ubud. This is also where mum and I did a cooking class only a few weeks earlier. And going even further back, it's the last meal I had with the lovely Sithara ✨ 

A profound highlight would have to be seeing Ape Chimba perform live at Zest. Dancing the night away to their extraordinary New Age orgasmic music - okay that's maybe overly descriptive, but you'll see what I mean if you give them a listen and imagine for a second that you are hearing it live... They are absolutely incredible artists and I made sure that I looked like a Shakti goddess that night, as did my gorgeous kindred spirit, Sasha. Freaking glitter, sexy slits in the skirts, even an Elf hood. 

To be in a crowd full of people who were just a weird as us, with no drunkenness and no drugs... Just good vibes and freaky moves to the weird and wonderful sounds pulsating through the air 🎶

That was really the only thing I did this week, aside from eating in a new place every day and reading a lot, between yoga practices. I met some nice people among my solitude and had some lovely conversations with a Luxembourgish lady and Iraqi guy. Mostly, I enjoyed walking through the markets and taking in the glorious sights of Balinese grins, the sweet scents from the offerings and the constant buzz from the motorbikes. 

As for the yoga, I have to mention the creative and dynamic vinyasa flows by Carlos Romero, who just leaves me feeling yummy at the end of every class. It also felt really nice to have him compliment my arm balances and some of the more advanced poses - ego returning to the earth now, don't worry... 😇

Bathing myself in the Gong meditation and Kundalini class once again, conjured a sense of nostalgia and ignited the first few steps of healing (again). 

This practice is evermore engaging. Combing intense breath work, bizarre asanas, mudras, chanting and singing is so joyous. I feel real pleasure and genuine happiness as I close my eyes for the duration of the practice and turn inward, singing my heart out and feeling the energy flow freely along my spine, mingling among that of my fellow yogis and culminating in an exquisite, powerful union. Gregory's classes have provided path of light in the darkness...

Yoga for yoda

I recall at some point in the past two years, wanting to be in Ubud to just do yoga non stop for a few days. And the universe gave me this chance. I am once again filled with gratitude.

Attending the ecstatic dance, contorting beneath the stars and even hanging upside down in Fly High yoga showed me that I can do anything that I put my mind to. The limitations only exist where I place them and the power to overcome lies within 🌟

Indy Part II is coming to an end. For now. I will absolutely be returning. Indonesia (rather than just Bali) has now become one of my top 3 favourite countries... 

So for the good stuff, here are my top Ubud recommendations: 

⭐ Massage at Shambala - the entire experience is wonderful, plus they give you an adorable snack and tea afterward. Everything is pretty and it's away from the street. Just go.

⭐ Pesona Lounge - weird Balinese/Indian hybrid but very cute and tasty food & lassis

⭐ Sinamon Bali Ubud - best Chai latte ever and awesome cinnamon bun (Easter treat, don't judge). Also the staff are really lovely here

⭐ Shine by Ashamaya - far too expensive but staff are nice... go here to enter full goddess mode and treat yourself (some guy stuff too, but very festival vibes)

⭐Stay at NamaStay for a quiet, calm and basic hostel or hotel experience - you'll feel like part of the family

⭐Yoga Barn - I know that it is too busy for some people and maybe too many white people or whatever but I have to say that the variety of classes, the quality of teaching and even the venue itself is marvellous in my opinion (trying to mix up the adjectives here). I would recommend a 5 class pass to try a few different things and see where it takes you! 

Reading spot at the cafe

I do have one day left, so maybe there will be some more excitement to follow, but I think that it is so nice to reflect on the fact that as I write this, two years ago to this day, I first arrived in Bali for my YTT 200 Hours...

Goddess Mode Activated.

🪷 Satnam 🪷