Friday Franti Festival!

Today is the first day of the festival! I am beyond excited! Aaaaand a bit sore as I took a tumble on my run yesterday. But have no fear, dear mothers-I am fine! Just a little bruised and scabbed. And it didn't stop me from another run today! But today I was far more cautious and stopped to enjoy the views a bit more.

Never gets old!

The "trail", which is actually a back road, so cars and scooters are often present. A few times I have encountered children out on the path and they are darling. Yesterday a little boy started running behind me. Today a group of little boys asked where I was from and after answering "California", one said "I'm from Bali!". They found themselves in collective laughter afterwards. 

These stones, turn to this:

Simply amazing!

There are several of these shops along a certain block. I find it funny that they do not sell different things in the same areas. Often you will see the same things sold along one street, as though it is a collective specialty.

Cranes, cranes, cranes!

I like to think he was cheering me on and not barking at me.

This was a hidden little amazon I ran over.

How now brown cow? I don't see you at all.

They are not friendly like Thai cows, which made my heart sad when I attempted to feed one. 

Post run called for some delicious breaky.  

I forgot to take a picture when the eggs were present. I was starved. These "plates" of banana leaves are awesome!

This never grows old. I'm soaking it in before I head to my backpacker digs in two days.

Soulshine juice, a mix of everything. 

A few of us headed to the festival later than the rest. 

The festival raises money for a birthing clinic as well as a scholarship fund for the green school (google it, my pictures don't do it justice)

The main building. The entire school is built of bamboo. The ultimate treehouse!!!

Vendors selling all kinds of wonderful earth friendly goods that call to my hippie heart.

Stunning mandala of fresh petals.

The coolest, comfiest chairs

More of the school. There are 108 solar panels that power the school.

More of the vendors from floor two of three.

The main stage area from the second floor. Loving this!!

DJ Marco, he owns Bissap Baobab restaurant in San Fran by day. Sweet soul.

Went "home" for a nap and lunch before heading out for the night.

Walked in to Nahko and Trevor performing together during Trevor's show. I can't tell you all how much I enjoy the music these two make, brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart.

Turned around and spotted Nahko in the crowd. These two literally adore one another, it's pretty awesome to witness.

You can see Nahko front and center fanning it up for Trevor's show.

I headed to grab a snack and water in the chill out area (second floor of the main building shown above). I had the most beautiful butterfly that would not leave me alone, landing on my phone repeatedly while I went through my excessive pictures. Mom, I thought of you! 

And then of course my favorite! Local Balinese girls performing traditional dance to "The Sound of Sunshine".

Jay, the guitar player being carried through the crowd on Cappy's (Michael's oldest son) shoulders.

Michael in the crowd telling everyone to get down. Such an awesome performer. I was drenched with sweat by the night's end.

Then the concert was taken into the field. So. Much. Fun! 

I returned home and called to wish my Nana a happy 85th birthday around 2am Bali time. She was in complete shock I called her from Bali, then asked what I was doing besides drinking. I guess she assumed since I was up so late, I must have been under the influence of something.  I've had two glasses of wine since being here. This place and this music are like drugs for me. My soul is shining!

Christmas Day Bali style (& the day after)

As previously posted, I made it safe and sound to another beautiful location! Blessed beyond measure.

Not quite the "homey" Christmas I am used to! Morning cappuccino tree side at the Taipei airport.

Islands and volcanoes spotted! Almost...

This was the longest freeway right over the ocean. Crazy! (I ended up riding across this during the trip home. One of the BEST roads I have ever been on.)

I was hit with a wall of heat and humidity when exiting the plane. It's quite similar to Thailand here, yet even more lush. 

This was a beautiful sight to see on the taxi ride.

I made it to Soulshine which is a gorgeous resort just on the outskirts of Ubud in the village of Mas.

Welcoming you to the resort.

View of the rice paddies from the yoga room at Soulshine.

My first offering sighting. And know I've seen a lifetime's worth in 24 hours. They put these everywhere about 2-3 times a day.

Crazy cat lady here! This lil babe comes right to the kitchen every meal time. She's sooo incredibly thin. We snuck her some food. 

After a shower I headed out for a walk around the area to stretch my legs. A few glimpses...

I'm enamored with everything being covered in moss, makes it feel so old.

Jungle roads

What I have yet to mention is Soulshine is Michael Franti's own resort in Bali. I have been blessed to come here for a few days surrounding the festival. 

Last night we had a giant Christmas dinner of traditional Balinese food. (Which is mostly fresh fruits and veggies, some chicken, rice and a ton of chilies!) The power went out just before dinner so everything was illuminated by candles. A few of the other festival artists whom I love, Trevor Hall and Nahko happened to be sitting directly across from me at dinner. I can't believe this is my real life?! 

Fireworks were going off in the distance in celebration of Christmas. I now expect fireworks on my first night of every trip.
 

It was amazing, yet I was beyond exhausted. After dinner an impromptu dance party erupted and I headed to bead. No dancing on these jet lagged legs.

This morning I awoke to this...

After a quick cup of tea I set out for a run. It was so tough with the heat, humidity and intense sun-but I made it albeit drenched. After a cold shower I filled with breakfast of eggs and tons of fresh fruit (watermelon, pineapple, jackfruit, mango, papaya...so good!) then I finished with a glass of fresh coconut water while I chatted with Ethan (another artist) and looked for accommodations for later this week. I had to remind myself that this trip is to relax and not go, go, go! So then...

I laid poolside for a bit until I could sweat no more. Headed up to the kitchen for an incredibly spicy chicken salad before turning in for a nap. Unfortunately the nap didn't work out too well so I ventured to the store for some sweets and enjoyed some views....

Out front of a home. The traditional Balinese homes look like temples.

Stumbled upon this cuteness...

And he was generous enough to share the love...

I so badly wished to walk down these stairs!

Seems like a good spot for a nap

Note the dog chasing her on the scooter. The dogs here aren't quite as friendly as they were in Thailand, but they're not aggressive. Simply protective. As much as I'd like, I don't love on em too much as I'm a little unsure of them.

Another home

The specks to the left in this picture are women bathing while doing laundry.

This is the creek that flows beside the resort over volcanic rock. You can spot a young boy's head towards the end of view on the left. This is the local bathing, swimming, fishing and laundry hole. 

The water is so clear! (Kidding)

This is apparently the men's section, with the women up stream a bit. Unlike Thailand, modesty is not an issue. I have seen many naked Indonesian males in 2 days. A bit awkward! It's rather interesting to have hot showers just across the path, yet these poor souls must bathe in this. But they make it a grand time!

Speaking of the path, it's awesome. There are messages as you walk...

This sings to my heart each time I walk it.

Incredibly grateful. 

Later that evening a little acoustic session broke out. This girl is in heaven!!

Pretty much in my face. Such a great time of singing and laughing. Fireflies flying about made it even more magical.

A few of us headed out to Jazz Cafe to see Carl, the bassist play with a Swiss Grammy winning sax player. Was a great time with incredible talent. 

I am getting ansty being surrounded by people from home and can hardly wait for my time to truly experience the country! Being out amongst the locals today truly lit my heart afire and made me so glad I am able to travel.