Dear
Shera
My expectations
were that the experience would not be that of the average
tourist and of course that expectation was met.
I did not come
to Bali with conscious expectations of personal growth other
than my experience that growth does come out of travel. I
have new insights into myself as a result of my exposure to
the others in the group (including you Shera) who I feel are
so much further along in this area than I am.
I love
the times when I connected with Balinese—two fellows offering
transport, the artist and sarong seller at the cremation.
The trip
to the weaving factory was wonderful. This experience is an
example of why I love to travel with you. You get beneath
the surface to where the people of Bali live or work. I found
Nirvana to be so peaceful and yet contained so much to see
and hear that was new and intriguing—the batiking, birds,
dog, frogs, turtles, baby, daughter, galleries… It was a wonderful
choice of accommodation. I am very happy to have been part
of the cremation ceremony. The take-off of the cremation tower
was exhilarating and was my highlight.
I enjoy
physical experiences and the volcano trek was very high on
my li st. It was challenging and spiritual; and I was able
to draw on the cameraderie of Merlayna and Kate to help me
go to the top and get down again. Visiting the healer was
a n extraordinary experience when I felt I was a part of the
of the Balinese culture for a time.
This
point; being last, is not the least important. I value the
shared intimacies with the other women in the group. I was
reminded of when an early judgment of a person is not the
person I know l0 days later. And dI was reminded of how much
I truly like and value other women. I was humbled by the stories
of these women’s lives and impressed by how well they appear
to have handled difficult periods in their lives.
I am grateful
to be able to travel especially with your groups.
I got more out than expected. I
appreciate that you put so much effort into meeting/fulfilling
each person’s desires.
