Bali is a wonderful island!
I always describe it as one of the most beautiful and spiritual places I have ever visited still to this day – and I have travelled a lot…
When the Balinese wake up in the morning, they go to their temple and pray and give offerings to the Bali Gods and spirits. They do the same at dawn. You see the offering at the entrance of every home, on the road and in different spots around their homes and they will do the same for your home. You see they believe spirits protect every home, so they offer them flowers, rice, a few candies and sometimes a cigarette in thanks.
This island has a pulse… The prayers, the smells of incense and the flowers. There is a ceremony for every occasion. And every single one presents a stunning array of traditional dress, offerings and flowers – it’s breathtakingly fascinating.
It offers us bules (as they call us guest visitors) a wonderful lifestyle change with rich cultural traditions no one really tells us about before we arrive…here’s a few to make you aware…
It is believed that when you step foot on the island – you must ask permission from the Bali Gods to be here, as a sign of respect to gain their protection.
It is also customary to have a “Permission Ceremony” when you move into a new home. The house and their Spirits could be unhappy if you don’t and you start having all sorts of “weird” problems in your new home until it is done. Trust me! Many of us expats have been there – including me! And could write a book- I’m sure (there’s an idea! Ha!)
If you buy or rent a car or motorbike you must have them blessed to keep your passage on the roads safe.
And all through the year, festivals occur to protect all things near and dear to you that you should embrace and celebrate. I’ll fill you in more when we connect.
And so at Zhanella we will help, and organize all that you will need to embrace the spiritual beauty of this island, that you will soon call home. We’ll organize a priest to come to your house and do the permission ceremony. We’ll help tee up your water blessings and make sure as a member of our network, you gain the years calendar of events in advance, so you can be prepared and miss nothing.
The Balinese are truly amazing, creative and happy people. You never see them raise their voice which is why it is not a good idea to raise yours, it’s seen as the lowest form of self respect. They just always smile, when happy or scared.
Some know black magic, even if it’s not spoken about, but when it kicks in, boy do you know… So take the good and the bad but do stay positive and kind.
Driving rules… are about respecting the size of the other vehicles. Its trucks, cars, motorbikes and then pedestrians. With that you just follow the flow and pay close attention as you never know when a chicken or a dog decides to run across or stop in the road. We can help you with being prepared and at ease. Our experienced local drivers can teach you to ride a scooter and help you with the “rules” on how to get where you want safe and sound.
Many blame tourists for not respecting the locals…but its just the knowledge of Balinese traditions and culture which bridges the gap.
We have designed our service to ensure you fit right in… sooner than later. Be it the best organic farm products, cost effective furnishings, safe staff and vehicles… you name it.. we’ve got it set up for you. Because we want you to enjoy this Island of the Gods as much as we do… Its the chance of a lifetime for you we know. We just want to help you get rid of the word chance.
Much love
Zhanna