Trouvaille. Something lovely discovered by chance.

Beautiful Febri works at the Hotel Sapodilla in Ubud, Bali. Hosts for my first solo exploration in Southeast Asia. Florida tourism pales in comparison to the throngs of tourists invading Bali. The Balinese thank the Gods for good fortune by placing offerings on their doorways.

Ubud is Bali’s center of art, music and theater. Balinese paintings had little color until westerners came to visit. The image of creatures in a trance are iconic. Legong dance is a classic Hindu struggle between good and evil. Dancers wear fresh flower head dresses and elaborate costumes. Gamelan music accompanies Legong and is integral to Balinese culture.

No matter how beautiful your music, art and theater it will not continue without an audience. The palace near where Margaret Mead studied the Balinese culture offers English classes. Your room comes complete with plastic water bottles. Too many people tax the infrastructure. Yet the island and people share their beauty with grace. My first visit left me feeling like a lucky outsider looking in. I can’t wait to visit again.