Rawsome Pilgrimage to Bali

Readers of Brenda's Rawsome Creations newsletter are familiar with Brenda's love for, and continuing collaboration with, residents of Bali. Her annual October trips are always highlights of her life, as well as a source of inspiration for the coming year. Brenda writes,

I fell in love with Bali many years ago and it wasn't until 2008 that I made my first trip. Since then I've returned every year to spend time with local friends, reconnect with myself, attend temple ceremonies for auspicious occasions, do a little business (that's another story) and grow in my love of this amazing island and her people.

This coming October, Brenda will lead a small group on a one week, full moon visit to this magical island, from the 4th through the 11th. (Group members traveling from the US Mainland should depart on October 2nd in order to connect with the first evening of our tour in Bali.)

"I am convinced that
pilgrimage is still a bona fide
spirit-renewing ritual.
But I also believe in pilgrimage
as a powerful metaphor for any
journey with the purpose of
finding something that matters
deeply to the traveler. With a
deepening of focus, keen
preparation, attention to the
path below our feet, and respect
for the destination at hand,
it is possible to transform even
the most ordinary journey into
a sacred journey, a pilgrimage."
-- Phil Cousineau,
from The Art of Pilgrimage

When I'm in Bali, a noted tourist destination, I do my best to live like the Balinese -- comfortably, patiently, gently, artfully -- and allow the blessings to come to me. We'll be surrounded by historic sites, and we'll visit with artisans whose exceptional batiks, silver-smithing, and wood and stone carvings are the best and most authentic. We will have favored seats at colorful temple ceremonies, and will enjoy wonderfully healthy food. Above all, we will be welcomed and cared for by my friends, the amazing Balinese people.

Our Ubud-style accommodations will be in the heart of Ubud Village, centrally located for walking to spas, restaurants, temples and shopping.

Roundtrip transfers from Denpasar
  airport
Small group size -- limited to 6 only
Shared Standard double rate room for
  7 nights in Ubud center
  Accommodations include: two persons
    per room / private bath / air
    conditioning / Wi-Fi
  Single supplement add US$250
    to land only pricing
  Superior Rooms are available -- ask for
    more information and
    supplemental pricing
Buffet Breakfast Daily
4 Additional Meals (lunch or dinner)

Tours and Sightseeing visits will be determined according to availability, but will most likely include:

Traditional market to shop with
  local artisans
Balinese family compound visit
Talks and demonstrations of local
  customs, offerings and
  prayer ceremonies
Balinese Cooking Class
Walks in the rice fields
Visits to Bumi Sehat Birthing Center
  and Widya Guna Orphanage
  (charities that Brenda supports)
Holy Springs Temple with optional water cleansing ceremony
Full Moon prayer ceremony

Additional optional offerings: daily yoga, relaxing massages or reflexology, additional temple visits, serious shopping trips to nearby villages, coffee or cacao plantations, herbal walk, traditional dance presentations . . .or time for relaxing by the pool

COST PER PERSON / LAND ONLY: US$987
DEPOST REQUIRED TO HOLD YOUR SPACE: US$200
($50 non-refundable)
FINAL PAYMENT DUE NO LATER THAN: JULY 1st, 2014

Administrative Policies: Cancellations received by June 1, 2014 will receive a refund of the deposit amount less $50 administrative fee. For cancellations after June 1st refunds are dependent on our ability to re-sell the space. Due to the limited number of participants, a waitlist will be compiled for those wishing to join once the tour is fully subscribed.

For those nearby, an informational evening discussion is planned for Tuesday March 18th and I will be available by Skype for consultations with those from farther away. Please let me know if you are interested in learning more or have questions about planning your magical trip to Bali.

Bali Full Moon Pilgrimage

October 2014