Before setting off on our journey, I noticed that most Americans have very little actual culture bringing them together. Well, let’s just say Bali delivered in that respect. Though the streets are filled with cars and thousands of scooters weaving in and out, the island still has an overwhelming feeling of serenity. Bali is known as the Island of the Gods due to the deep Hindu roots and the more than 20,000 temples that can be found on this small island. Every morning, homes, temples, and shops alike set out their offerings, known as canang sari, to thank the gods for all the good things in life and maintain a balance between the spiritual and mortal realm. They are usually made of woven palm leaves and contain things like rice, flowers, candy, and lit incense.

Our villa has several shrines built in honor of the Hindu gods. The coolest thing about the particular villa that I chose to rent was that the guardian at the front is the elephant god Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. I did not know that until we arrived. I felt like it was some kind of sign that we were right where we were supposed to be to begin our worldschooling journey.

We happen to be in Bali during the kite flying season, which is a favorite pastime to many on the island and has deep religious and cultural meaning. For the locals, kite flying symbolizes the spiritual connection between the earth and the heavens. It is also said to carry messages to the gods and ask for blessings and bountiful harvests. We have seen many boys around our villa laughing and launching kites together. The skies are filled each evening with dozens of them. Some of the kites here make a noise in the wind that is beautiful, yet haunting coming from pieces of bamboo that are fitted onto them to symbolize balance and harmony. I definitely told the kids when we first heard it coming from a black shape dancing over our villa that it was a dementor. They even put led lights on them and have them flying at night. Micah was sincerely convinced there were aliens coming for us all.

The Balinese people are some of the friendliest people I have ever encountered. While walking to the nearby supermarket, many people on scooters stop to say good morning and ask where I am from and where I am staying, all with big smiles and well wishes. I guess my white skin and red hair do stick out a bit in the non-tourist area that we are staying. In South Korea, Jack had his blonde head rubbed several times and began dodging it like a pro just in the 24 hours we were there 😂. I had heard that people don’t really smile at strangers in Asia, but that is definitely not the case in Bali.

I am thoroughly enjoying our time in Bali thus far.