Selamat pagi, Ubud.

I've only been here in Ubud for two days. 

I've seen so much and been so warmly welcomed here that it feels like I've been here for much longer. 

There is so much to say, so much to celebrate about this beautiful place and its equally beautiful people: but rather than even attempt to put it all in words, it's easier (and more fitting I think, for such a visually stunning place) to share a few pictures of my adopted home for the next month.

 The view from my classroom. 

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There is a resident cow called Suppi (uh, "cow" in Bahasa) that lives in the garden next door.

In the afternoons, about 50 local Balinese men and women use these grounds for "elderly yoga" in matching tracksuits. 

Which is pretty awesome.

 

The other volunteers and I got invited to a Balinese wedding, of a brother of a local guy who works at the same organisation. I feel very lucky to have been able to experience something like this. It was a beautiful mix of traditions and rituals, with a completely laid-back, peaceful atmosphere (which basically sums up the whole place I think).

 We had to borrow traditional Balinese wedding clothes, to the amusement of every shopkeeper along the way. 

 Wedding feast.

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So delicious. And spicy.

Frangipani in the compound.

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 One of the best parts about being able to attend the wedding was getting to go inside a traditional Balinese home compound. Each one is set out according to Hindu principles, with a clear layout of North, South, East and West and particular areas designated for specific tasks. The extended families live together over many generations in the same compound, which is completely different to the way we live at home!

Astrid, fellow volunteer. 

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There are six of us teaching here at the moment. 

From Sweden, Germany, America, Australia, England and Holland. 

I'm in awe of the fact that most of them are teaching English even though it is their second language. Definitely feeling bilingual envy every time they casually slip into their first language after speaking perfect English.

 

Impressive bonsai.

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The fledgling plant nerd in me is blown away by all the colourful orchids and moss and tropical vines that seem to just grow so abundantly on every path and wall here. Everything is so green.

I start teaching on Monday, have met my students and already feel so welcomed by them. Really looking forward to tackling the challenge of teaching English in an interesting, engaging way (somehow). Will keep you all posted. x