My sister, Anna, and I were lucky enough to steal away for a few days in Bali last weekend. I feel in love - Bali has to be one of the most beautiful place on earth! I really couldn't get enough of it.
Our hotel was nestled on a cliff along the river gorge. The grounds were incredible - lush green with carved stone all around and dotted with bungalows. It was originally the home of Walter Spies who was an artist who settled there and influenced the art industry in this part of Bali.
The food was AMAZING! Everything was so good. We went with restaurant recommendations from friends who have been and that served us well.
We stayed in central Bali (not near the beach) which is the artistic area of Bali. We visited a few villages that were known for certain arts. One was were all the silver jewelry is made. We got to watch them at work - it was fascinating. Each piece is hand made with tiny pieces of silver. I've always been an admirer of Bali beads so it was so fun to see how they are made.
We also went to a village that does much of the wood carvings. Incredible to see the talent.
I couldn't get enough of the scenery - it's truly a beautiful place. Very clean (sometimes unusual in Asia) and miles and miles of terraced rice fields and incredible architecture and stone work.
I often felt like I was walking and driving thru pages of National Geographic magazine.
We visited a temple with Holy Waters. It was fascinating to see the people (Hindu) practicing their religion. The Balinese people are very religious and it was apparent everywhere. Each family (living area) had it's own temple for daily worship.
Our last day we went on a rice field walk. Breath taking scenery.
We stumbled upon a quaint organic restaurant out in the middle of the fields. 
It was almost surreal sitting there with the beauty all around eating this amazing food (my broccoli, celery, apple, orange, ginger, honey smoothy). 
A truly amazing experience. I feel very blessed to be able to visit these parts of the world and have these experiences. I'm also grateful for a wonderful husband who's willing to take over so I can get away for a few days (and didn't even complain too much about all the throw-up he cleaned up while I was gone). I'm looking for any and all excuses to return to Bali so if anyone comes here for a visit - I'll take you to Bali (and that's a promise!!). My way of enticing visitors!
