Planes, Trains & Automobiles

While I was at Club Med, the Balinese were celebrating the New Year according to their lunar calendar. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, over 90% of which are Muslim, the island of Bali is Hindu and Nyepi, the culimination of the week long festivities, is a Hindu holiday. A few days before Nyepi, the Melasti Ritual was performed. It is dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi/Vishnu-Devas-Bataras and is performed at the beach to respect the Gods as the owner of the land and sea. It’s a purification ritual. Lucky for me, on the Club Med property is a Balinese temple dedicated to Vishnu and all of the local people came to our beach to celebrate this festival. …

Aaaah, the good life! Now this is what I call a vacation.

I’m not sure how many of you have been to Club Med. It’s very French, which is usually a turn off for us Americans. My parents and my Uncle George and Mark have been to a couple of them, and that’s how I first learned about it. Probably 4 years ago now I went to Club Med Cancun by myself. One of the best vacations I’ve ever had. It’s an all inclusive resort, including alcoholic beverages, and they have several activities that you can participate in. At night they provide entertainment, and depending on the type of village you’re at, …