Om Swastiastu (hello in Balinese) cherished readers,
just announcing that this week´s travel journey will take us on a slight detour from Chiang Mai to Bali, before heading back to Leila and the Land of a million rice fields next week.
On this week´s adventure, we will encounter Rangda the daemon-queen, a Balinese prince with feverish dreams and the unusual and mighty sounds of Gamelan music. You will also join me for a kind of weird yet fun Balinese dance class!
Balinese women practicing their dance art 
Come dance with me in a pretty unsual classroom…
To embark on our adventure, please join me here for insights into Balinese dance and music.
I had written and published half of this post in January this year, but the powers of WordPress denied a new notification to you lovely ones. As a bonus, I´ve also added an audio-story. So here you go, you are all caught up – stoked to have you join me in Bali this week as we learn more about the immensely intriguing culture of the so-called Island of the Gods.
Sampai jumpa lagi (see you soon in Indonesian), your Gypsy friend
A Gypsy at Heart 
I tried it once.
It’s very hard of the hands 💅
And the finger nail polish 😎
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Mr. Redpath- Emoji-whisperer, so good to have you here! Thanks for leaving such a cool comment:) You know – I empathize: The nail polish does suffer in these situations – sweet words of encouragement whispered in its general direction helps 😎
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Watching the Balinese dancing
was one of the many highlights
of my trip there. Sadly, the island’s
traditions are being swamped by
Jakarta’s slow motion Javanese
invasion.
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Yeah, the dances are something else. Did you ever get to watch the Kecak-dance, fire-dance? Very powerful stuff. You are right – Balinese traditions and way of life are getting overpowered in some parts of the Island. Hope they will persevere – they are unique, wise, and very meaningful.
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Yes, caught the fire-dance.
Even did a bit of that myself
when visiting the rumbling
volcano 🌋
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Fantastic! Lol yeah the volcanoes always deliver 🕺🌋 and inspire with their fiery outbursts.
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No.that dance is so much beautiful and having Royal touch,dear Redpath!!
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My dear dost!!this post’s looks are something like Indian culture.that dance is in Manipur State and Tripura State of India.Swastik(there-Swastiastu) is our Holy Sign when we worship our God.wonderful combination between India and Bali.you are in Bali then try to see the most ancient hindu and bhuddh’s temples which were made by Muarya Emperor Ashok,Chola Emperor and many other Prince,merchants and Indian travellers.you are looking most beautiful in Bali’s dancing dress like a Princess.most cute and attractive dancer. No doubt,if anyone can say that you are Spanish/German.most charming-the dance of Badass.really,you are enjoying your life like a precious memorandum forever for your life.i am feeling -i am with you there,my dear yaar!! Have a beautiful and wonderful day,amiga.bless you,my dear Gypsy soul!!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗💕💕💕💕🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷Big hugs and much love💖
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Mere yaar Aruna, thanks so much for your sweet and detailed comment! 💖 And for sharing this fascinating information about your incredible culture. You know, I find the spiritual traditions in Bali and India just so intriguing and also healing! There is no path back to wholeness without including the spiritual aspects of being human, I find.
You are right, the temples in Bali are stunning! Aw thanks also for your sweet compliments, it was fun to be a Balinese dancer for a day! The Balinese are so kind and humble, it was an absolute joy to learn more about their culture. Yes, you are with me on all my travels, querida amiga!! Thanks again for all your kindness and enthusiasm:) Enjoy your day dear Aruna! Abrazos and much love 💕💕💕
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Oh meri (o my )jaan(sweetheart)!!so much love and appreciation by me to your thoughts about the spiritual traditions in Bali and and India and whatever you have feelings about all there.An ancient temple Angkorwat may be in Indonesia.please,if you have some time,see that.i like very much your spiritual thoughts specially and love your photo in Balinese dancer’s dress.that is most beautiful like your heart-a spiritual heart.so much thanks for sharing all with me.i can not tell you how much i am happy.Enjoy your trip heartily,my dear Gypsy soul:)Abrazos and much love by my heart and soul,amiga.buenas noches.now i will see all scene of your experience in Bali.😊💕💕💕💕💕💖
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Mere dost Aruna, am actually keeping a list of the Hindi words you are sharing here, will add the beautiful word “jaan” to it:) So, haan jaan means yes sweetheart, right? Hehe. You are such a lovely being my friend, all your warm words of friendship are most gratefully received 🙂 Maybe everyone has a spiritual heart, maybe we/ many have just forgotten for a while? I am so happy that my posts bring you joy, that is truly the best of all effects and compliments! 💖 Much love and hugs dear friend! You are beautiful. Buenas noches 🙂 xoxo
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Haan(yes)meri jaan!!when i saw you in Balineas dress,i have enamored on you.(मैं तुम पर फिदा हो गई हूं।(have enamored) if i am a boy it is sure then i give you a proposal😁😁😁.don’t worry ,my jaan.it is impossible as you know.many Big hugs and so much love,my dear jaan Gypsy soul.really you are amazing friend.De Nada.😊💖
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LOL dear dost, you really made me laugh 😂 Proposal 😂😂 You know, this dress also makes me think a bit of Bollywood movies in India! How fun must that be to act in one? Thanks for all your sweet appreciation and friendship! Big hugs and amor mi amiga 🙂 😊💖
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Meri jaan!! If you want then your entry in Bollywood so much easy and it is sure that all Actors and visitors will make exactly crazy for you.😉😄😄😄yeah.you are right ,my dear dost!! That dress is used here in Buddhist state i.e.Laddhakh,Tripura,Manipur and Arunachal Prdesh. It is there folk and classical dance both.when i was in school then i had participated in this dance.In India,here are many style of dances in folk dance and classical dances.for your information,i want to tell that i like most the classic dance-Katthak which you can see in my blog where i have posted the you tube song with dance.😊thanks for your positive responses,my dear mitra Gypsy soul!!have a happy and wonderful day.🌷🌷🌷🌷Shabba khair my dear!!Big hugs and amor amiga🤗🤗🤗😚😚😚💖
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Meri dost. whaaat, are you serious? 🙂 How cool would that be!! You know, a teacher and friend of mine in Bali had studied Odissi dance in India, was amazing! I will check out the Katthak dance these days on your blog, dhanyavad querida! Super-curious about it. Maybe one time you can post a video of you doing Indian dancing? That would be sooo interesting! So much love to you mere dost:) Shabba khair y buenas noches xoxoxo 💖💖💖
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Arye meri yaar!! Bollywood is not nice place for you.i was joking with you.:( but feiry could be adjust there.😉oh dear i have not learn the katthak dance but like that very much and try to dance in that way.this dance has many classes(gharana-घराना)for example-Jaipur Gharana,Lucknow Gharana,Kirana Ghrana etc. I love specially katthak dance of Lucknow Gharana.i will send you a sample of that dance.many style of many classical dances-Odissi,Kuchipuri,Bharatnatyam ,Kathakali ,Manipuri etc.i feel-you will like katthak,Bharatnatayam and Odissi specially.these dance have royal touch.i will send you a video clip on blog.right.so much love and big hugs-meri jaan😊shabba khair,shubhratri and buenas noches amiga.💞💖💖💖💞💖💖💞
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Are meri yaar, you totally got me there 🤣🤣 I had heard of some foreigners doing tiny roles in Bollywood movies…ah well, next lifetime 🤣 Thanks for all the cool dance-information! Looking forward to the video clip:) So much love back to ya, buenas noches y shubhratri 🙂 💞💖💖
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Oh no,they are acting in main Role.if you can care yourself in best way then you can take participate in Bollywood movie.sure. but before this you should complete your research work.so much love and hugs ya ,my dear dost!!💞💞💞💞💞
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You know, I was more thinking of a teentsie weentsie mini-role obviously not a big one LOL 🤣 Guess I got swept away anways by remembering my fav Aussie comedians gig in Bollywood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs-I_jF29EE Love and hugs back, have a good weekend amiga xoxo
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😂😂😂😂😂oh no my dear!!don’t think about a tiny role but about the main role in the movie.may be at first time ,you have to do a tiny role.if your performance will be best then Film Director can give you a big offer for acting.that role can be of à comedian or a serious actress.😊love and hugs back.have a happy and beautiful weekend amiga xoxo
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Hey yaar!!you know-some Indian Actor and Actress ars doing work in Hollywood movie.it is Globlization.around the world enjoy.when you will be in Bollywood then i will become lyricist because of you.right.it is my dream.😁A wonderful dream of day dreamer😉now i am in imagination’s world.have a beautiful and happy day.bless you amiga.
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Yes meri dost, I LOVE Manish Dayal and Dev Patel (Lion – that movie is gold). Haha lets keep dreaming amiga 😉 Blessings and feliz fin de semana (happy weeken) xoxox
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😉😉😉oh ,dear dost!! I fear from the Lion.he he he.yaar!! Let me sleep(मुझे सोने दो-mujhe sone do) now.a lot of hugs and so much love-meri jaan!!🤗🤗🤗🤗😴😴😴😴😝
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Xoxoxo😘😘😘😘😘😘
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Namasthe both of you lovely ladies. I’m enjoying your change of words and of course, listening about David’s experience. I’ve not been to Bali but I do know about Indian dancing. Not sure whether Aruna does the bhangra dancing but here in SA, it’s upbeat and catchy. Maybe a new learning treat for you, im sure Aruna is a pro at it. 🌺 🌸 🤗
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Namaste gorgeous Kavitha, so good to hear from you!! Stoked you joined our little chat and cultural exchange – and so excited about that super-fun video you just shared with us!! Bhagra dancing looks incredibly fun, I am totally gonna give that a go this weekend!! Wish you ladies were here and could teach me:) Thanks a ton Kavitha, love that new learning input!! Many warm hugs to you in stunning South Africa 💖💖💖
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My friend, Bhangra dancing IS fun, it certainly makes one feel so good. It would be sooo fun to do it together too. I love my long dresses so yes, when I start and know I’m looking and feeling good, I don’t want to stop. 😅
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Oh maaan my friend, I totally would love to have a Bhangra dancing fiesta with you girls ASAP! Damn the distances lol. Yes I feel you with not wanting to stop once one is in the flow of dance and music!! Am sure you look stunning in your Indian dresses, love those! And all that jewellry, makes women look like the goddesses they are for sure:)
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…. Loads of musical tinkling bangles and hands with henna.
Damn the distance indeed!
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Damn damn damn!! You know what, maybe one day! I´ve got SA and India on my list, and then it´s bhangra-dancing-non-stop-with-henna-hands -with-ya -time 💃💃:)
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Pray it’s soon. I can picture it… Definitely a dream worth holding on to and working towards.💯💯😉😘
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Yes I will! I can picture that, too…and that´s always a great starting point to any adventure!! 🙂 YAY! xoxoxo
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Also Kavitha, do you actually speak Hindi as well? Curious 🙂 xox
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English, Afrikaans and Hindi. I love the poetry and way the words roll off my tongue. Love singing, not the best at it though, but it’s my emotional outlet, listening to loud hindi music. Once you get the hang of it, you will be loving it. You have already taken to Arunas words with ease 🤗😊
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What a cool mix mere dost! Haha, I´ll practice my little Hindi knowledge now on you as well, mere yaar 😎 Singing is one of the best outlets, I so agree! Love singing! I might smuggle a song into one of my podcasts in the future, if I dare. If I d be a millionaire, I would wanna fly you and Aruna in for an amazing Indian music-dance-and sing-fiesta! Or head over to both of you this next week lol. Big hugs amiga! (friend in Spanish) 🤗😊 Thanks for the dance-fun! 💃💃💃
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Yes mere dost, how I wish that I had a magic carpet to whisk us away together. I can just imagine it… with the words, the dress, music and warm as spirits, it would be magic.
Ps, on my better days, I call it my magic carpet and otherwise, it’s my broom.😌😅
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As soon as you said magic carpet this came to my Bhangra-dance-hyped up brain lol https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ1Rb9hC4JY. Yes, I can see it, too!! And damn where is that carpet? A dance party on a magic carpet sounds like the best ever!! LOL we all have magic carpets AND brooms I guess. A thing of human nature 😅
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Oh nooo. We had the same thought.
Damn, we gotta meet up. Great minds think alike. We’d not sleep, just eat, drink, experience and be happy. 🙂
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LOL. Gotta love those Disney movies!!! LOL not sleep, better not think were we´d end up then 😛 It would be a South-African-Indian-Spanish fiesta par excellence for sure! Maybe we should try a Videocall one time with Aruna, and you gals can show me some of your Indian moves!! 🙂 Or we´ll do it in person, someday…Shabba kair dear! xoxo
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Hugs and loves right back my friend. Ps, i love the ideas but vote for a proper holiday 😊🤗
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😊🤗 Proper holiday sounds picture-perfect
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😁😁😁😁😁😊😊😊😊🌷🌷🌷🌷
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😁😁😁 xoxo
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Yeah,my dear kavitha!!Bhangra is most popular dance and most enjoyable .but i think -it is not a classical dance but a folk dance of Punjab.am i right ?dear!!appreciate your precious comment🌺🌺🌻🌻🌹🌹🌹
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Dear Aruna, not classical but definitely fun and indicative of a good party especially with friends and family., 💐
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Yeah.you are absolutely right.i like very much the original Bhangra and Giddha(by girls).🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷
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Please see my previous comment for my sincerest IHeartYourBlog Gushy Praise
lol
xoxox
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Fiery!!! You are so adorable!! Thanks so much for sprinkling your magical and loving word-fiery-fairy-dust on my web-world 🙂 So much AGAPI to ya gorgeous xoxoxo
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lol.
Word-fiery-fairy-dust is now one of my most fave things I’ve ever read!
My pleasure sweetness. Can’t help maself! !!
♡♡
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💖💖 You are a world of charm and word-magic unto yourself, gorgeous. So grateful for you! Muchos filakia xox
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💖💖💖💖
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Oh.my dost!!are you busy in Balinese dance?without your comment my blog is missing you,my dear!!have a wonderful and happy day.Big hugs and much love,querida amiga🌷🌷🌷🌷🌺🌺🍁🍁🍁
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Hello mere yaar – just left you a little comment on your blog:) I like to take the weekends off screen, amiga! 🌷🌷 You are very sweet and I appreciate your generous and kind spirit! Wishing you a great weekend and we´ll talk very soon 🙂 Much love and hugs xoxoxo
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Okay,yaar!!मजे करो(maje karo)enjoy the weekend😉have a beautiful and nice day,amiga🌷🌷much love and big hugs😊 xoxo.
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Amiga. so happy to see you recieving so many wonderful comments and beautiful praise. You are an amazing woman and your posts are gorgeous, informative, positive and very inspiring. Ha! The promise of dancing with you and these amazing people is quite intriguing.
Hope you are well. I need a little time away. MIssed connecting with you and my other friends.
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Amigo Drew, has vuelto!! 🙂 ❤️Que bien! Thanks so much my friend, you know you are the one who made this all possible with your kindness and generosity. Really, you were my Christmas-angel who flew in early this year, amigo! I am not even kidding. Thanks for all your sweet words. I know, how good would a multicultural dance-fiesta be? I understand with the time away…am really glad to hear from you, though:) Missed you lots and kept looking out for your posts. Life gets too much at times, or better said, demands placed upon our time and energy!! Abrazo grande amigo xoxo
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