The Blue Planet For The Home Sweet Homers
Is the grass greener on the other side? I packed my bags and hit the road. Journal of a travelling Scuba Instructor.
I’ve been living in Indonesia for nearly ten years. After travelling the world for nearly 7 years, I fell in Love with a tiny island called Gili Air. I think what made me stay here is first and foremost the friendlyness of the local people. My second favorite thing is the food. As I move forward in life, more and more my attention gets drawn to the importance of nutrition and how little we know about it… I mean sometimes it kind of feels like there’s a pill for everything, but we forget that by improving our way to eat, we can change a lot. I mean its the fuel to our vessel, which is our body. A healthy body, ensures the first step to a healthy mind.
I’ve been organising various retreats in our property Slow Villas and Spa in Gili Air. Where I’ve always loved combining organic healthy food with Indonesian cuisine.
One of my all time favorites is the Indonesian chicken soup; also called Soto Ayam.
Just a small note. Its also great for when you have the flue.
Titi, my Indonesian friend has agreed to help me improve my Indonesia cooking every Saturday. I feel so blessed, because her Indonesian cooking is exquisite. Passed from generation to generation in her family. Stay tuned and lets take our taste buds on a journey of pleasure.
First clean the chicken and cut it in pieces. Cover it with water and put it on the stove.
In one plate peel and cut, shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric and galingal. After which you can crunsh them all together.
I think today is the day I understood why in 10 years, I haven’t seen one couple of Indonesians fight. Seeing Titi banging on those veggies, haha, now thats the best anger management you can get!
Fry the mix in oil. Add the green spings of spring shallots.
On the next plate, cut top and bottom off from the lemongrass sticks; and off course crush them! Another hit of anger management, love it! Plus that stone smasher rocks, haha!
Titi: ” Add the “Bumbu” to the chicken, Julie!” Said Titi
Translation, the “Bumbu” is the paste we just crushed and fried.
Julie: “Ok!”
Titi: “Add the galangal!”
Julie: “Ok!”
Titi: “Add the lime leaf (from the garden “Love”)
Julie: “Ok!”
Titi: ” Add salt and some sugar to bring the taste of the ingredients up (thats probably why they think putting sugar in dpagetti sauce is a good idea haha)
Titi: ” Now, fry the shallots, for topping.”
I have to admit it feels great to have a boss in my kitchen. For once I don’t have to lead. Totally surrendered, I’m loving this so much.
Titi: “Add celery in the chicken soup.”
Then add the fried shallots on top.
Smell Smell Smell!
How to make sambal?
Fry tomato, shallot, chili, garlic; 2 types of chili (take the seeds out of the big one, make a little cut in yhe small ones so they don’t pop). Then crush it all together and add more tomato if its too spicy.
Garnish with cabbage, lime, egg and sambal!
Bon appetit!
Sometimes I feel like I’m always running…
Then there’re these magical moments, when I hit the road.
Sitting on a terrasse with 360degrees ocean views. Two bright blue fishermen boats, coming back with their morning catch. A freshly brewed Indonesian coffee, shared with some fellow surfers, getting ready to hit the water. Not a worry in the World.
The sun making its way over the lush green mountains, colouring the sky; red, orange, yellow and reflecting on the water.
What are you reflecting on today?
I’m grateful for realising I’m still in Love with hitting the road.
Lets go for a ride!
Check out this place I found in Sumbawa.
Have you ever heard of Sumbawa?
Probably not. Thats why its heaven on Earth.
Its one of these places where you feel like you are in Indonesia. It has kept its authenticity. The kindness at heart. The local street food in the buzzing street at night. Back to the roots baby. It reminds me why I fell in Love with wonderful Indonesia.
Stay with G and Joey at Merdeka House!
Its my second time staying here and its deff. one of my favorites.
As the was rising overthe mountain, Joey, the owner, climbed the stairs in his Sarong. He looked out at the wave and said:
“Oh! I thought the waves were bigger. I go back to bed.”
Haha!
Its like the ultimate surfers dream, right?
Looking out at a wave from your terrasse before breakfast.
This place is everything we love at Gili Travel Agency.
Its a place with a soul!
Acording to Ayurveda, a dosha, is one of 3 substances that are present in the body of a person. Also called the 3-dosha theory, it discribes how the quantity of these three substances fluctuate in the body, according to our actions, thoughts, emotions, the time of day, the seasons, the foods we eat and any other imputs that feed our mind and body. Identifying and eating in accordance with your doshas will help keep your body and mind in balance.
These biological energies found throughout the human body and mind, derive from the Fire Elements and their related properties.
One dosha predominates in most individuals, a second dosha typically has a strong influence.
The secret to keeping your mind and body balanced is identifying your predominant dosha and potential imbalances with an ayurvedic doctor. When any of the doshas become aggravated or imbalanced, mind- body health and harmony may be challenged. Our naturally dominant dosha signifies who we are in our most healthy, balanced state.
These imbalances are repaired in Ayurveda with herbal remedies, yoga, warm oil massages, and lifestyle changes, particularly diet.
There’re 6 tastes identified in Ayurvedic diet: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Each taste has different energetic effects on the mind and body, aggravating or pacyfying particular doshas.
Balanced Vata:
Keywords: Grounding, warming, Routine.
- Eat Vata- balancing diet
- Eat in a peaceful environment
- Engage in wholesome and contemplative activities (like spending time in nature)
- Follow a regular daily routine
- Go to bed early
- Meditate daily
- Do gentle physical exercices like yoga, tai chi, swimming, or walking
imbalances Vata :
- Eating Vata- aggravated foods
- Eating while aggravated or depressed
- Eating on the run
- Drinking alcohol, coffee, or black tea
- Smiking sigarettes
- Following an irregular daily routine
- Going to bed late at night
“When vata is aggravated, the system becomes irregular and depleted, which affects weak organs and tissues”
Additional signs of vata imbalance:
• Constipation
• Dehydration
• Anxious
• Craving warmth
• Frequent viral infection
• Weight loss
• Disturbed sleep
Excessive consumption of bitter, astringent and spicy tastes contribute to vata imbalance. Pacify with sweet, sour and salty tastes and warm, moist, easily digestible foods like:
• Boiled or steamed starchy vegetables (moderate broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini and leafy vegetables)
• Ripe fruits
• Warm milk (moderate dairy)
• Soupy grains: rice, wheat
• Mild spices: cumin, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, coriander, salt, cloves, mustard, black pepper
• Tea: camomile, fennel, ginger, liquorice, lemon
“Nourishing soups, casseroles and dahls are great for balancing vata, particular during winter”
Balanced Pitta:
Keywords: Cooling, calming, moderation.
- Eat Pitta- balancing diet
- Eat in peaceful environment
- Avoid artificial stimulants
- Engage in calming activities, like spending time in nature
- Meditate daily
- Do calming phisical exercices like yoga, swimming, tai chi, or walking
Imbalances Pitta:
- Eating Pitta aggravating food
- Eating while angry
- Drinking coffee, black tea or alcohol
- Smoking sigarettes
- Over- working
- Being overly competitive
“When pitta is unbalanced, you can become aggressive and irritable. Internalising that fire can increase your self-critic, resulting in perfectionism”
Additional signs of imbalance:
• Diarrhoea
• Over-heating, profuse sweating
• Colourful, violent dreams
• Excessive hunger
• Frequent bacterial infections
• Heartburn
Pitta imbalance may result from excessive alcohol or hot, spicy, oily, fried, salty, fermented foods. Rebalance with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and cool, heavy foods including:
• Boiled, steamed, raw vegetables
• Sweet fruits
• Moderate amounts of dairy
• Soupy grains: rice, wheat, barley, oats
• Mild, cooling spices: coriander, cardamom, cloves, turmeric, cumin, curry leaves, mint
• Tea: fennel, camomile, peppermint, spearmint, liquorice, red clover
Epic link for dosha diet:
http://www.zanduayurveda.com/ayurveda-and-you/diet.php
Sources:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dosha
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/profile-quiz/?testtype=both&email=Julie.thonnard%40gmail.com
The Haven Bali Berawa Canggu
Canggu is becoming in my opinion the best place to visit South Bali, or just for a quick one night, after flying back in or before you fly back out.
The welcome at The Haven Berawa was excellent. I arrived in the night, the staff welcomed me on the parking, carried my luggage to the room, I recieved a fresh welcome drink, I think it was ginger tea, delicious, and a cold refreshing towel.
The check in went smoothly and was warm hearted, it gave me a true Balinese feeling.
The room is spacious, the king size bed a comfortable magnificent surprise, with a huge flat screen TV, to ensure a gently come down, simply perfect.
The bathtub with fresh bath salt is a must.
Usually I’m not a fan of hotel food. I’m a Massive fan of room service but mostly dissapointed afterwards. Still can’t really wrap my head around it and I keep trying :). Know the feeling?
I have to say this was finally an exception. The snapper, in butter sauce, baby potatoes and fresh veggies was delicious and the creme brulee with homemade strawberry coulis was to die for.
Their 24 hour spa is also a winner.
Looking forward to jump in their massive ocean view pool to wake up and swim a few lanes after going for a morning jog along the ocean, on the beach.
Excellent wifi, speedy gonzales, andale andale! Practical if like me, you need to get some work done.
The breakfast was delicious and a fair deal. 100.000IDR for their buffet, with yogourt, fresh fruit, a variety of pastries, eggs any style, cornflakes, and a delicious bleng of Balinese coffee.
Deffinetely one for our suggestions ❤️
Rate start around 1 million a night.
If you like our suggestions, be so kind to Book with us 🙏🏻
Our favorite feature: the bamboo raft to reach the beach ❤️
With Love & Passion
Julie
#bali #canggu #bali #berawa #indonesia #askjulie #GiliTravelAgency #GiliTA
Don’t forget the little Julie inside, he said with a smile. Immagine a young, cute little girl, her name is Julie, just like your name. Look at her and feel how you would treat her with care and gentleness. Focus on this energy and transfer it, from your warm heart, towards yourself. Visualise passing the light of peace, love and prosperity for 2017 to your loved ones and off course don’t forget most importantly yourself.
Life asks of you what it think you can handle. Life works in mysterious ways. Live, Laugh and Love. Some days we grief, others we celebrate life.
Selflove comes out after this session, he said. As well as living in the present moment. The power of the present moment.
Lao Tzu said, if you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. ❤️
It is no use to dwell on the past and awaken fears and insecurities; as it is no use to project big plans in the future. As all we are really the master of, is the present moment. Lets enjoy it and value what we have a little bit more. 🙂
Respect yourself and others. Don’t do to others, what you wouldn’t want others to do to you. If anger takes over, finding its root in the incapacity to let go of abandenement and fear.
Remember the three wise monkeys (Japan); Mizaru, covering his eyes, who sees no evil; Kikazaru, covering his ears, who hears no evil; Iwazaru, covering his mouth, who speaks no evil.
Last week someone made me feel insignificant, naive and stupid, she said. It was horrible, the worst part is I thought he was a true friend. It broke my heart and now its even harder to let go.
Ask yourself every day before you go to bed, she said:
1. Who did you make smile today?
2. Who did you make happy today?
3. Who did you teach something to today?
4. Who did you make feel good about themself today?
Ask yourself this every day and it will automatically pit a smile on your face :). Thats the power of the present moment.
Then, not to forget yourself and focus on selflove, turn it around and ask yourself.
1. Who made you smile today?
2. Who made you happy today?
3. Who thought you something today?
4. Who made you feel good about yourself today?
After asking yourself these simple questions, anger will dissapear under a rain of gratitude.
We are so blessed.
The Mantra chanting of we are so blessed helped me a lot, she said. I’m not sure how it went, but I think its sonething like this.
🎶⭐️ Danjaham danjaham danjaham danjaaaaa danjaham Danjaham danjaham danjaham danjaaaaa danjaham punaf punaaf danjaham ⭐️🎶
Thank you to Chiara and Mino for another wonderful and succesful healing weekend in Ubud.
Ready to go home filled with a pile of new energy.
Namaste
The chillhouse is a surf and yoga retreat. As they say they are different, and I have to say they are. They’ve managed to create a little garden of eden with surf & yoga retreats year round.
The eco- save the planet spirit is announced as soon as you arrive. The walls facing the street are sending eco- responsible messages out to the world, they have an organic café, an eco- gift shop, and the villas are tastefully decorated.
We arrived at the Chillhouse and entered a through the trendy eco- shop, where I completely fell in love with a long colourful vestido, made in Sri Lanka all fair trade. The receptionist was lovely, warm, elegant, wearing a beautiful long ocean blue coloured dress. Her smile was filled with kindness; she welcomed us with a mini fresh young coconut. I have to say there are few places where I already feel good, before actually entering the property, this is one of the rare moments its happened in my life, Bravo!
As we entered deeper into the Chillhouse’s world; it just kept getting better and better.
Their organic café offers a variety of vegan, gluten free dishes. We tried the endame salad, because we had no idea what it was. They brought us delicious, slightly boiled Japese green beans served on a cabbage salad, sauteed in kecup manis. We also tried the “full of veggies” nasi goreng, a revisited version of nasi goreng, made with red rice and tons of vegetables, enak sekali! Delicious! As we say in Indonesian :). Their finger food is also exquisite.
The villas are tastefully designed and privatised. Each villa has its own terrace where you can lay back to read a good book, or enjoy an afternoon nap, after surfing, before your yoga practice. 
The beds are comfortable and covered with a mosquito net. The minibar is full of fresh beverages and the openair bathroom is just the perfect finishing touch for showering under the stars.
The facilities are lovely. There’re two swimming pools. One in the front, next to the café, where there’s an ipad and you’re able to play your own spotify playlist.
They offer a range of activities. You can visit mengwi’s traditional market, then pura luhur’s temple, have lunch at prana dewi organic, walk through the UNESCO world heritage rice terraces of jatiluwih and see the temple of Bedugul, daily downhill bike tours are available, daytrips to Ubud, daytrips to Uluwatu, or go snorkelling with manta rays.
The other swimming pool is located on the back of the property and is much calmer, just next to the yoga shala.
Massages are available in their spa, by well trained therapists, manicure and pedicure. They also offer sessions of energy healing, channeling chakra lightwork, past lives, with personal meditation exercices. Or yoga nindra, which is a guided relaxation practice from the Indian yoga tradition. For deep relaxation, atress management and against anxiety, trauma and insomnia.
Lets go!
#thechillhouse #canggu #surf #yoga #retreat #healthyfood #detox #bali #indonesia #askjulie #gilita #gilitravelagency
Rock-N-Reef Uluwatu
After an exciting ride through Bali’s most busy parts. The driver Wayan droped us in front of a massive wooden sliding portal, my friend straight away took the handle and slided the door open. The Balinese driver gently suggested to observe the signs. Haha, next to the portal was a tiny path, which indicated the location of rock-n-reef, our actual accommodation :), was down the hill.
We decended about 80 steps, with beautiful views of Uluwatu’s dramatic cliffs, the waves breaking and surfers riding Uluwatu’s them.
We were welcomed at Rock-N-Reef by the smell of incense, Balinese style. A gentle fisherman was preparing its nets for the evening’s catch.
The location of this place is unreal. The villa resembles a treehouse type house, that’s build around Uluwatu’s cliff. There is a jacuzzi, a pool table, and ocean kayaks.
I went for a walk on the beach at sunset, while observing the surfers and finding my way though Uluwatu’s interesting rocky formations.
I very much enjoyed discovering evey corner of it and observing the sunset, waves and surfers from several viewpoints. I’ve now seen quiet a few places in Bali, but I have to say impossible beach in Uluwatu, has till this date won my choice if favorite beach in Bali.
Christophe, the owner gave us a warm welcome the next morning. You can feel he’s a passionated surfer and has a gentle and personal touch with the guests. The staff is super lovely and there to cater your holidayin the best way possible.
So yeah Lets Rock-N-Reef 🎶🎶🎶👣👣👣❤️❤️❤️
#rocknreef #uluwatu #indonesia #askjulie #bali #gilita #gilitravelagency #gilita #tailormadetravel #travelinstyle #surf #party #package
Tailor- made travel designed with Love and Passion. Contact us on GiliTA.com ❤️
Gili spirit #SlowVillas #Slowprivatepoolvillas #GiliAir #SlowSpa #LuxuryRetreats ©Serge Anton http://ow.ly/i/kfAk0
Gili spirit #SlowVillas #Slowprivatepoolvillas #GiliAir #SlowSpa #LuxuryRetreats ©Serge Anton
The Blue Planet For The Home Sweet Homers 