Making Offerings with Lilah

Paul and I loved Bali when we came here 11 years ago. We were blown away by the beauty of everyday things. Offerings seem a perfect symbol of the Balinese aesthetic approach to life. These little arrangements of vibrant flowers, simple food, and sweet incense housed in a palm leaf basket are everywhere. I mean everywhere: the dashboard of a taxi, in front of every stoop, in roadside ditches, perched in trees. Knowing what a fan Lilah is of treasure and flower collecting, I knew she would love this Balinese tradition. Our first day in Ubud, Lilah counted more than 157 offerings.

As the cultural center of Bali, Ubud has access to classes in dance, batik, kite making, wood carving, cooking and offering making. Lilah and I went to the ARMA museum and learned a few basics. Making the palm leave baskets was difficult for my clumsy weak fingers. But Lilah seems to be suited to the task.

We are still jet lagged and fall into our beds at sunset and find ourselves awake at 6 am with the roosters. But we so glad to be here. I am most amazed at how the kids have adapted to life on the road. They eat new food with enthusiasm, cozy up with the sweet locals, and don't seem to mind breaking a sweat.

We are happy a happy clan!