Bali Ubud

I spent 2 weeks with the Bali Ubud program. First week was participating in the Culture week. I appreciated the coordinators organization and welcoming attitude/excitement in getting to know everyone in our group (people from 5 different countries). We enjoyed a multitude of cultural activities: Batik painting, Bahasa lessons (invaluable), cooking class, making a flower offering which we took to the Pura Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple. The water temple was such a unique experience! We attended the Monkey forest, so many monkeys! In addition, we visited the Ubud market, the coffee plantation (luwaks are so soft and gentle), and a traditional Fire Dance. There was plenty of time in the evenings to go into Ubud, to enjoy the restaurants, bars, and nightlife. My second week I spent teaching grades 2, 3, and 4 children. The teaching prep room at the compound is well equipped and supplies provided to take to the classroom daily. There is always a coordinator in the prep room for questions and also available at the school in case any issues arise. All transportation required during my 2 weeks was arranged by the coordinators. During the weekends, we arranged day trips. One day was a private Budugal tour which included the Leke-Leke water fall, Taman Ayun Temple, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, and the Ulan Danu Temple. Another day a private trip to the east coast to snorkel the Blue Lagokn and Tanjung Jepun locations. All were priced quite reasonably, the drivers were nice with fair to good English. Overall, it was an enjoyable 2 weeks of learning and adventure!