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HATI HATI  BALI  

most people who visit Bali for a holiday, end up falling in love with the tropical island and many even want to move and live in Bali on a permanent basis, well I’m probably one of them …

Bali has always had a special place in my heart (even though) before I stepped foot on the island. Then and now Bali will always hold a special place in my heart no matter how well known it becomes. No matter how many times I visit Bali I fall in love with nature, culture and traditions all over again. I left a big part of my heart there.

So when I finally step my foot on that mystical island , I could already feel that it’s so different from anywhere that I have been. I was amazed by nature, culture, people basically from everything. Sitting on the back of a Scooter watching the people, nature and feeling totally at piece in what felt like a different world, if not a different planet. Looking back I can see how that trip opened up my life in ways I wouldn’t even realize until years later.

It has been almost a year since I was last on the “Island of the Gods” remembering my three weeks in Bali, makes my heart hurt a little. Will make you want to go back again and again.

We have been to Bali four times, we’ve got married there, I ate my very first raw meal, cake, fresh young coconut, been trying endless of tropical fruits just like my first snake fruit, mangosteen, mangoes strait from the tree …. Oh yum, been trying the durian. Which wasn’t my favorite at the first to be honest;)

I never heard of Pandan leaves until our first trip to Bali. Where shredded pandan leaves are used in the daily offerings also these offerings are found everywhere (homes, entrances of most buildings, beaches, shops, motorbikes…). For me like the scent of Bali.

In English pandan is called Screwpine leaves. Pandan is something that is perhaps not as well known as it should be outside of Asian cooking.

It is a leaf that is absolutely power packed with tannins, anti-oxidants and alkaloids, all essential for the health and strength of the immune system and good tonics for anyone suffering from issues with their bladder, as it can help maintain regularity and ease any discomfort. They are also an excellent choice for anyone who is feverish or suffering from such illnesses as an ear infection or chest discomfort due to a cough or cold. The leaves can be chewed raw or turned into a soothing juice to help with toothache or bleeding gums as they will numb pain and have an anti-bacterial effect.  The pandan juice has an intense green color that resembles wheatgrass juice. Pandan leaves are available in most Asian grocery stores. Make sure it is bright green when you buy it.

…. will continue

love & peace
Krisztina

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