The Unlikely Pilgrim

Eid Mubarak!

September 13, 2016September 13, 2016theunlikelypilgrim

Eid ul Adha is one of the biggest celebrations in the Islamic calendar Eid meaning Feast or Festival. “The Festival of the Sacrifice”. The Muslim community around the globe celebrate Eid ul Adha to commemorate Ibrahim’s (Abraham in Christianity and Judaism) willingness to sacrifice his only son Ismael (Isaac in Christianity and Judaism), in submission to Gods will. So every year the sacrifice of a cow, buffalo, goat or sheep is performed, as God intervened and provided Ibrahim a ram to sacrifice instead. This story is present in not only the Quran but also in the Bible and the Torah, one of many shared stories in our history and faith albeit with slight variations (see the link below to read more about Ibrahim’s sacrifice).

Unfortunately, all my Muslim friends had headed back to Jakarta or Lombok for the holiday and I needed to be in Bali so could not gatecrash Eid with them, but where there is a will, there is a way! I googled frantically for a way to witness proceedings and came across http://www.balimuslimtours.com. So with a polite introduction about my keenness to learn, Gunawan graciously accepted to take me around for the day and off we went. It turns out I was babysitting a friend’s daughter, so a quick chat about if I could take their daughter to watch a cow be slaughtered, with the promise of an educational and cultural experience, it was on !

It was the crack of dawn, literally and Miss Mia and I were up ready for the morning prayers. Having not yet purchased a fabulous hijab, we improvised and I think we look sensational personally. We arrived at Renon Square and we were both astounded at the number of people there, maybe 5-6 thousand or more. I was surprised not to be taken to a mosque for this dawn prayer known as Salat al Eid. Gunawan explains to us that in the Hadith it says that this prayer on this day should be performed in a field. The men to the front in countless rows and the women’s rows start about three metres behind in a blanket of white. Mia and I watched these people devote themselves to God through worship and prayer. The Bajira Sandhi monument standing tall in the background, the sun was rising and the sea of worshippers performing two rakaat (prescribed movements and words followed by Muslims while offering prayers to God.) it was simply beautiful. The field fell silent and I thought that was quite fitting, I always believed that your relationship with God, whilst an invisible one is mighty in strength and this silence was powerful. Hilariously Gunawan told us later the speaker just lost power.

Now it was time for the sacrifice, with slight apprehension we headed to the Mosque Agung Sudirman in Denpasar. Mia and I were secretly hoping for a goat given it might be a quicker process. Of course we arrived and there were 6 cows and 1 goat. Oh Dear! Now I know there is mixed feelings out there on this topic. However today was about a cultural experience of an Islamic persuasion and a lot of us eat meat and don’t cry in our hankies over it so we just stood by and watch it unravel. Starting with the men who were performing the task saying a prayer and “securing the animal” next was the gory bit which I watched politely from afar, not miss Mia she was in there. Granted she came back looking slightly pale but all in all had learned something new today. Gruesomeness aside I like this idea because once the slaughter has been done the meat is divided and given to members of the mosque and most important distributed to the needy. Now how can you not love that.

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We headed to Nusa Dua as I had heard of a place where multi faith buildings were. It’s called Puja Mandala, the perfect place for me and a sign of the tolerance and open-mindedness of the Balinese. In this place stands a Mosque, Protestant Church, Catholic Church, Hindu Temple and Buddhist Temple!!! Brilliant. We entered the Mosque to witness the distribution of the meat and I was thankful for the little Arabic I have learned. Salam Alikom came the greetings left right and centre, Alikom Salam I replied without missing a beat (Thankyou Abdel) This particular Mosque has 7 levels and caters for thousands of worshippers, it was quite the operation similar to I imagine a butchers shop with people lined up preparing the meat for distribution.

With formal proceedings finished for the day we shared a Halal lunch with our wonderful guide who explained to us the story of Ibrahim (Abraham), what food is Haram (forbidden) and the complexities of the 5 daily prayers, the timings and how Muslims used the sun as their guide before the age of watches. This man is one of the most devout men I had met of any religion. He takes the words of the Hadith and Quran and lives his entire life by them, no picking or choosing what he sees fit, no interpretation to benefit his lifestyle, just a pure and true obedient servant of God. I wish I had this level of faith (she writes with a beer in hand).

Another wonderful day out with beautiful people. The education continues, as my mind and heart continues to learn of the devotion of people of many faiths and their commitment to God, their way. I haven’t even left Bali yet!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_of_Isaac (Not the best source but offers all 3 views)

Yours in Faith,

The Unlikely Pilgrim

Om Swastiastu!

September 9, 2016September 11, 2016theunlikelypilgrim

What a wonderful couple of days we’ve had. I was welcomed with open arms into the house of my friend Yuli and her husband Nyoman’s family, in a small village outside of Singaraja called Mayong Village, about 3 hours north of Kuta. Meme (Yuli’s Mother in Law) was excited to meet me and the feeling was mutual. In fact, she spent the next 3 days trying to fatten me up, which reminded me of my own Nanna, always feeding the neighbourhood. It was a pleasant thought, no matter who or where you are, Nanna’s will feed you till you burst and she did just that. We arrived to share the first of many feasts, all Balinese food of course and I put my Indonesian lessons to good use. Spicy as hell but my iron tummy can take it! I felt like a fish out of water for about 2 minutes, a feeling I’m beginning to tame, then Boom! I was part of the family.

I met Lucy the gorgeous 18-year-old niece who is a ball of energy and is simply a delight to be around, her smile is so infectious and she speaks English! I learnt that Nyoman’s sisters all converted to Islam; so the Hindus, the Christian and the Muslim were together, ready for the big celebration that is Galungan. Oh this is gonna be fun! Galungan, the second most important ceremony of the year (after Nyepi), the Balinese celebrate the balance of good and evil and recognise without the dark there is no light and that the two complement each other and are necessary in life. Ying and Yang sprung to mind. The more I learn about Balinese Hinduism (Agama Hindu Dharma) the more I see the Buddhist undertones and understand how this mashup religion is so appealing.

The day before Galungan is a busy one and we are up early for a day full of preparations. How exciting! Meme taught me how to make sate babi (Pork Satay) with freshly cracked and shaved coconut, pork, chilli of course and a myriad of other spices. Breakfast of champions! Next the offerings. I’m talking maybe 35 offerings needed to be made, some pyramids of fruit made with the help of a banana tree branch to secure the fruit (Pajagan) and also with fish, rice, coconut, egg, chicken, cakes and all sorts. Next, I think my favourite part. The Penjor!! The Penjor is a bamboo pole covered in decorations made from coconut palm leaves and finished with a Sanggah Cucuk and a Sampian. My friend Ketut once explained it to me as the Bali Christmas tree (ok, not the same, but you get the idea). Very complicated structures with many parts and harder than it looks, but we made one. I go-pro’d the whole thing so keep your eye out for that. (Gimme time to work out how to edit the footage, hahaha).

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Next was the slaughter of a pig for the traditional babi guling dish. Unfortunately, or luckily I missed it, because the news had spread that a Bule (foreigner) was in town and the local Pemangku (Hindu Priest) stopped by to say G’Day. We chatted briefly (in Indonesian) and then all of a sudden, it seems I had accepted an invitation to his house for tea. Walking through the village to his home we were stopped by everyone (Mr Popular this guy). We sipped tea and chatted about world religion, shared stories and opinions on faith, organised religion, Islam, Christianity and the common ground that we all are children of God and that’s all that matters. His many grandchildren (cucu) sat by curiously and we practiced English words together, a lovely afternoon. He walked me home by the rice fields and I was in awe of this man’s energy. Kindness and calm seemed to exude from his pores, a real man of faith and a leader in the community.

Right! Happy Galungan, the day had arrived. With all the prep done the day before, all that was left was to suit up in our Kebayas and Sarongs, fasten our temple sash and put flowers in our hair. Well, honestly I would have been happy just walking the streets, looking at all the beautiful outfits and how radiant everyone looked. We spent the morning at the family temple, which isn’t exactly just the family given the 150 odd people there. My friend Wayan, the Pemangku greeted me and I muttered something awkward like (I carried a watermelon) referring to the Carmen Miranda offering on my head. Now, important information to know BEFORE praying in a temple in Bali is that each region and even temple have a slightly different approach. So you can imagine my surprise when the Odalan started and there was no red flower reference (Oh Shit!) Yuli help me. Of course she whispered and guided me through the “Singaraja way” with kindness and slight amusement in her smile. Luckily the holy water process is the same, Splash, Splash, Splash. Splash Drink. Splash Drink. Splash Drink. Splash face, rice and done (Phew!) We ended the first formal part of the day and relaxed the afternoon away waiting for Temple Round 2, at the larger regional temple ceremony at 5 pm. Lucy and Yuli took me on a lovely walk along the “Mayong Trek” track. (Trekkers in Bali check it out!) A 3-4 hour round trip through untouched and beautiful rice field, jungle and by the river, in what I imagine the south used to look like before the tourism explosion of Kuta and Seminyak moved in.

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Temple #2 – That was interesting to say the least, they had traditional dancers, hundreds upon hundreds of fellow faithfuls, speaker systems bellowing the prayers and traditional Gamelan players (traditional Balinese instrument). I was again overwhelmed with the wonder of this coming together of people of the lord, praying and worshipping, loving one another and God. Similar to that tingly feeling of Amazing Grace or Hallelujah being sung out in a church. As the sun set proceedings had finished. I remembered the new prayer style and managed not to choke on my rice (a random fear I have) followed by a lovely dinner prepared by Meme and off to bed. Galungan done! So what is the 3rd day for I ask Yuli. To santai (relax) she says, you want to see the dolphins? Umm Yes! Tomorrow an adventure in North Bali, I’m in!

Up at sparrows literally, the alarm sounded at 430am and Nyoman dragging himself out of bed dutifully took, Yuli, Lucy and I to Lovina for a sunrise boat ride to see the dolphins on the bay. What an experience, the dolphins were plentiful (so were the tourists to be honest but still lovely). We cut our trip short given poor Lucy was not at one with the waves and had her head over the side providing fish food for most of the trip. We decided to spend the day by the water, a little further down at Krishna Water Sports, which I can highly recommend. Lucy and I went snorkelling and the marine life was spectacular, our guides were fantastic and all activities reasonably priced (see the link below). After a light lunch we hooned about on some jet skis and then headed back to Mayong to pack up and head home.

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In the car I was reflecting not only on the events of the ceremony, but the inspiring conversations I had over the past few days. Chatting to Wayan the Pemangku about all things faith, Lucy explaining to me the process of Rataak and Qur’anic prayer, Made at the family temple thanking me for coming to learn about their culture and religion or Uncle Putu listening intently to me explain the plight of The Unlikely Pilgrim and his words of summary “God is in our hearts and that is between only you and God. It doesn’t matter the pathway just the Faith and the love of Tuhan (God in Indonesian).” So True.

Every day is a blessing and the open hearts and homes that I will and have already come across, is exactly why this trip is going to be a once in a lifetime experience that I am so grateful for. Lastly but no means least, a massive thankyou to Yuli, Nyoman, Meme and Lucy for making me feel so loved in their home and for Nyoman stopping on the way home at Munduk Waterfall and Lake Tamblingan despite the crazy traffic because he thought I’d like it. I did. I will definitely be back.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1372806-d2307721-Reviews-Mayong_Village_Tracking_Experience-Buleleng_Bali.html

https://www.facebook.com/KrisnaWatersportsSingaraja/

Yours in Faith,

The Unlikely Pilgrim

Did Someone Say Ceremony?

September 5, 2016September 11, 2016theunlikelypilgrim

This week is the lead up to Galungan, one of the most important festivals in the Balinese calendar. Part of the preparation is Sugian, 3 days of ceremony, to cleanse the environment externally and the individual internally. My friends Joe and Rosie kindly offered to take me to their home village and allowed me to join in the festivities. We set off on the 2-hour drive north to Karangasem, stopping en route at Klung Kung to their ancestor’s temple. We wait patiently outside as the group before us pray, a constant flow of people from all over Bali visit here. Of course the glances of curiosity came but all with warm smiles attached.

We enter and there are offerings everywhere. Rosie disappears to lay ours on the alter. Joe and I sit and wait for proceedings to commence. With the incense in front of me, I bathe my hands 3 times in the smoke as previously briefed. Words of encouragement from Rosie, “don’t worry that you don’t know how to pray in Sanskrit. You pray whatever you like even in English, God will understand.” Yes, he will Rosie. Yes, he will. Then as the Pemangku (Balinese Priest) sounds the mantra I pray five times with maybe 500 Balinese Hindus to God. Tuhan!

Right let’s see what I remember. Number 1; I raise my hands in prayer above my head with my thumbs resting on my forehead, no flower I remind myself. This is to welcome God. The mantra stops. Number 2; red flower between the fingers, again raise my hands in prayer. This time to welcome the Sun to witness our prayers. Next any flower. We pray for all the people in the temple. I’m on a roll, any flower again. This time we pray for ourselves. Nomor Lima (5), no flower. We give thanks and don’t forget to say sorry whispers Rosie. (I’m on it) My first Odalan done!

Next a Pemangku comes around with the holy water, ok let me get this straight I tell my mind. He splashes cool water which in the hot sun is quite refreshing over my head three times, then into my cupped hands. Splash, drink. Splash, drink. Splash, drink. (so far so good) Then splash, wipe your head. Right now for the rice. Collect some rice from the basket offered by the Pemangku. Press pieces on your forehead for good thoughts and mind (tick). 2nd into your neck/chest, good heart and actions (tick). Eat 3 pieces of rice (not the broken one’s Joe reminds me) for good words. The remains of the rice in your hands goes over head for final blessing (tick, tick, tick) and we’re done. Now we collect our offering to eat with the family later. Not bad I think, managed to remember all the instructions and not offend anyone.

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We pick up some sate from the vendors outside the temple and drove a quick 10 mins to the beach where we had our feast, coconuts and all. And cheap! Over 20 skewers 3 portions of rice and sambal. $6. After enjoying the beautiful ocean view we head north to Joe’s village. We are welcomed by Ketut his father and invited into the Ibu Pura (Mother Temple) and what a fan fare there is. Much smaller than the ancestor’s temple in Klung Kung but such a hive of activity, the whole stuffed suckling pig or two passes by and a cohort of Rejang dancers follow. Again there are flowers and offerings everywhere and then its prayer time! I’m ready. Ok no flower, red flower, any flower, any flower, no flower. Splash Splash Splash. Splash Drink! Splash Drink! Splash Drink! Splash Head! Rice, head, chest, eat. Ooh I’m good!! Totally a pro. We stay to watch the beautiful girls of the village perform a traditional Balinese dance which is simply mesmerizing. No time to dilly dally, we still have to hit the family temple and the village temple down the hill.

We arrive at Joe’s house after a small walk through the woods. There in the clearing is a very modest home, I’ve been here before but it somehow feels smaller with the grandeur of the day and everybody looks so charming in their temple attire. Ketut offers me a sweet that is made from brown sugar wrapped in a banana leaf (I won’t lie I was rather apprehensive, but I ate it). Sweet like a jelly or date consistency but larger, not bad. Joe ushers me into the small yet lovely family temple and off we go again. No mantra to guide us this time and Joe is in charge of the holy water. Little Komang (5) and Delon (9) seem rather amused with my praying, I can’t possibly imagine why, I know what I’m doing.

So where is Ketut (Joe’s Mum also called Ketut) and Handrawan (Joe’s other nephew)? Oh down in the village temple because Handrawan is staying there for 2 weeks? Umm ok, off we go. A short drive down the hill and into the town it looks like we missed one hell of a party! Offerings and odd bamboo structures littered the streets. The main road was closed off and it’s a bit like a ghost town. We park up and head down to find Ketut and Handrawan. It turns out once every 14 years there is a ceremony where all the priests in Karangasem converge on this village and the teenagers from the surrounding villages come to spend 2 weeks learning about all things ceremony (and there is a LOT to learn) Girls and boys can come and they must be dressed in a special Gringsing Sarong which historically was died red with the blood of sacrificed humans who could no longer work or were sick. Rosie tells me, “we can’t do that anymore because it’s not allowed” (ya think!). Now these special sarongs are died with the help of the root of a local plant. It’s a little lord of the flies with all the young boys walking around in this special uniform and a large dagger tucked into their back as is custom.

We head into the temple and it’s a double whammy. First we pray under the guidance of the Pemangku with the other people and to my surprise its three splashes on the head at the end here. (Each temple varies across regions) Lucky I’m adaptable. Then we wander around to another “alter” just the family. Here, Handrawan assumes the responsibility of the holy water much to the satisfaction of the family as I discover later, having completed this rite of passage that occurs only every 14 years Handrawan now on the way to being a Pemangku, therefore is higher in stature then his family. He seems impressed with my prayer style and takes my hand to his forehead in a sign of respect. Cute!!!

The sun is starting to set and Miss Rosie is missing her baby girl so we say our goodbyes and head back to Kerobokan and am in a state of indulgent thankfulness at this amazing day that I have shared with such kind and beautiful souls. Cannot wait for Galungan. Stay Tuned.

Yours in faith,

The Unlikley Pilgrim

Two Worlds Collide

September 1, 2016September 11, 2016theunlikelypilgrim

Spring has sprung in the southern hemisphere and whilst I only experienced about a day and a half of cold weather this winter (when I was in Perth) it certainly is still exciting to see the flowers bloom, the baby calves in the fields and the general energy that the month of “Musim Semi” offers.

This week has been another fabulous exploration of cultures colliding in this melting pot that we call Bali. Tuesday was just another day, spent going to yoga, lazing in the sun, researching for the trip and also on Tuesday afternoons I visit a small community in Denpasar to teach English. But I’ll tell you about them another day. They deserve a blog to themselves. This was about what happened after class.

My friend Deidre drove me to my local church’s monthly Worship evening and this time it was extra special. Pastor Don, Pastor Jason and the team have been working tirelessly to raise funds to build a brand new church building in Kuta right on top of the Galleria Mall. I have heard a lot about the plans and thought I should go check it out, since they’d decided to hold this month’s Ignite worship service on the site. I don’t always make it to these worship evenings, in fact this is my first and I’ve been here 6 months (my bad). So I arrive late (of course thanks to bail traffic) and there on the 4 th floor of the multi-story car park is maybe 40 devotees of God, Jesus and in support of this great project.

Strangely it reminded me in a way of the scene in Independence Day where the alien lovers are on the rooftop welcoming the creatures from another planet and ok they get blown apart in the end but the same euphoria was present on this rooftop. Except the participants on this occasion were men and women of God singing their heart out, worshipping the lord, praying for the project, for Bali and the world as a whole. I must admit it was quite intoxicating especially when we started to sing in Indonesian (Bahasa to the locals). No I didn’t know at all what was being sung but I was overwhelmed. It was beautiful watching the devotion flow passionately from their mouths and their souls. I appreciate the attitude of the Balinese, a predominantly Hindu Island in the highest Muslim populated country on earth. Yet, if a bunch of Christians want to shout from the rooftop (quite literally) their love for Jesus. Knock yourself out.

I’ve been attending ICC Bali since I first moved here and the good work they do in the community all over Bali and the welcome I have received from them is a real testament to their mission of people helping people. I thoroughly recommend a service at ICC Bali currently being held at the Harris Hotel On Sunset Road. If your feeling like you want to put your hand in your pocket to help, make this amazing project develop and grow feel free to contact them at info@iccbali.com. Maybe a fundraiser could be held in your home town to help the community here in Bali?

I left my friends on the roof and headed home for a well-earned rest and what I faced in my street was definitely not going to be conducive with an early night. There was a mighty commotion going on with, music and sound systems, street lined with motorbikes. It was loud. Another wedding I thought, so with a soft nudge from my mates on facey. I wandered tentatively across the road.

I started chatting to one of the ladies watching the fanfare from outside the gate of a paddock I didn’t even know was there. I noticed every one wearing their sarongs and in my short shorts thought it best not to go in. I spoke to the lady in Bahasa for a few minutes with the intention to go back to bed having satisfied my curiosity. However she invited me in to have a closer look, “Saya Tidak Punya Sarong” (I don’t have a sarong) I said. “Tidak apa apa” (no worries) she insisted. Ok I’m going in! Well Holy Bananas batman. It was the craziest thing, crowds of Balinese laughing their back off at the spectacle before us. Two beautiful women singing and giggling on stage (Not ACTUALLY women!) and two masked men going along with the chaotic carry on. They dragged unwilling participants from the crowd onto the stage, I kept my head down!

What I was watching was a traditional Balinese Drama and Comedy show called a Bondres. Think Drag queens, stand up comedians dressed with awesome masks on and singing and dancing of course, A really eclectic mash up of performing arts and I didn’t know what they were saying either but I liked it. I managed to find a nice inconspicuous spot under a tree behind the crowd and I thought I was out of the way until….

His eyes locked mine and it was on. The main comedian shouted something in Bahasa and 200 eyes turned and looked at me. To which I responded with an awkward “Selamat Malam” (Good Evening) He humoured me and asked where I was from in English. I shouted Australia in an accent that even sounded broad to me. We had some banter in English and then he said heaven knows what but the crowd were in hysterics and all still looking at me. Probably, stupid white girl, where’s her sarong? Doesn’t she know she not in the tourist district. So after being “forced” to take a seat in the front row, he had his fun and continued the show and it was brilliant! I wasn’t at the $50 tourist show I was with all my neighbours and they welcomed me with open arms albeit after taking the mick out of me first. The beautiful woman singing offered to take a picture with me afterwards and I went to bed. An evening of Christian worship followed by Balinese Hindu stand-up comedy show. Just another day in Bali.

Check out the link for more on Bondres.

http://savemybali.blogspot.co.id/2008/08/bondres-bali-style-of-comedy.html

Or follow the great work being done by ICC Bali.

http://www.iccbali.com

Yours in Faith,

The Unlikely Pilgrim

The Three Wise Monkeys.

August 29, 2016August 29, 2016theunlikelypilgrim

It’s interesting the people you meet. I went on a sneaky day trip to Perth yesterday as I needed a visa run and it was the cheapest place to go at short notice. So I booked thinking I’d chill at the Cottesloe or Little Creatures and chat to one of my mates that live in Perth. Hilariously they were all out of town, I mean out out. KL, Ireland and the US so it was a shopping day instead. Whilst waiting at the gate I noticed a middle aged man in a white gown with a large wooden crucifix around his neck. I secretly hoped he would be seated near me but didn’t approach him as I couldn’t find the words. (I know me lost for words is a stretch, but it was early in the morning, give me a break). What happened next is what interested me. I waited on the plane for the passengers to be loaded and the lady in 8B sat down and I said, “oh I was hoping you would be the preacher”. To which she replied ” he’s lucky he didn’t sit here I think religion has lot to answer for.” I smiled and let her in. We got chatting and she continued to tell me that she did not like religion as a topic. I just smiled politely and prompted a cunning, oh really what makes you say that? She said it’s a taboo subject and can lead to no good and she nearly almost offends people when it comes up. I continued, how would you offend people? Her somewhat atheist and anti – church perspective came out in a trickle; I continued to smile. On religion everyone has an opinion none right or wrong just their own view, I prompted.

The safety announcement commenced and we went back to our books after an acknowledging smile. After take-off Miss 8B started with the small talk. So what do you do she asked. I’m a religious blogger. She squirmed a little in her seat and I reassured her I had only just started and that it was travel and faith I wrote about and told her the plan for next year. Well, do you know for most of the next 3 hours and 22 minutes Miss 8 B did nothing but chat about perspectives on religion with me. A conversation I thoroughly enjoyed and at no time did she offend me. This conversation on the “taboo” subject which effects so many if not all of the people on earth, made me realise The Unlikely Pilgrim journey had begun.

Back on Aussie soil, I grabbed a taxi and met a new friend. Emira !! What a legend! I jumped in and we set off to Hay street and as we got chatting we shared our stories and hers was a tale of great ups and downs. In her fifties from Bosnia, a new Australian having immigrated in 2001. She escaped the war with her husband and children and went to Turkey, but they longed for a life down under. After a few years they went back to Bosnia and it wasn’t the same she said. I couldn’t raise my children there it was not safe. I excused my ignorance and asked her what the main religion in Bosnia was. Muslim she said and we discussed sooo many things. She was a kindred spirit because as I told her about my quest her eyes welled up and as she discussed her commitment to Allah and The Prophet Mohammed, her love of people and this great nation of ours. I was heart warmed that we had been thrown together.

We both agreed that 30 mins in a car together was just not enough and she came back to take me to Freo and we chatted some more. Insisting to continue our chat she also drove me back to the airport, we had to have a big hug because we knew we would meet again. She gave me her daughters details for when I hit the US (a mommy blogger who would love to host me.) She insisted I add Sarajevo to my list of cities to visit, and I just might. What got me about this woman, is she had seen some horrible things, fled her homeland for her family’s safety, experienced great struggles learning English, trying to educate herself to be a nurse in a new country, desperately trying to fit in to the best of her ability in a place she loves and calls her home. She taught me about the Hatma and suggested documentaries and books I should read to help me learn. She even showed me her Aussie slang dictionary that she has in her car to continue to learn the Aussie way. (with phrases like from asshole to breakfast and shits and giggles with their meanings in it …HILARIOUS!)

Her whole being exuded warmth, kindness and love. A Muslim, who knew? (The media tells me they’re all terrorists aren’t they?) How can anyone judge a woman like Emira purely on her faith and they do every day. I adore her and I think I’ve found a friend for life. I know that she will watch this journey and send me words of encouragement and pray for my safety and success, because that is who she is. She is Emira. The Australian woman originally from Bosnia living in Perth loving Allah every day and is making the world a better place.

Three is the magic number in this tale. As I boarded the plane, weary and slightly tipsy given my love for the moscato at Little Creatures. I was hoping to put my head phones in and dream my way back to Bali. Not a Chance!! I was sandwiched between a lovely lass from WA who was on her way to 3months exploring South East Asia and…… The madness that is, Johnny Carlos aka Monkey Bizzness. This young man sat next to me was not shy and I liked him right away. He sat down and before the cabin crew could say “fasten seatbelts “our new friend was asking if he could ask Sherrie and I three questions on camera and publish in his Vlog. Umm ok! The enthusiasm of this man was infectious, talking about positivity and spreading light and love, sharing smiles by travelling the world donning a monkey suit. Yep a monkey suit! He attends local events to spread cheer, raising awareness for local charities, local issues and local community groups. He’s attended black tie events as the Monkey. He even handed out roses to strangers in a Perth Mall recently. He can talk more than I can and has some great insight in to this world of ours. A Filipino raised in NZ and living in Australia he is quite the ball of energy. His vibe boosted my mood and I couldn’t stop chatting to him let alone sleep. I asked him advice on social media and he freely shared his knowledge, we discussed religion of course and his view is similar to mine in the way that we are all just people. His catch phrase of “Promoting Positivity and Sharing Smiles” should be a mantra we all adopt in life. He’s in Bali visiting friends and said he was travelling light (which means monkey head only ) ha-ha. His attitude to life was one that really can change the world and I encourage you all to check him out on facey or Insta because if nothing else his presence on your feed will give you a smile, maybe at a moment you need one. http://www.facebook.com/mymonkeybizzness

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. It’s easy when the world is filled with characters such as the three I encountered yesterday. What will tomorrow bring I wonder?

The Unlikely Pilgrim

Over n Out.

She’s doing what?

August 19, 2016August 25, 2016theunlikelypilgrim

Today is the first day of the next adventure! It is the beginning of the official countdown to one of the greatest expeditions I will ever embark on, which really has already begun. My recent time living in Bali, Indonesia has opened my eyes to what life is really like through the eyes of another culture, religion and society. The dedication of the Balinese to their religion is admirable and their genuine kindness towards others inspires me. I’ve also had time this year to think and I’ve been thinking A LOT about the state of the world and the events that transpire every day. With islamophobia everywhere I turn, antisemitism alive and well and Christians being persecuted for their beliefs across the globe; that’s just not ok.

So I thought I’d set out to research and cover the major religious events and celebrations across the top 6 Religions on earth and along the way learn about how 80% of the world lead their lives through their faith. Think Christmas in the Vatican, Eid al Adha in Saudi Arabia, Diwali in India, Buddha’s Birthday in Tibet and Passover in Israel…… the list goes on. Then if that wasn’t a big enough itinerary to roll with, I am also exploring those religions in western hubs. Jewish communities in New York, Catholicism in Rio, Islam in the UK, Sikhs in Canada etc.

On an Interfaith pilgrimage as it were, not only to learn and develop my own knowledge and acceptance of other religions, but to document and share my journey. I believe that at the core of most of humanity regardless of religion, race, culture or gender we all just want to raise our kids in a safe environment, love each other, praise our God and see peace on earth. Hopefully, from my experiences with everyday people from around the world, I can offer some insight that might just change the perspective of people whom perhaps fear the unknown in their fellow man.

This is not a theology assignment, this is not a study of history or a how to guide on faith. This is a travel blog of a 32 year old Aussie who has a passion for people, faith and seeing the world. It is my perspective, my view and my path. So please don’t be offended if I offer up an opinion that perhaps is not the same as yours. This is a journey of discovery and I don’t want to bore the crap out of you all with dates and historical information that you can all google yourself. This is for me and if you want to come along for the ride than your welcome to and I’d love for you to be there every step of the way.

I officially set off from Brisbane on the 2 of January, I’m going to hit all 7 continents (Yes Antarctica is on the list). However, there is a lot to do before then, Plan, Network, learn how to write, buy a fabulous looking hijab and workout how I’m going to cover the crucifix tattooed on my ankle in Saudi.

So please Follow me, Share, Repost, Tag and Comment. Keep in touch with your thoughts, words of encouragement, ideas and definitely feel free to hook me up with people you know in places I’m heading to. A local connection is a valuable commodity with life on the road.

I’ll be uploading daily on either FB, Insta or the blog (Wi-Fi permitting) and hope to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and do something you’ve only ever dreamed of. I am!!!

So let the preparations begin, I’m off to my Arabic Lesson. Salam Alikom

The Unlikley Pilgrim

Over and Out!

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