Thirty two homeopaths from seven countries gathered in Ubud, the cultural and healing centre of Bali, to spend one week together, immersed in homeopathy. It was the second international homeopathic seminar to be held in Indonesia.

The week was spent in a combination of lectures from eight speakers, two field trips and three melting pots (sessions of open exchange between practitioners on a specific topic, sharing clinical insights, successes, to increase clinical knowledge on that topic.)

Visiting Ubud has a powerful impact on those who go there and when this is combined with a week spent with the homeopathy tribe then it becomes “much more than just a seminar.”

To quote the words of 2015 speaker, Cilla Whatcott: “The island of Bali is magical. The smell of incense in the air, the smiling friendly people, and the delicious food all combine to make the experience of the Bali Project a warm, lingering memory. Travelling from the United States, getting to Bali is no easy trick. Connecting flights from Minneapolis to Los Angeles to Beijing, then Singapore and finally to Denpasar took a total of over 50 hours, passing through 13 time zones and the International Date Line.

The ride from Denpasar to Ubud was then quite harrowing as motor bikes, four abreast, wove in and out of traffic, narrowly avoiding head on collisions while passing on winding roadways. The locals didn’t seem the least upset, nervous or irritated with the chaos! When asked why there aren’t more accidents, our driver’s reply typified the spirit of Bali. “We take care of each other!” he said, with a broad smile.

Truly there is a distinct sense of being cared for in Bali. Polite greetings by men and women in colorful sarongs, offerings of fresh flowers placed outside temples and homes, and the ever present flow of water – in ponds, rice fields, and waterfalls – is enveloping and soothing.

There is a juxtaposition of old and new in Bali. Amid bare-chested artisans hand sculpting new steps at the hotel, one of our drivers said, “Connect with me on Facebook!” We thought he was kidding! 2015 has managed to arrive in Bali, yet Bali has maintained her lovely heritage of art, spirituality and gentleness. I can’t help but wonder when I might be called back.”