Central Bali + East Bali + South Bali + Nusa Penida (Diving)  |  March 2018

"We made our way to Tirta Empul, a water temple built on a holy natural spring where I prepared to bathe in the sacred waters. Wrapping my body in a green sarong, I slipped into the pool as fish evaded my steps, carefully placing my feet on black sloping stones sculpted from the temple walls. The green fabric floated amongst the blue around me as my body sank deeper and deeper into the water. I glided to one of the fountains spouting a steady stream of holy water and wrapped my fingers around the open-mouthed statue from which it flowed. The water flushed fast and heavy on my head, it's purifying properties splashing into the bath around me. I closed my eyes, breathing sporadically through the corners of my mouth. I chanted a mantra for the world beneath my breath and pictured that water wiping me clean of everything that came before." 

-Tess Thomas, The Laughing Diet; “Pura”