April 2024
The first thing that struck me was the humidity. I knew Bali was tropical, but I wasn’t prepared for just how lush everything would be. Trees grew around temple walls. Moss covered ancient statues. Vines climbed stone carvings. Rice terraces stretched across hillsides in every direction.
The combination of dense vegetation and ancient stonework became one of my strongest memories of Ubud. Temples, statues, and shrines often appeared as though they had emerged directly from the landscape itself, softened by centuries of weather and tropical growth.
Shortly after the group arrived, a few of us decided to participate in one of Bali’s most recognizable traditions, the giant jungle swing photos that seem to appear all over Instagram. We headed out for our own turn soaring above the tropical landscape. The resulting photos looked effortless. The process itself required considerably more coordination than the photos suggest. First of all there were nearly cat-fights as each woman tried to find their perfect dress color. I of course was most interested in the contrast against the green background for the best photos. Orange is definitely not my color but the color worked beautifully. Once you have chosen your dress and handed it to the women helping, the spun you around and bundled you in so tightly that you could barely breath. I of course was most interested in the contrast against the green background for the best photos. Next, you sat in a queue sweating profusely waiting your turn. When it was my turn, I was strapped in by many bungees cords, there is zero way to fall out of the swing – which I was thankful for. Lastly, there were two photographers, one in the front and one in the back. The angle that the photographer in front of you was less than flattering even with the most photographic person on the planet – which is not me!
The end result, beautiful photos. I’m so glad I did it! ….and peep those strong back muscles from years of riding horses!
