Travel and tourism fascinate me, yet the farther I drift and immerse myself in different cultures, the stronger the connection I feel to Jamaica, my country of birth.
Whether liked or disliked, Jamaicans have a huge identity and culture that's highly recognised around the world, and even though my accent sometimes catches people off guard, it's a part of my identity that cannot be changed.
I've been reflecting on my recent visit to Bali, Indonesia. The Balinese people were welcoming, and it was easy to engage in conversations with them. When I was asked the standard question, "Where are you from?" they beamed with smiles when I replied Jamaica, and many referred to the music of prominent Jamaicans and of Jamaican athletes that they've admired over the years.
Bali, like Jamaica, has a strong identity and a broad appeal, and the sun, sea, and sand, as well as the sacred rainforests and religious temples, make Bali a coveted travel destination. However, what touched my heart was the prominence of reggae music and reggae bars that are infused into their cultural offerings.
These bars are dotted along the streets of Amed, as well as along the seafront, with the Jamaican flag flying high, and although I'm not a big fan of the beach, I couldn't resist the chillaxing vibe on the black sand beach, listening to reggae beats while watching the sunset.
Bali made me do things out of character.
Flashbacks of me singing Lenny Kravitz's "It ain't over till it's over" and Ziggy Marley's "Beach in Hawaii" on stage at a Karaoke bar still haunt me and make me smile.
You only live once, right? Well, I think sometimes you have to let loose and live, and I'm even more game for doing so when I'm across the Atlantic amongst people who I might never cross paths with again.
It was indeed a spur-of-the-moment thing, but the vibe of the people and the ambience of the bar all decorated in Rastafarian and Jamaican colours made me seize the moment.
I'm only sorry that I don't have photos of that scene because it really might be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but at least I did it, and it felt good!
Speaking about the cultural experience from a different perspective. While 'butchering' Ziggy's song with my haunting rendition, the lyrics,"'Ujjayi breathing' to get the real feeling" resonated with me like never before, as it related to the kind of yogic breathing that I was learning and practising while in Bali, which is the proper way in which Rastafarians in Jamaica smoke their sensimilla.
That revelation moment made me think about the global appeal of reggae music. Is it the music's rhythmic pace or the lyrics that motivate people to love and unite while expressing global thoughts on societal and economic injustices? Whatever it is, it's positive to see the impact the influence of the music from a small island in the Caribbean has on a destination that in itself is rich in culture and traditions.
I felt a spiritual and mystical connection with Bali, and I even purchased these souvenirs, which I believe are versions of a shipido shaker.
According to my husband, my buying those musical instruments is a testament to my madness. Whatever! I could not resist doing so because they reminded me of instruments used while performing Pocomania—a kind of tribal music of Afro-Jamaican origins that I enjoyed at celebrations in Jamaica when I was a child. That web definition is a hilarious one, which translates to 'a little madness'.
Generally, these little convictions and revelations that might seem trivial are some of the things that make travelling one of the best teachers as you discover the different cross cultures around the world.
Have you ever been to Bali, and can you picture yourself jamming and 'serenading' an audience with the lyrics to one of your favourite songs at a Karaoke Reggae Bar?
I'd be happy to know.
In good Qi 🙏
Milly x
PS. If anyone knows the correct name of those instruments, please drop me a comment. I'd be pleased to know.
Images are the property of the author, taken in Bali, in September 2024.
