A stroll along 'my' street - Jalan Gautama, Ubud

After a few days in Ubud I'm starting to see more. I'm staying in a homestay in Jalan Gootama. It's a small street which thankfully is closed to cars in the evenings, but busy with scooters and motorbikes all the time. It is a street that rewards a slower perambulation.

This is a very awakened street and I'm blessed to have chosen an awakened place to stay (more on the accommodation at In Da Garden later).

The sign boards at the ends of the street are flanked by stone Buddhas each holding an umbrella in the holy black and white checked fabric that symbolises the balance between good and evil.

The whole street is a bit like that. It is pretty much geared to tourism but seriously supports a lot of local creativity and enterprise.

In the mornings there are fresh offerings carefully placed outside each business. Rice packets, sweets, flowers, incense, and petals. By the end of the day most will be crushed underfoot.

 Family life goes on in the compounds behind decorative brick and stone walls that are green with moss. Each compound has an ornate gate, framing a narrow entrance guarded by statues. Most of these are garlanded or decorated with fabrics and flowers. Many have adopted the homestay concept, but there are still plenty of roosters in the neighborhood. One place has some of the fattest pigeons I have ever seen (is that really chicken in the soto ayam?).

I didn't come to Ubud to shop but if you did, you'd enjoy the variety of small retail businesses that line Jalan Gautama.. From yoga wear to interior design, from local arts and crafts (pottery, carving, painting, weaving, jewelry) to organic skin care products, from feathers to fabrics; there's something for every visitor and the new age vibes are strong.

 Spas, massage, pedicures, facials - it's all here. Many of the homestays also offer lengthy menus of spa options that promise to awaken and relax and restore and rejuvenate.

 If that's not your thing, there are numerous offerings to awaken the senses via the stomach. Some of the best places to eat in Ubud are right here in this street. The Laotian restaurant, Melting Wok, is a favorite. Indonesian food is a bit overshadowed but there are several excellent warung. Tourists have a lot to answer for - pizza, tapas, ice cream, burgers, crepes, sushi for starters, just in this small stretch of Ubud. Or for the yogis, organic, vegan, raw and higher vibe; with piles of cushions and low tables.

The best coffee in Ubud (even if is not actually awakened). Made from a selection of local beans and roasted to perfection on the premises.