There are book lovers who are so captivated by a particular novel that they are willing to overcome any distance in order to immerse themselves in the life of the characters and experience, at least partially, the moments described in the book. This phenomenon is called "literary tourism" and has become extremely popular in America and Europe.
The mere thought of following in the footsteps of a beloved character, sitting in the same squares and alleys, having coffee in a famous café, and seeing everything they saw, evokes an indescribable sense of joy and excitement.
Typically, with the release of a movie adaptation of a novel, its popularity begins to skyrocket, and the number of fans increases exponentially. That's when true pilgrimages to the setting of events begin.
Of course, such interest could not be ignored by the "business sharks," resulting in it being turned into a highly profitable entertainment industry. Today, book and movie fans are flocking to follow the footsteps of Harry Potter and the characters of "The Lord of the Rings," "Twilight," and "The Da Vinci Code"... And with the release of the film based on Elizabeth Gilbert's novel "Eat, Pray, Love," demand for tours to Italy, India, and Bali has sharply increased. It is noteworthy that an entire industry has emerged in tourism offering young women the opportunity to heal emotional wounds by following Gilbert's already established (and successfully tested) script.
Let's remind you, the book describes one year in the life of a young thirty-year-old woman. After experiencing divorce and destructive relationships with her loved one, she takes radical measures – sells all her possessions, gives up her career, and embarks on a solo journey to three countries – Italy, India, and Indonesia. In Italy, she learns the language and immerses herself in the local cuisine, in India – she explores the spiritual path, and in Indonesia, on Bali – she learns to relax, love, and enjoy life.
Fans of the book, which became a bestseller and an absolute sales hit after its first publication, literally follow in the footsteps of their favorite heroine. In Rome, they indulge in ice cream at the San Crispino café, in India, they live in an ashram, and in Bali, they seek predictions from the seer Liyer.
The official tourist company and partner of the movie STA Travel is located in the USA and offers a 21-day journey in the footsteps of Gilbert in 3 countries or a 5-8-day journey in one chosen country. However, for Russians, it is not profitable to travel to America to book such a tour, and Russian travel agencies do not provide such a service. So why not go on a journey independently and explore at least one of the three places, for example, Bali...
Bali is known as the "Island of the Gods," an ideal place for those who want to explore the hidden corners of their soul, find harmony, start rejoicing in life with all their being, and smile at the world "even with a cookie" (if you remember what we mean). Especially good for exploration and meditation is the small town of Ubud, considered the spiritual and cultural center of Bali. Quiet peaceful places, magnificent landscapes, special energy, bird songs, and detachment from worldly hustle and bustle – everything necessary for restoring inner balance!
Ubud is nestled in the central part of Bali amidst hills covered with jungles and picturesque rice terraces. Here, you can wander through shops with intricate goods, visit the center of local crafts, admire the unique wood carving techniques and fabric painting. Ubud is literally the city of "artists and craftsmen." It is here that Elizabeth heads immediately upon arriving on the island, where she cycles through the emerald-green surroundings and encounters her love.
In addition to being famous for its artistic crafts, Ubud is a center for healing, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and healthy eating. Moreover, here, they believe in and practice magic. Want to cleanse yourself? Enlighten your mind? Remove a curse? Then this is the place for you! All the knowledge accumulated over centuries in Bali is aimed at balancing a person's state, so here, visitors focus solely on themselves and their inner needs. It's an excellent place to rejuvenate, enjoy delicious food, pray, and rediscover self-love.
Ideally, to fully explore Ubud, you would need more than a week. Just think about the number of temples, museums, and world-class attractions in the vicinity of this small town! Undoubtedly, during an independent trip, you will appreciate their unique atmosphere and beauty, but to understand their cultural and spiritual significance, you will need a tour with an experienced guide.
One of the main attractions of Ubud is the sacred Monkey Forest, where you can experience riding a bicycle through it like Elizabeth, observe the behavior of the animals in their natural habitat, or cautiously feed them with ripe juicy fruits (it's advisable to hold onto your cameras, bags, and glasses tightly in this case).
Another highlight of Ubud is its local spa salons. Whether you're indulging in a traditional Balinese massage, a chocolate wrap, the famous Javanese "Lulur" scrub, or enjoying a pedicure in the fresh air, in this wonderful place you can relax your body and soul.
The next destination in Bali will be the home of the healer and seer Ketut Liyer. This character is not a creation of Gilbert's imagination; he actually exists. Moreover, it is mainly women who visit him, hoping for a miracle, although there is no shortage of healers in the area. Such is the power of advertising. It is said that the old healer is gradually losing his strength, and locals are ready to recommend a real, powerful healer. However, a visit to Ketut becomes a very inspiring experience for some. Although it is now his son who receives tourists, not Ketut himself.
Finding Ketut Liyer's house is not difficult. It is enough to have a friendly chat with the traders in the local shops near Monkey Forest and mention his name. They will themselves point you in the right direction.
Another significant character described in Gilbert's book was the healer Wayan Nuriasih. While Ketut is described by Elizabeth as "not so much a doctor as a spiritual teacher, a rather mystical figure," Wayan is portrayed as "an ordinary healer, preparing mixtures of herbs and medicines according to her own recipe in her own pharmacy." She still sees patients today, assessing their physical and mental condition based on external signs such as skin color, spots, the placement of moles, and the shape of body parts, and then prescribing a "treatment." Many of Wayan's patients indeed report improvement in their well-being after her treatment. Generally, all ailments in Bali are explained by several factors: improper food, improper thoughts, and karma. Treatment is then tailored to the individual based on these beliefs.
Bali is an island with a vast number of beaches to suit every taste. Here you can find long beaches with white sand reminiscent of Southern California, as well as rocky shores rarely visited by Western tourists. On one of the days, Elizabeth and Felipe head to the secluded beach of the small fishing village of Padang Bai, located on the southwest coast of Bali. "It was a magnificent imitation of paradise," says Gilbert. "Blue water, white sand, shade from the palms." Most likely, the novel referred to Secret Beach—a true gem of the island of Bali. The most convenient way to get to Padang Bai is by taxi.
Directly from Bali, you can embark on a sea journey to the small island of Gili Meno, located near Lombok. Here you will find sugar-like, snow-white beaches, turquoise ocean, and a complete absence of civilization. "The island is perfectly round, intersected by a single road," says Elizabeth. "You can walk around its perimeter in about an hour." The main inhabitants of Gili Meno are fishing families. There are no "industrial" sounds here, only the noise of the ocean, audible everywhere, and the rustle of palm trees. In short, it's the perfect place to escape civilization and lose track of time. "It's the quietest place I've ever been," she concludes.
Arriving in Bali, people seek relaxation from the hustle and bustle of big cities. They hope for harmonizing relationships with their loved ones or are in search of themselves. Some dream of healing, others of realizing their own path and life purpose. Elizabeth came to the island and received the key to her future life. Perhaps you too, upon arriving in Bali, will find everything you never dared to dream of...
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