Bali: Where Jack Nicholson, David Bowie and Sting eat, pray, love

Everyone should experience Bali at least once in their lifetime. Located a smidgen south of the equator, it is considered by many to be the perfect island experience with consistent tropical weather. During these hot summer days, tropical paradise is probably not front of mind, but it is the perfect time to plan your winter escape. Despite the long, long flight, Bali is an easy add-on destination to all Asian and Australian cities. Once you arrive, housing, food, and spa treatments are very affordable. (Well. . . cheap!)

Tourism is Bali's primary industry, especially when the island was featured in the book and movie, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert in 2006.

Who can forget Jack Nicholson carrying around a thermos full of Kopi Luwak, the coveted coffee of Bali in the movie, The Bucket List? Kopi Luwak is the world's most expensive coffee harvested by hand from a process that includes native ferrel cats. Here is the master at work from the movie:

Bucket List Kopi Luwak 1 min YouTube video

Sting heralded praises for Bali in his rendition of Fields of Gold (OK, even if some say it is Barley!) And, of all the places in the world, David Bowie requested Bali as the site for his eternal rest. For many, Bali is heaven on earth.

Beyond the ecological perfection, the majority of the people follow Hinduism which contributes to the appealing spiritual nature of the population. It is understandable that people like chef Heinz Von Holzen, who arrived from Switzerland to head the opening of the Hyatt Nusa Dua several decades ago, never left. Today, he owns the popular Bumbu Bali restaurants, cooking school, and boutique hotel compound in the province's capital city.

It was an honor to participate in his full day Balinese cooking experience. Beginning with a full breakfast spread of local favorites, the day only improved. This was hands-on tropical paradise for cooks of all levels. Classes are offered twice a week, limited to 12 people, and the fee is only $60! You can see for yourself here: Bumbu Bali Cooking Classes

Chef Heinz Class (courtesy CL)

Balinese Chicken with Spice (courtesy CL)

Chef Heinz has written several cookbooks including this one I picked up in 2012. His earlier and later books focused on Balinese cooking and spices, and they can be purchased on Amazon for under $15. If a trip to Bali isn't in your immediate travel plans, you can certainly transport your friends and family via your culinary explorations!



Here is the link to purchase from Amazon Chef Heinz cookbooks to purchase

Chef Heinz one of several cookbooks

When you make it to paradise in person, here are some suggestions.

Rather than rent a car, you can hire local drivers. They know the island well, so it is both transportation and guided tours. Your hotel can suggest one for you. The cost for an entire day is less than $100.

Of course there is the Kopi Luwak! Here is the link to learn more and to arrange a tour of a coffee facility with a sample tasting. It is a MUST DO! This plantation is located in the city of Ubud, where Eat, Pray, Love was filmed: Kopi Luwak Plantation Tour Bali Pulina

The world-famous John Hardy jewelry is also headquartered Ubud. There is a compound that includes workers and their families. You must reserve a visit in advance as the compound is secured. You may be able to join the workers for lunch if you ask ahead of time. Some jewelry is availble for purchase that is only sold here. This is the link to learn more:John Hardy Ubud Bali Eat & Shop

John Hardy Ubud Compound (courtesy CL)

You can't go wrong staying at the luxurious Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua where the G-8 stayed during President O'Bama's administration: Hyatt Nusa Dua This ocean side resort even offers private dining options on the beach at sunset.

Hyatt Nusa Dua (courtesy CL)

If not this winter, summer, or fall,  be sure to save this information for planning the perfect paradise trip to Bali.

Packing a Passport? Head to McDonald's

McDonald's purchased my first passport in 1998, when I traveled to Paris to work with the team supporting the World Cup credential office. France won the Cup and that trip launched my interest in travel, food, and cooking. During the past three decades of meandering around the world, I always stop at a McDonald's to sample unique menu options and to compare the replication of my favorite items. And, you should, too!

Last week, McDonald's introduced a promotion that customers could sample an international menu item. As an added incentive, payment could be made with any single piece of foreign currency. With a hand full of coins, I ordered the chicken sandwich shown below. It was a menu item from Australia, and I paid for it with a 10 cent Canadian coin. This photo nearly looks fake, but I assure you it was taken with my iPhone in my car. Authentic, gorgeous, and delicious.

As you plan your summer travels, consider some of these stops along your international trails.

The closest I have been to Australia was Bali, populated with more Australian tourists than Balinese locals. In Bali, you must order the McDonald's Mango Smoothie. Here is the menu link you will see it listed at the end: Mango Smoothie

If McDonald's plans to introduce International items to the USA, I will petition for adding Himalayan Tea Latte, which is offered hot or cold in Singapore. I have tried with some success to replicate with recipes online after paying $9 for cardamom pods. I am a desperate fan of this tea as seen in this photo topped with a lotus flower swirl. It is amazing and worth the trip as shown in this link and photo below:Himalayan Tea

McDonald's Hong Kong was my technology challenge as it was the first city to offer the now ubiquitous lobby on-screen ordering system. The food was great and the hip urban decor fit this local setting as you can see below.

You have likely seen in the movie Pulp Fiction, the name of the Quarter Pounder with Cheese transfers to something more luxurious in French. My menu choices below from a stop last fall near Nice, included a child's Happy Meal (seniors are the 2nd most frequent purchasers of McD HMs) that came with a tiny ice cream cone and a French story book that became a souvenir for my granddaughters. Their French fries a/k/a Pommes Frites are served with a traditional white mayo-based sauce shown below next to my American traditional ketchup.

Despite the occasional bad press McDonald's garners, the company is iconic in representing the USA around the world. McDonald's Corporation trains more workers than our military, and its introduction of the Ronald McDonald Houses serving families of sick and injured children make it a company we should be proud to call our own when we travel. A visit inside a foreign location will surprise you with some unique menu offerings as well as a familiar taste of home.

Bon Appetit!

Hot Himalayan Tea Latte in Singapore.

One day international menu my choice was this Australia Chicken Sandwich.

Hong Kong ordering kiosk 2016.

Hong Kong hip decor.

France Happy Meal includes tiny ice cream cone.

France Pommes Frites

Pommes-Frites Sauce on right.