There is already so much to love about Bali. I have been here only two days and am already captivated, enjoying just taking in the sights and sounds around me. It seems so many come in search of an ‘authentic Bali’: As we arrived at the airport travellers surrounded us from all over the planet clutching their Lonely Planet guide books and wearing hippy pants with the crotch barely above the knee. Perhaps I am the same as many of these individuals. Perhaps we all are. Of course on a nine-day trip, the length of time my husband and I are here, we are never going to achieve much more than a brief glance at authenticity. In a society so used to tourists there will always be a performance, a smoke-screen, that covers authenticity. We have chosen to stay at The Floating Leaf Eco-Retreat*, a resort that intends to offer its guests an experience and environment rooted in a deep commitment to Bali’s environment and its people. Unusually for me (I tend to book all my own excursions and do my own thing) I have booked the majority of our cultural and photographic excursions through the resort as I appreciate the owner’s approach to interacting with, and offering an experience of, their local community. Over the coming weeks I will post some photo stories from Bali, but for now have some postcards from today on my search for the authentic with Floating Leaf.

*I am not working for or under any obligation to promote Floating Leaf Eco-Retreat. I am just doing so as my husband and I appreciate the ethos of the resort and have chosen to stay there for that reason. So far we love it!

Ulun Danu Temple (also known as the Lake Temple) is one of the most photographed sites in Bali. We arrived just ahead of the crowds and without the selfie-snapping masses there was a very peaceful feel to the temple grounds.

I am a big fan of markets for photography. They tend to have lovely light, interesting characters and lots of colour. The Candkuning Market in Bedugal is a traditional market that has now also become a tourist draw. I loved the fruit and vegetable stalls.

If I tried to pile potatoes so artistically it would not end well! Also taken in Bedugal.

Today I was able to attend the preparations for a ceremony at the local Air Jeruk Temple in Sukawati. I will be posting a lot more about this in the future but the real joy was in seeing the energy and dedication of the people preparing for their ceremony. Beautiful.

Young women weave decorations to form part of the exquisite offerings for the upcoming Air Jeruk Temple ceremony.

Women create the hundreds of offerings prepared ahead of the Air Jeruk Temple ceremony.