I would not say it is the best book I have ever read. It is just a narrative of a woman's heartaches, choices, travel, and...life. Everyone knows the plot by now. The author (Elizabeth Gilbert) went to Italy to eat and learn the language, she went to India to meditate, and to Bali because of what the old palm reader said.
In her journey, she learned, of course. Everyone who travels would learn something new each time. The Italy part just made me jealous. I really want to be able to tour Europe and to learn their rich culture. I like the India part the most. I like how she described her prayers and her struggles while praying. For most part of her struggles, I think I know how she felt.
I was not impressed with the Bali part. I think Westerners are too easy to impress when it comes to culture. They would believe any made up superstitions you tell them. I've been to the place and I would say that I was really impressed with the art of each house because they are generally Hindus. But their being Hindu doesn't go farther than that. In my conversation with our tour guide before, Nyoman (he eats beef), I get the idea that they are mainly maintaining the Hindu identity for tourism purposes.
Well of course, because I am also Asian and I was able to converse a teensy bit of Bahasa Indonesia, I think he's more honest with me.
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