If you're anything like me, you're probably thinking right about now that the world is going totally mad. What a great tragedy that last October the forces of evil and viciousness terrorizing so much of the world should extend their hand and wreak damage on the peaceful people of Bali.

In March of 2001, when the world seemd a much safer and saner place, my companion and I travelled to the "island of the Gods" during the Balinese New Year Festival, Nyepi. I'll be offering up these pictures of that trip over the next several days as balm for the wounded soul, and as a reminder that there remains no better place in the world for a little spiritual R&R than this enchanting island.

If you've seem any of my photography in the past, you'll know that for me it's the people, not the place, and if my photography has any common thread or theme, it's that the emotions and impulses of the heart that define our commonality as human beings, are to be found in every culture of the world.

Please enjoy.