It’s 16th century Indonesia, and while Renaissance culture is spreading throughout Europe, the age of exploration brings many to the Spice Islands. Known by this name for the exclusive spices, only they produced. At the time, Nutmeg, Mace & Clove could be found nowhere else in the world. Those islands are known today as the Moluccas, located in the north east of Indonesia. Since then, I’m sure it comes as no surprise to learn, this diverse archipelago, Indonesia, boasting over 17,000 islands, is home to several famous ones.

The Spice Islands are just the first of three areas in this epic paradise that come to mind immediately. Another star adrift in the grouping is the island that gave coffee its name. Indonesians drink and produce a substantial amount of tea, however, they are famous for the new name given to coffee, Java. Coffee lovers worldwide adopted this name when the exported beans arriving in Europe were placed in bags labeled ‘Java’. That name was placed on each bag to identify the coffee beans place of origin, the island known as Java.

Lastly, the most famous island runs 100 miles long and 50 miles wide, it needs no introduction but is lovingly referred to as The Island of Gods, Bali. As the story goes, written in the Purana Sada Temple of Kapal, God called a meeting summoning all the Gods to the top of Mount Mahameru. The meeting was called when all the various continents and islands had been created. God explained to the other Gods this island would be created as a shrine for all Gods. In this island, all Gods would be worshiped and honored , being awarded gifts from the people inhabiting the land. To this day, it is the most visited island, by tourists worldwide.

Indonesians favor inclusiveness & friendliness above all else. Kindness to the less fortunate is a way of life & communities help one another so no one is left out. All religions are respected in this island nation. You will find the entire country celebrating and participating in each others religious events and festivals. The spiritually enlightened people occupying this ethereal paradise host 6 main religions (Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism & Confucianism). Bali residents mainly practice Hinduism. However, this is the only province in the Republic of Indonesia that has a majority of its worshipers practicing Hinduism. As a people, day to day, it’s not uncommon to witness the Balinese presenting their offerings first thing in the morning & employees dropping everything at prayer time throughout the day. In its entirety, Indonesia is home to the worlds largest Muslim population. Even though any religion is honored, you will find, on every Indonesians ID’s, what religion they practice. They have to choose one of the 6 main ones on their ID & when they marry they have to marry within their chosen religion or convert.

In the diverse culture that spans the islands you’ll also find 300 ethnic groups and 700 indigenous languages spoken. It is the world’s largest island country. Throughout the lands you’ll learn of legends attributed to nature, houses of worship and other cultural landmarks. Legends run rich with stories of gods and spirits, royalty and the down trodden. Whatever the story, drifting along, on the tropical breeze, lies a history and a people rich in spiritual awareness, peace & tranquility. Taste the authentic foods, celebrate their rituals and experience what so many have sought……. their most epic and true nirvana.

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