The Epiphany

by Rachel Bergsma

She envisioned cocktails on the beach. So, how did she find herself living in a traditional village in the mountains of Bali, Indonesia, with a new Dutch husband and a hilarious nagging Balinese mother?

Like many Australians before her, twenty-something Rachel Bergsma went on a holiday to Bali, Indonesia . So why was Rachel not won over by the Island of the Gods, vowing never to return?

When an Epiphany in a Cathedral in Rome, Italy turns her values upside down, she is forced to reflect on who she has become. And when she finds herself back in Bali, 10 years after that initial holiday, with a new husband, a new business and starting a local school, she finds she still has so much more to learn.

In this honest, self-reflective, and romantic story, Rachel shares how she found meaning beyond the trappings of traditional success and through her epiphany, stands as an example of the benefits of taking the time to learn from other cultures.

The Epiphany is book one of the prequels in the Ibu Life is Funnier than Fiction series. If you like to learn about unique cultures and travel experiences, then you'll love Rachel Bergsma’s story of personal growth unfold with every chapter.

The Measurement of Wealth is Rachel’s continuing story, where she discovers her good intentions for helping a poor Balinese village were not necessarily what they needed.

211 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2020

About the author

Rachel Bergsma is the writer of the Facebook blog Ibu Chronicles, a blog about an Australian woman iving in Bali with her Dutch husband and working in a traditional village in North Bali. Now, a published book, The Ibu Chronicles was published as a fundraiser to raise money for the Balinese in the village their business was located in, the profits used to purchase food staples, such as rice, etc.

Her second book The Epiphany is the background story to The Ibu Chronicles and continues with part 2, The Measurement of Wealth.

Rachel (Rach) and her husband, have been living and running a tour and travel business located in a Balinese owned hotel, at Lake Batur, in rural Bali for 12 years. Well, before Rona visited.

Just over twenty years after she vowed never to return to Bali, she now follows the Balinese faith and lives a simple life in Bali, Indonesia, with her husband, her rescue dogs and her extended Balinese family.

Reviews

[Suzy Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author allowed me to share her wonderful journey to a place I hold dear and that she eventually chose to call home. The smells, the scenery, the culture, the spiritual beliefs - all beautifully expressed in this heart warming book. Thoroughly recommended!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I did enjoy the book although at the start I wasn’t sure, but kept reading. It was an interesting take of a story of different cultures trying to live together. Some funny parts especially for people who have traveled to SE Asia.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ebook through the Vorachious readers only website in exchange for a review. Brilliant true story. Now I discover there are 2 more books and a Facebook page. Brilliant

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Epiphany felt like a book about how not to travel- without a plan and with a negative mindset. With an informal writing style- italicized sentences that emphasize what the author finds important, it feels like she is constantly whining about her experiences. It is understandable why her travel friends left her behind, as it would be hard to travel with someone like her if you are looking for adventure. She would be great as a travel partner in a resort, which is not a bad thing, but that is not the kind of traveling she does.

I'm glad she has a happy ending, and she reaches her epiphany in the conclusion. However, it was a slog to get there. I received this book for free, and I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Sheilina · Rating 1 out of 5]

*this book was provided by voracious readers in return for an honest review.

I have to confess I didn't complete reading this book as I found it quite negative, less than humourous and denigrating to all manner of nationalities. The writing style is quite informal and relays anecdotes and thoughts.

I cannot comment in relation to the experiences the author writes of as a European in foreign lands; but know that I've only experienced courtesy and kindness in the various locations.

I simply don't share their perspective/experience of the world.