I am in Ubud, Bali, on a mission to cleanse after going through chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer. In order to do a deep cleanse I am fasting, combined with juicing and a mostly raw vegan diet.

The more I looked at pictures of food while fasting, the more I could taste elements of each dish. I tried to replay any taste and texture memories of dishes I’d tried, and made a great effort imagine any dishes I saw online that I hadn’t had yet. I felt myself getting excited by this food porn journey during my fast.

I’ve met a number of interesting people here doing extended stays in Bali. And almost all of them have been healers of some sort. Bali is known as the purification center of the world and it attracts spiritual types, particularly in Ubud. I can make an educated guess that there are perhaps more healers here per square foot than any other place on the planet. And that includes Balinese healers as well as healers from all over the globe.