Sandrine Soimaud was born and grew up in Paris. When she was young, her family spent their holidays in the Alps in the winter and in the south of France in the summer, but the monotony of always visiting the same places made her want to escape her native country as soon she became an adult. Sandrine studied law at Paris II University and practiced criminal law until the birth of her first daughter, Zisla. In 1993 Sandrine published My Life in Bali, a guidebook to Balinese culture for parents and children alike that has since earned her much praise. Her hobbies are reading, going to the cinema and practicing yoga.
Have you traveled to many interesting places around the world?
After graduating in 1987 from law school, a girlfriend and I bought a round–the–world plane ticket. Our first stop was Delhi. This was a huge shock because the only place I had ever visited outside of France before this was New York!
When was your first trip to Indonesia?
During that trip around the world, we stopped in Jakarta right after Bangkok. I had no idea what the country had to offer, but I remember being really impressed by its diversity during a long ferry trip we took from Surabaya to Kalimantan.
What’s the most exotic destination you’ve visited in the country?
The most exciting was Banjarmasin and visiting a Dayak longhouse 20 years ago on our first visit to Indonesia. I was also quite impressed by the different colored lakes of the Kelimutu volcano in Flores.
Why did you decide to write a book about Bali?
I decided to write My Life in Bali more than 8 years ago. A strong motivation was to achieve a deeper understanding of the culture of the island and to be able to feel closer to the Balinese people.
Did you research first-hand or did you use second-hand sources?
I tried to research first hand but very often I had to search in books for the answers. Most of the Balinese were surprised at my questions. I then met Made Suradiya. The connection between us was great from the start. He loved the idea and was really enthusiastic. Whenever he did not know the answer to a specific question, he’d ask his friends, relatives, religious specialists or university teachers. Sadly, soon after we met Made became sick and died before the book was finished. At least I had a chance to show him the first 35 or so drawings. Two excellent books which helped me in my research I can recommend to anyone who desires a deeper understanding of Balinese culture: the two volume set Bali: Sekala and Niskala by Fred B. Eiseman and The Art and Culture of Bali Urs Ramseyer.
How does My Life in Bali stand out from all the other personal accounts of foreigners living in Bali over the years?
I would say that the purpose of the book is different as the text does not relate to any personal experiences. The book’s main purpose was to create a bridge between the occidental and Balinese cultures so that visitors would appreciate and hopefully share the respect that this extraordinary culture has inspired in me.
Has your life been changed in any way since the publication of the book?
We wanted to experience Europe again, so I moved to Belgium with my family right after My Life in Bali was published. The book was a way to say goodbye to Bali.
What do you think are the most serious issues facing the Balinese today?
In my opinion, the most serious issue facing Bali is pollution. The rivers are in such a terrible state. Something must really be done about this state of affairs not only because it is a necessity for the island’s eco-system but also because all the environmental degradation is causing an emergency. When I walk along the beach during the rainy season, I feel so ashamed. When visitors arrive from the other side of the world, after such an exhausting flight, they find themselves swimming in filthy water with plastic bottles and garbage. Even the warm and wonderful hospitality of the Balinese cannot really help if the situation is as dire as this. After the Bali bomb, we all know only too well how much the Balinese economy and people are dependent upon tourism. We also must protect the scenery. Visitors come to Bali because Bali is not Hawaii, so when I hear of the proposal to build a long highway following the whole southern coast I am really filled with dread.
Has the island changed much since you lived here 12 years ago?
Yes, of course. In some ways, such as better hospitals, roads, and telecommunications, you could say that Bali has changed for the better. But in other aspects, such as the creeping urbanism, the burgeoning housing estates, the new sunset road, the island has changed for the worse. A lot of the new construction is not in harmony with the environment and this is damaging to Bali’s image. On the other hand, I don’t think the Balinese have changed so deeply. Although they bring their hand phones to the temple and ceremonies and have integrated and adapted to the modern world, tradition is still very crucial in Balinese life, serving as the foundation of their society and value system.
Do you have any future plans?
None beyond first giving birth to my fourth daughter within a few weeks!
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