Blogs from Gianyar , Bali, Indonesia, Asia

Although Bali may well be known to many visitors for its vibrant bar scene (Kuta), its impressive surf destination (Ulawatu), its diving (Ahmed, Tulamben, Nusa Penida), its famous terraced rice paddies (Tegalalang), its majestic volcano (Mount Agung), its volcano trekking (Mount Batur), or its incredible natural beauty everywhere, the essence of Bali, for us, is the spirit of its people - which we believe truly makes it the magical place it is. And there is no day that features this spirit more prevalently than Nyepe Day, the Day of Silence, which marks the beginning of the Bali Hindu New Year following the Balinese lunar (Saka) calendar. It is our understanding that the Balinese prioritize balance in everything, and that it is the responsibility of people to balance the energies of evil spirits, good spirits, and the ... read more

Je suis allé visiter un refuge pour les éléphants à Taro près de Ubud. Ce sont des éléphants qui vivaient dans des conditions difficiles qui ont été amenés au refuge. Ici, ils sont aux petits soins! J'ai aimé les nourrir. On leur donnait des branches de cocotiers et les éléphants ne mangeaient que le frais. Très drôle! Ils faisaient le test du nez avec leur trompe et faisaient leur sélection! Certains étaient assez difficiles! Ils sont très habiles avec leur trompe. Au centre ils ont appris toutes sortes de choses. Jai vu des éléphants peindre, jouer au basket et au soccer! Jai reçu un bec d'éléphant... C'est assez bizarre! C'est surtout impressionnant de les voir de près et de pouvoir en prendre soin. C'est vraiment un bel animal...Et tout ceux que j'ai vu étaient super relax! ... read more

My mother always said to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Our journey to Bali was on a 'Hello Kitty' plane. How much more fun can you possibly have! It was a long flight (15 hours) but we slept through most of it and our awake time was spent catching up on movies. This was Patrick's first culture shock experience; we were now the minority. People spoke in their native language and menus and signs were not in English (thank goodness for pictures!). Since we arrived in the late afternoon, we enjoyed the hotel. The pool was beautiful and the beach was simply spectacular; it was my first time on a black sand beach. The following day we went shopping(!!) and also saw a few sights in between.... read more

Well can't believe we have been here a week already. The time has flown, Simon and Lee went home Thursday night after a short trip for dentist and medical treatments, all went well and we miss them already. Had lots of laughs, wines and Bintangs and some great dinners! We have a new favourite Teatro gastroteque, yum!! Only damper was it rained for two days while they were here but we managed. Had visit to Dokter Gigi (dentist) Friday to fit all crowns as only had temporaries, think they are fantastic, total of $2500 for 6 root canals, crowns, bottom teeth whitening, new mouth guard, pretty damn good if you ask me. If we can't catch friends in Aus we always do in Bali, caught up with old friend Angie and Simon who now live in ... read more