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Published: January 2nd 2011
Bali1
A woman carrying an offering to a celebration, there were about three others right behind her.Hello all and happy new year! Seems strange to think it's 2011, time flies. And speaking of time flying, I leave Bali tomorrow morning for my last stop, the Philipines. I will try and cram in as much as I can for the nine days I'm there but I am thinking I will have to come back to do it right. But I'm getting ahead of myself, I should fill you in on Bali.
What a beautiful island, green and lush beyond imagination. I didn't get around to doing a whole lot, I thought I was due for a break from seeing everything. I spent five days in Ubud and what an interesting piece of paradise. If you can have patience for the taxi drivers desperate for a fare ('taxi, where you go, taxi'), they're just trying to earn a living, there is such beauty there. I find I didn't take a whole lot of pictures, just soaked it all in. I did make a trip to see Ketut Liyar, you're wondering 'who the heck is Ketut Liyer?' Any of you who have read or seen the movie, "Eat Pray Love" know that the woman who wrote the book went
Bali2
I'd just missed a Hindu festival called Galung where these bamboo decorations are put up and stay up for a month. to spend time with this medicine man. After a few attempts to find out where he is, or even who he is, I managed to find someone who could help me. Ketut is just a tiny whip of a man but sharp, you can tell, nothing gets by him. The cost was kind of crazy, I'm sure it's gone up since the movie was released but I was told some wise words by a wise person 'treat yourself' so I did. I wasn't told the mysteries of the universe, in fact, I only sat with him for about 13 minutes but those few minutes were peaceful and fun. He told me that when I get married, I must write him a letter, that cracked me up!
I have ventured out to see a few temples (can't ONLY relax for 11 days!). I also went to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, what a funny place that is. Inside this sanctuary are three temples but most go to see the hundreds of macaque monkeys. Naturally, I found the temples (of course) but also spent hours watching the monkeys and realizing just how stupid some people are. Even though the monkeys roam freely
Bali3
How can you not love that sky at sunset? in amongst people, they are still wild animals and there were a few dummies who failed to realize that. What I'd like to see is where the monkeys take all the stuff they steal, sunglasses, kids toys, small bags; I think they have a small shop where the stuff is sold! But mostly in Bali, I spent most of my time just people watching, hanging out on the beach in between the rain (yes, don't envy me too much, it's rained much of the time). But it's just what I needed before I cram in nine Philipine days. I hope you all had a great and safe holiday season and will be in touch for a brief update on my last country before I fly home. Take care! Cheryl
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Robin
non-member comment
Ketut hey?
I'm glad you have had a brush with fame in Bali. He didn't say much to Julia but it all came true so I am assuming you are getting married now...Bali is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world so I am glad you stopped over there and are soaking up its natural beauty. What a great trip you are having! Can't wait to hear some stories upon your return...Miss you, Robs