Bali: Reflections & Conclusions

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Our stay in Bali was short but sweet. Sitting on the plane, both me and my travelling companion were sad to leave — not because we were returning to the stresses of our everyday lives, but because we felt we had really connected with the people, the culture, and the place in our brief visit. Initially, even though we had only 10 days, we had planned to visit Ubud, often described as the “other” Bali, an artistic and cultural centre, surrounded by lush green rice paddies with nary a beach or a surfboard in sight. However, sitting on the tarmac waiting for the plane to taxi out, reflecting on our sojourn, we reasoned that was reason enough for a return visit.

To close this chapter of my travels, here are a series of random images that resonated with me, in no particular order.

Enjoy!

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Photos

Mar21-12
Fishing boat in
Tanjung Benoa

Mar21-13
One of my favourite shots.
Captured along the beach in Tanjung Benoa.

Mar21-01
Recycling was big in Bali

Mar21-02
Interesting Balinese garbage can (first of three) in Nusa Dua

Mar21-03
Balinese garbage cans (second of three). Note the distinction between organic and non-organic (or "organik" and "non-organik").

Mar21-04
Balinese garbage cans (third of three).

Mar21-09
Recycling was big everywhere we went in Bali, even in Kuta (home to all those visting surfers in seach of the perfect wave)

Mar21-05
A small outdoor temple within the gated community of Nusa Dua

Mar21-07
A Balinese offering

Mar21-06
Interesting Balinese signage

Mar21-08
A Balinese mailbox

Mar21-10
One (of several) colourful Balinese flowers that caught my eye

Mar21-16
Same flower (close-up shot)

Mar21-11
Another colourful Balinese flower

Mar21-15
This flower was everywhere in Bali,
though I never learned what kind it is

Mar21-14
Holding court on the beach in Tanjung Benoa

Mar21-17
Busy street in Tanjung Benoa. The sign references two upcoming Balinese holidays, Galungan (mentioned earlier) and Nyepi (no pollution day). For the Balinese, on this day (March 26th), Bali is supposed to be free of both environmental pollution and noise pollution. It is largely a day for quiet self-reflection, and everyone (visitors to Bali included) is supposed to remain indoors for the day.

Mar21-18
A castoff pair of colourful flip-flops,
along the roadside in Tanjung Benoa

Mar21-19
Fishing boats anchored at the end of another day, in Tanjung Benoa

Mar21-21
Beautiful Balinese sunrise