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Published: October 13th 2008
Bali is like a completely different country than the rest of Indonesia. It has it's own unique religion which is a mix of mostly Hindu, some animism, a splash of Buddhism, and a dash of black magic. There are temples, statuary and shrines everywhere. Another tourist told us that the Balinese spend 70% of their income on their religion and I believe it.
It's so lovely because every day life revolves around so many beautiful activities. Women are often seen carrying baskets on their heads laden with religious offerings towards temples. People have a few grains of rice on their forehead. At first I thought maybe they fell asleep on their breakfast plate. ;-) Men are often at work twisting strappy palm leaves into streamers of circles and lining the insides of the temples with them. Gamelan bands play music while walking down the street or in the back of trucks heading to a religious ceremony. Right now there is something going on where everyone wears white and headbands. Very interesting to watch.
We spent some time at a few beaches, all very different. It's hotter than Hadies at a couple of them. We spent a week in Ubud
morning sidewalk offerings
Every morning people put out these offerings on the sidewalks. I think they are to keep away demons. They dip plumeria flowers in water and splash it on themselves and the ground. And they also put out little squares of green leaves with rice on it. The birds and the dogs love these. for a week and just love it there. It's cooler than by the ocean though you still get sweaty with just a little exertion. We rented a motor bike for several days and drove around the back roads and visited some outlying temples. It's great fun though Toby has to deal with a few "OMG!"s from me when we get cut off by others and cars look like they are about to hit us head on when passing. They sometimes give you an, "oh sorry about that" honk when the risk is over though. 😊
I can see why people come and never leave here. Especially when the US economy is in such a disaster! It's still not perfect with trash in gullies, mange dogs with no hair and open sores, and the ever consistent hawkers: transport? massage? manicure? Oh, and those occasional pesky bombings. But it is a lovely and unique place.
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Anita Schmidt
non-member comment
Beautiful Bali
I knew you would like Bali. don't you wish you had the coordination and posture of the girls with the loads on their heads? Their neck muscles must be extremely strong. The couryards are intriging. Miss you both, Love Mom