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Leg 17 - Indonesia (Part 3): (September, 2008)
Bali: We arrived in Bali in the middle of September with very low expectations, planning to spend just a few days.
The nightclub bombing of a few years ago is still fresh on the minds of many, and the big-city, night-club scene of the
SE coast just wasn't a draw. Sail Indonesia had chosen an anchorage on the North coast that appeared on the
charts to be fairly exposed, so our plan was to stop in, pay our respects, and move on rather quickly. What we found
in Lovina Beach (and indeed throughout the rest of Bali as well) was a delightful surprise that captivated us for two
weeks, leaving us reluctant to depart. It is difficult to put into words all of the elements that join to make Bali a
uniquely attractive place.
The nightclub bombing of a few years ago is still fresh on the minds of many, and the big-city, night-club scene of the
SE coast just wasn't a draw. Sail Indonesia had chosen an anchorage on the North coast that appeared on the
charts to be fairly exposed, so our plan was to stop in, pay our respects, and move on rather quickly. What we found
in Lovina Beach (and indeed throughout the rest of Bali as well) was a delightful surprise that captivated us for two
weeks, leaving us reluctant to depart. It is difficult to put into words all of the elements that join to make Bali a
uniquely attractive place.
First, roughly 95% of the people are of Balinese Hindu descent and the culture reflects the deep influence of and respect
for God and the family. Almost universally friendly, and with the most beautiful of smiles, the people on the beach, street,
and shops are a delight to spend time with. Yes, they were sometimes aggressive in selling their goods, and yes, bartering
was necessary for even the smallest item, but the experience always seemed to end with a smile.
for God and the family. Almost universally friendly, and with the most beautiful of smiles, the people on the beach, street,
and shops are a delight to spend time with. Yes, they were sometimes aggressive in selling their goods, and yes, bartering
was necessary for even the smallest item, but the experience always seemed to end with a smile.
We had the good fortune and honor to meet Dr. I Gede Budasi, Director of the Sun Lingua College
and a man dedicated to sharing and preserving Balinese culture. Gede not only entertained 25 or
so participants of the Sail Indonesia Rally for a traditionally prepared and served dinner at his
home, but he royally entertained Guy and Annika (our friends from Street Legal) and me when we
spent the night at his home, and another day experiencing unique activities around Bali. Gede is
working with colleagues on establishing a center for cultural exchange with the multiple mission of
sharing the best of Balinese culture with others, and recording and preserving the current and
ancient traditions and beliefs of the indiginous Balinese. He and his family were extremely
generous with us, and I hope one day to return the favor when Gede visits our home in Atlanta.
and a man dedicated to sharing and preserving Balinese culture. Gede not only entertained 25 or
so participants of the Sail Indonesia Rally for a traditionally prepared and served dinner at his
home, but he royally entertained Guy and Annika (our friends from Street Legal) and me when we
spent the night at his home, and another day experiencing unique activities around Bali. Gede is
working with colleagues on establishing a center for cultural exchange with the multiple mission of
sharing the best of Balinese culture with others, and recording and preserving the current and
ancient traditions and beliefs of the indiginous Balinese. He and his family were extremely
generous with us, and I hope one day to return the favor when Gede visits our home in Atlanta.
We frequently traveled my motor bike to other parts of Bali, visiting Hindu and Buddist temples, hot springs, waterfalls,
dance and music competitions, the ubiquitous rice fields, and restaurants galore.
dance and music competitions, the ubiquitous rice fields, and restaurants galore.
Beauty and color and style are respected in Bali, and the greatest attention to detail is shown in all things including
meal presentation, dance costuming, the daily offerings to God.
meal presentation, dance costuming, the daily offerings to God.
Bali is indeed a unique treasure and one of the few places I would be drawn to revisit (there being so many other places
yet to be experienced). There is much to do and see in the country, prices are still reasonable at least by western
standards, and the helpful people are a true delight. As always though, as the sun sets on one adventure, it rises on
another, and we are off to visit the Orangutan reserve in the Kumai river on Borneo. More to follow in the next log.
yet to be experienced). There is much to do and see in the country, prices are still reasonable at least by western
standards, and the helpful people are a true delight. As always though, as the sun sets on one adventure, it rises on
another, and we are off to visit the Orangutan reserve in the Kumai river on Borneo. More to follow in the next log.
| As always, just click on any picture for full size impression - use the "Back" key to return |
Paul & Gede
Music & Dance
at Gede's
at Gede's
Men from the
Village prepare
our feast
Village prepare
our feast
Bartering for a
Sarong
Sarong
Temple at Volcano
Paul tries
ceremonial
Bull Run
ceremonial
Bull Run
Playing the Gamelan
Beautiful Waterfall
Traditional Dance
Buddist
Temple
Temple
Balinese
Temple
Temple
Hot Baths
Gede's Family Temple
where offerings are
made daily
where offerings are
made daily
Gamelan Orchestra
