Around the World in 112 Days!: BALI, INDONESIA

As previously noted, this was an “add-on” port, and an interesting one at that. Today, we toured the East side of the island with “Oka”. We left the hotel at app. 9 a.m. and returned about 10 hours later, at 7 p.m.

The day began and ended with rain, but offered a sunny middle. It wasn’t too hot or humid – overall, it was a very pleasant day.

We drove, and drove, through the crowded streets of Bali – and a traffic “situation” that could only be described as chaotic. The narrow streets are lined with motorcycles (often with small children on them), cars, trucks, pedestrians, dogs, cows and an occasional bus – all vying for position. Two lanes routinely become three or even four as vehicles squirm around each other at a brisk speed. Wow. I’m so glad I didn’t rent a care here, of all places!

The drive offered some really interesting and unique scenery (see photos below)! The towns seem to be “theme” oriented. For instance, we passed through a pottery village, a fruit village, a silver and gold area, a wood section, and a section for young cows. If you need “a little of everything”, you’ll have to cross the entire island!

We left Legian and headed North back through Despasar to Batubulan, where we stopped to shop for sarongs, paintings and other items.

Then, we continued North to a shop full of items made of sterling silver and gold. (Sally wanted to go here.)

Then, went on North to a village, where we found some incredible wood carvings. (This one was Mel’s choice.)

From there, we found Batoan, our first Hindu temple. The guys, Sam, Mel and Bill, even played along by donning the required sarongs (everyone has to wear one to enter the temples here)! Way to go, guys! Oddly, they tell women they aren’t to enter if they have their period. What, are there Kamodo dragons here, too? I’m told they believe women are at the “height of our power” during our periods! No, I didn’t make that up . . .

We continued North a long ways until we reached Penelokan, or Karangasem, where we found a large volcano, and an Indonesian lunch buffet at the Grand Puncak Restaurant, overlooking the volcano and valley below.

We continued on to Pura Besakih, where we found the “Mother Temple” (Bali’s largest). I decided, since I had to wear a sarong, I should look cute in it, so I bought one to match my pink top! We trekked a long distance up many stairs to reach the peak! Two in our group wimped out, but the rest of us made it all the way to the top – and what a great view!

Here in Bali, Hindu is the primary religion. In fact, their entire society and way of life is built around their religion. In the US, one’s religion is typically something one does for one hour one day a week (sometimes a little more than that). Here, there are “offerings” (little flower arrangements) placed everywhere you look; there are street processions of people and dragons, headed to religious ceremonies; and the temples are full of people, praying and attending services. Social custom is largely based on their religious views.

After visiting the Mother Temple, we returned back to our resort at Legian, where our group hung out and had drinks for several hours (spirits of another kind) – lots of fun!