By now y'all know we are in Bali. Before speaking about Bali though, a few words about this country are in order. Culturally and ethnically, Indonesia has few, if any rivals. There are over 700 official languages spoken, one tenth of all languages in the world. It is predicted that Indonesia will soon become the third most populous country on Earth. It spans two continents. It is made up of 17,000 islands, stretching over a span that is wider than the US. It is the country with the largest Muslim population, yet it has quite a large number of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and Animists. It is a country of rituals. In Java, for example, there were mosques seemingly on every corner, each with blaring loudspeakers that belted out prayers simultaneously so many times daily, we lost count; all this beginning at the unthinkable hour of 4:18 am. We've encountered several Christian communities (Toraja, Flores, Jakarta...); the animists are the large number of people that live in far flung traditional villages, especially in the more eastern islands.
Now in Bali for a day, and we have yet to see a single mosque, and the only women in hijab were at the airport. This island is incredibly Hindu through and through.
At first, we were taken aback by the sheer number of temples everywhere; in all our travels we have never seen anything like it, Of course, we still have not been to India, but I still bet that Bali is unique.
So, there is immense respect for the ancestors. So many homes are like our cottage, meaning that they have numerous, amazingly ornate, mostly stone shrines, dedicated to their predecessors, on the property. They also build for ceremonies, to always be ready for marriages, funerals, holidays, and more. Everyone here creates and deposits offerings, and burn the most aromatic incense. You see, mostly women, weaving palm and banana leaves to present their gift of flowers, food, to the ancestor. It's a Wow thing, heartwarming and respectful.
So, we showed you a short video of our place. Here are a few more pictures.
We were able to rent a car. Our cottage is about one and half hour from the airport, in the town of Ubud. This island is so touristy, unlike the other places we've visited. First, there are many expats, from several nations; remote work is great, isn't it? But tourists are as much part of the scene as are the locals. It's awesome how they just blend in without stepping on each other's toes, each going about their business.
Enjoyed a nice dinner while the sky was falling
Unlike the other places we visited, here practically everyone speaks English, which has become the universal language, as it spoken by Anglophones and, as a second language by most others. Even here though, it is remarkable how very few Americans we meet. Most tourists or expats are from Australia and European nations.
Lovely terraced rice fields are plenty and gorgeous
Today we drove north to a lovely spot overlooking Lake Batur, a volcanic crater lake inside of the caldera of an active volcano, Mount Batur. The weather cooperated, but we got there at high noon, and the backgrounds are all washed out. It was lovely, and the way there was simply beautiful.
The sarong is mandatory for visiting Balinese temples
Bali is etched into the brick. We are by the word Caldera.
Love these Balinese giants. The dark streak behind is lava flow
Unexpectedly though, the next place we visited was even more incredible. Tirta Temple is a Balinese Hindu Water Temple, constructed in 962 A.D. It's famous for its holy spring water, where local Hindus go for a Ritual Purification, called Melukat.
There were several rituals going on there. People purifying themselves in the holy water, melodious, entrancing singing, incense burning...
Sprayers of Holy Water
Bali's vibe is so different. It's the best example of East meets West. It's Indonesia's Maui, except here the natives are many, and adhere to their traditions.
It's time for bed. Buona Notte.
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