I am giving a presentation on Bali at the local library in town tomorrow night. I get to show my photos and talk about my experiences there. My friend Tom Witherly who has also been to Bali, sent me some of his photos to "fill in the gaps" of photos that I had not taken (for example, I tend to focus on landscapes whereas he gets these amazing shots of people!).My favourite thing about Bali is the pungent aroma that wafts through the air. It is not overpowering, yet it is always present. It is incense and it is an offering to their gods. Bali is the only Hindi island in Indonesia; the rest are Muslim. It's a little bit of India in the South Pacific. Quite a treat since I love most things Indian. The only thing missing is the delicious Indian food!
.
The photo above is one that Tom took. The woman is weaving offering baskets out of leaves. They will then be filled with fresh flowers, grains of rice, possibly a piece of fruit and the ever present stick of incense. They will be placed outside each shop, on the sidewalk directly in front of the shop door and tourists must pay attention in order to not trample them as they walk by or walk in! These offering baskets are also found inside some shops, restaurants, and hotel lobbies.
If you ever get a chance to visit Bali, I highly recommend it. There are many great travel guides out there to assist your research. I used the Lonely Planet one. There is also a fun read for the plane: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (in case you missed it during its time on the NY Bestseller's List!!!) in which her Love section takes place in Bali.
.
Please promise me you will spend a day (at least!, overnight if possible) in Ubud. This is the island's art centre. Bartering is standard practice and you can pick up some beautiful artwork - paintings and woodcarvings especially. You can also bring a photo of your favourite painting and if you find the right person (and pay the right price), they will paint you an amazing replica of that painting. Art hangs in every cafe and beer is only a buck US - quite worth the meandering.
I hope you get to visit Bali someday!!!
.
.
Posts
