Thursday: Living like a queen in paradise

There is no way I am awake and not dreaming today. I have found paradise in Amed, Bali.

A few last shots at Gurung Merta Bungalows

The rain was coming down all morning, stopping just as I arrived at the coast!

Yesterday was a day of big time offerings, I'm assuming for the "dark moon". All homes and businesses had large piles of wet remnants out front. 

The day my started uber early so I could be ready for my 7:15 van pick up. Myself and five others shared the 4 hour ride (an hour was spent picking up and waiting on others) through the jungles of Bali. 
 

Highlight of the ride: seeing monkeys just outside of the Monkey Forest in Ubud. It is a natural park within the city area that is inhabited with the cutest lil grey monkeys. I never went as I don't support such animal cruelty. Again, like the koi fish, these monkeys are fed too much people food which does them no good. So cute to see them on the rooftop (babies too!) and scurrying up sign posts. About 3 hours into the ride I spotted some near the road, closer to the coast. Hope to see them when I'm not in the car and freely roaming of course!

My driver was nice enough to take me directly to my hotel where I immediately was taken to my room. Such a relief I didn't have to wait until a 2pm check in time. I have a darling little bungalow with this view...

And I thought the last balcony was awesome?! Psh! 

I quickly changed and headed to walk the area to scope it out. 

I did and it led me to Amed! Feeling so blessed today. 

I found myself walking down the beach. The sand is so soft, it's like walking in marshmallows. 

Oh the colors abound!

I can't help sing a Franti song here..."one love, one blood, one heart, one soul, one drum and only one rhythm, one tribe and all of us singin'!"

Amed is spread out over about 5k, made up of different villages. It is so peaceful and quaint. Best part is no one trying to sell you something! 

I returned from my walk for a swim as the heat really warmed up after the rain.

I worked up quite the appetite walking these hills. This was one of the best meals I have had, fish satay and sautéed veggies. Accompanied by an arak (super strong local liquor made from palm), honey and lemon. This is heaven.

Poolside friend

My balcony over the Amed sea

Went for another walk in the other direction, more into town center.

Another volcano, Mt Agung.

 

This pup was so stinkin cute! Unfortunately he was very cautious and I wasn't allowed near him. 

Beebee goats!! Goodness I'm a sucker for the animals!

My inner Buddha is smiling here in Amed!

This evening I walked down to the restaurant here at the hotel to ask about snorkeling and ended up sitting and chatting with the workers for over an hour. Myself and one other guest are the only people staying at Acrya, so it makes it incredibly personable. They were so sweet and had so many questions, as did this 5 year old. It was so fun to just enjoy there company and laugh together. They make 600,000 rupiah a month which is about $50 US dollars. This dumbfounds me! This is another big reason of why the families live together. They could not understand why I no longer lived with my mom. It is so difficult to explain our culture of excess stuff and lack of close relationships to someone that is rooted in simplicity and strong family support systems.

I enjoyed a cup of "spicy soup" which was a chili pepper, garlic, onion, little oil and coconut milk with white fish. It was delicious! These sweet souls are making me love Amed even more! I will be staying an extra night just to soak it all in. 

Wednesday: New Year's Day

You'd think I partied like a rockstar last night and not like I was at the retirement home.

This chickadee was tired! Maybe jetlag is catching up with me? Or perhaps the first night I used ear plugs and slept solid. Enough about me being tired, I'm in Bali. 

I had my breaky early then climbed back in bed to read while the rain poured down and consequently fell back asleep. Darn! I awoke with a start when the young boy who cleans the rooms knocked. Using that adrenaline I hurried to get ready to go out and about. Today held no agenda which was fabulous. My last trip I tried to squeeze so much in and I consciously chose to not do that this time. 

It was raining, but today was my last day with my beloved scooter in Ubud so I carefully cruised town a bit. I ended up at the grocery store and perused the aisles. One of my favorite things to do is visit local grocers and see the different items for sale. And buy snacks. There is always room for snacks. 

After years of working in and smelling like coffee I have no idea why any one in their right mind would want to smell of it?! (this is body wash)

I finally ended up at Bali Buda for lunch. (Restaurant connected to the market). It was amazing! Debated adding another day in Ubud just to come back and eat here. (Not kidding) Had the gluten free caprese sandwhich and a chilled chai smoothie. All products are local and organic. Happy dance. 

Little banana leaf boat of oil & balsamic.

I picked up a bottle of locally made strawberry kambucha across the street at another little spot and headed back. Riding a scooter in the rain ain't so fun. 

I read some more and lazed on the balcony when the main guy in charge (who has been so overwhelmingly helpful and kind) came around the corner asking if I would like to join them for dinner as it was a special night. They had had a ceremony celebrating his daughter's 2nd birth "day", not date. Grandpa came around while we ate and explained that she was born on a Wednesday 205 days ago, making her two according to the Balinese calendar. She had a celebration at 105 days also, but will not have another until 630 days. Grandpa then informed me he is 100 years old according to the Balinese calendar, which is 70 American/western years.

 

The priest had come and they held the ceremony in the traditional ceremony building in the middle of the compound. (I didn't see this). Afterwards they shared a special meal which they then shared with the guests. There were two men from Austrailia and five Japanese people who invited me to sit with them. It was nice to exchange a bit, but I missed much of the conversation as they were speaking a lot of Japanese. Yoshi, the oldest of them is an ear, nose and throat doctor visiting with his wife. They have been coming here for 20+years and have become like family with the Balinese family where we are staying. It's fun to watch their interactions. Yoshi shared with me that the second youngest son of the family recently died in a traffic accident on his scooter. He was only 15. And thankfully I had just turned mine in when he said this!

Dinner clockwise from top: some kind of bean/nut with what I was told tempeh and shredded coconut, deep fried spinach, onion relish (that I don't eat), "special green leaves", smoked chicken, tofu and if course rice.

After dinner they brought around cupcakes.

Then fruit! Bananas (I was informed this variety is chewy, which doesn't appeal to me), oranges and "snakeskin" fruit. 

I headed to my room to do some writing when the main guy knocked on my door. He had been helping me to find transportation to Amed, an eastern coastal town earlier in the day. He had news that he found a great deal, but they pick me up at 7am. I agreed to this crazy time and ran out to get some moola. Apparently there are no ATMs in Amed so I must go prepared. 

As I was walking back from getting a few things and my money, I was stopped dead in my tracks by a streetwide procession. 

There had to be well over 2,000 people casually walking together through the street in traditional garments and some with elaborate costumes. 

A few wore giant masks that covered half their bodies. I saw an older man lighting a cigarette as he walked. This was so casual as if they were just walking down the street.

In the middle were a group of boys and men playing instruments (cymbals, singing bowls, giant gong-in the left of the above) and some were singing. 

Nearing the end. 

There were a few straglers and some who followed behind on motor bikes.

When I arrived back at my hotel I asked what this was and the main guy (I really need to learn his name already) informed me that it is a Hindu celebration of the "dark moon" at one of the main temples in Ubud. 

I was I awe of this random happening and so thankful for the events that led me into town when I had zero intentions of going out. 

The front/side of the intersection statue one last time.

Tomorrow I will head to Amed for 2-3 nights before most likely heading to Nusa Lebongan, an island just south of Bali (but still considered Bali). It is rumored the Internet is spotty, so I shall do my best! I am giddy with excitement for my next adventure! 

Tuesday: New Year's Eve

Scooter day! So excited to hop back on one of these South East Asian getaway mobiles! The thought that I'd get to ride through Bali a bit today on my own scooter had me up and at em bright and early. Not to mention I told the guy deliver it at 8am. What was I thinking?! Not even the rental guy was up that early-he didn't bring it til about 9:30. So I slowly enjoyed breaky followed by coffee on my balcony.

It was much prettier before I stole the eggs off the toast, attempting to not contaminate myself with gluten. Complete with tea and green juice! The young boy who lives and works here was so cute and meticulous when delivering and arranging this in front of me. 

Breaky view

I hopped on my scooter and headed out for some temples. First stop was Goa Gajah, or Elephant Temple. The name is meaningless and there is nothing to do with elephants here. 

With the exception of this statue at the entrance. 

Walking in-elephant cave to the left and the purifying fountains are behind the tree on the right.

The grounds are huge and lush, meandering through the hillside.

Purification fountain-you can wash your face with the water that comes directly from the earth. 

So I did! Sleepy, puffy eyes and all.

This was the most "spiritual" I felt  at either temple today. It was short lived. 

Elephant cave. 

Inside the cave were 3 small alters.

As I was slowly and peacefully meandering through the grounds an old Balinese man came and directed me to follow him. He started telling me about the temple in the few broken English sentences he knew. The are lots of bamboo trees here! (Was pointed to every bamboo grove there was.)

This man was sprinkling rice around. No idea why as the man guiding me didn't understand when I asked.

Kitchen for temple ceremonies. 

Rice paddies within the temple. Wooden carvings for sale across the way. We ended up walking that little paved path...

Or should I say running? He had me walking so fast as he rushed me through.

At one point this was some sort of large carving until it fell apart. "Broke. Fall down." as I was informed.

Seriously? Am I really here?! Wait, I am. Run on...

I'm going as fast as I can!

And this is the temple, called "elephant temple". No idea why! And yes, those are cigarettes on that little statue. So perplexing! 

Just a bit of the pathway 

Down the hill, where the carving "fall down".

More "fall down"

Those roots! I'm in love.

I didn't get to go see this as the little man was rushing me along. He turned to go up the steps and signed for me to pay him. Oh, I got scammed! So I gave him a couple thousand rupiah...and he was mad that was all. Lesson learned.

This made me giggle and fondly remember my week at Elephant Nature Park. This is said a ton in Thailand.

Next was the Holy Spring temple or Water Temple. I had no idea where I was going outside of some vague verbal directions and a hand scribbled map from the man at my hotel. I rode for about 25 more minutes from Goa Gajah and apparently passed the temple. A large man on a scooter came up beside me while driving and asked where I was going. Guessing not many Westerners drive past the temple. I was grateful, yet not about to get taken on another unwarranted tour! He drove ahead of me and showed me the way with a tiny Balinese woman riding side saddle on the back of his scooter into the temple grounds. I thanked him and hurried in, not about to go through that again!

The water here also comes from the earth. You can opt to swim and purify yourself here also, but I wasn't a fan of entering this water with who knows what in it! 

All must wear a sarong within the temple grounds, even into the water.

My love of masonry and stacked things was overjoyed at this wall.

Side area of the fountain not used. There are koi fish in the fountains, even where people "swim" as they say.

Confession: I'm not excited about Bali's temples. They do nothing for me unlike the Buddhist temples in Thailand. They're gorgeous in their own way, but emotionally I feel null here. Maybe my inner Buddha is fighting anything Hindu.

Offerings being laid out while prayers being said. They sell empty jugs for water to be taken from the temple, which they then bring into the prayer area where I'm assuming it gets blessed.

I turned from taking this photo and was approached by a teenage boy of Asian decent (no idea where he was from) and asked if he could take a picture with me. He was part of a large group of teenagers who all looked on and giggled. I asked "why?" after being scammed at the last temple and he said "because you're cute and I want photo with you." Apparently my whiteness is something to be seen. His little female friend then had her picture with me also. 

I was asked again later at lunch for another photo. Maybe I need to look in the mirror?! Is there something on my face?

Jackfruit complete with gecko (top left)

My heart goes pitter patter at the wall, then stops when I see the gargantuan spider above. 

My heart aches for these obese koi. Tourists are constantly feeding them processed junk food of chips and crackers.

Beautiful Banyan tree on my way out. Not to be rude, but I'm over Bali temples. I need food and sleep.

My nap view, the ceiling to my room. It started pouring the minute I stepped inside. So thankful as I didn't want to be driving in it! 

I walked into town tonight, feeling the need for some exercise after scooting through the hills today. Had a stir fried rice noodle, shrimp and veggie dish. The food is very simple here and lacking flavor. I have been having a hard time finding healthy snack options also. In Thailand I had no problem finding dried or fresh fruits, but here it is often processed items like chips. And everything seems to contain nuts as that is a main crop for the island, too bad I have such a problematic stomach! 

Just before dinner the rain started again along with fireworks throughout the city. Mind you it was only about 6pm at the time. 

I headed back to my room to celebrate New Year's right where I wanted to be-safe and quiet! 

My night of reading, "sparkling wine", passion fruit tart from Bali Buda and reflection...

I stumbled upon a challenge to reflect on the past year. Although I already did so in a post, this had some deeper questions that challenged me to think and walk down memory lane.

What did this year mean for you? Your goal?
Favorite exact moment?
How were you a better friend?
When did you feel physically strongest?
Best meal?
People who influenced me the most?
Where were you last New Year's?
How I spent my time this last year?
What was your biggest accomplishment?
Favorite song?
Favorite lyric?
People who knew me and loved me best
Most emotionally and mentally strong
Got over my fear of...
Favorite memory
Favorite place
How did you take a chance?
I became more...

All night I have been hearing fireworks and have had an incredible show a few times off the balcony, over the jungle. They seem to be growing closer and closer, more and more frequent. Each causes my heart to jump despite this happening for 6 hours straight now.

I intended to stay out here until the stroke of midnight, but someone was creeping on my space...

Those are standard sized bricks. He had a friend who scurried across the floor just before I snapped this. Time to run inside and slam the window shut! I will enjoy 2014's arrival from my bed, if I can stay awake!

...and I made it! Happy New Year, loves! Thankful for each and every one of you. For the love we share, the memories made and those that have yet to come. Cheers to 2014! My goal: to slow down and enjoy life in the moment a bit more.