Bali

We took a long tour, about seven hours, with a lot of time on the bus.  But we did get away from the "city" and into the countryside.  It is difficult to see the city when you're there, because Bali has a rule that no building can be higher than the palm trees.  The countryside is beautiful, tropical, with rice paddies and palm trees.  Along the way, our tour guide gave a lot of good information about Bali:  parents and teachers are very serious about education and preparation for a job.  Respect for parents, especially mother, is paramount.  We could use a little of that action at home!

Here's our guide at Tenganan Village, an ancient artisan village:

The artisan's wares for sale:

And they like to really doll up their roosters!  Notice the pink one is the cage?

Balinesians are descendants of a prehistoric race.  The first inflow of changes were due to Indian traders and travelers who brought with them the Hindu learning and religion.  The most persuasive influence of Hinduism came from the nearby island of Java.  With the fall of Java to Islamic influences, Hindu priests, nobles, soldiers, and artists fled from Java to Bali to escape the Muslim conquerors.  The Hindu culture still flourishes on Bali.  Today, Bali's history is still evident; for example, Nyepi (silent) Day is celebrated during March or April each year.  On this day, Balinese do not work, light fire, use electricity, go outside, or fulfill personal desires.  It's a day of cleansing...the island is silent, and after sunset, dark.  The airport's closed.

Another example of ancient Bali tradition is the naming process of children.  We kept meeting crew members from Bali named "I Made" (pronounced ee-mod-ay).  Now we know why:  there are only four names in Bali and they correspond with the child's birth order.  First born is named Wayan, second is Made, third is Ketut and fourth is Nyoman.  If there are more than five children, the cycle repeats.  So if a guy's named Wayan, you may say "oh, you're the first".  He may respond, "no, I'm the fifth".  The prefix "I" is given for males and "Ni" for females.  So, we have met a lot of second-born males (of maybe they're the sixth).

On the tour, we stopped at Karangasem Palace, where the last royalty of Bali lived.  The royal's descendants still live on the property.

Always Hindu influence, statuary saluting Hindu gods.  Every home, village, and suburb has a temple.

The day finished up with lunch at Rama Candidasa Resort.  Of course, the resort has a temple, too!  Here's a couple of photos from the resort, but you can check it out for yourself at www.ramacandidasahotel.com.  Take a look at the prices!