Day 15: This is Bali

Another week's gone by here in Bali and there are a few tidbits to share. On Monday, we had a going-away party - another one - for Joerg, our master bamboo architect. He's leaving for two months. At the party, a bunch of us tried the zipline that goes over the river and back. Fun times! The night was also filled with bottles of Bintang, music blaring from Aldo's ipod, and a bit of salsa dancing. Wow, Joerg can really move those hips!

On Wednesday (Jan 23) it was Galungan, a Balinese celebration that marks the beginning of a Hindu story about a battle between Shiva (or is it Vishnu?) the Destroyer, and evil forces. I think. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways, because it was a holiday, there where many celebrations at temples and in villages so Ben, Kristen, and myself rode our scooters to Kintamani to a large temple there. (The name of the temple I have temporarily forgotton but will fill it in when I find out.) It was a great long ride, starting with a stop in Ubud where I burned my leg on Ben's exhaust. This kind of injury (usually on the inside of one's leg on one's own motorcycle) is called the "Bali Kiss". The temple was a unique experience, with pools of fountains where you dip your head under to purify your thoughts. It was quite busy and at intervals, a parade of women balancing huge baskets of fruit offerings on their heads would walk through, accompanied by men playing beautiful and intricate purcussive music.

On the way back, we were met several times by groups of Balinese parading a Barong character (similar to a Chinese Dragon at New Year's) along the street. At one point, we rode by a huge mass of men sitting in their white shirts and sarungs during a ceremony. There were so many of them, they had spread out onto the road and motorists were directed as one-way traffic. Such a slice of the spirituality that distinguishes Bali from the other islands. In the dimness of dusk, it was beautifully eerie and haunting, and holy.

Another flavour of Bali of course is the beaches. And it was yesterday that at Pantai Legian, I tried surfing for the first time. I have to say, it was a successful day since I stood up on the board quite a few times and really enjoyed being out in the water. I feel a bit of a burn coming along my forehead but it's a small price to pay for a new adventure.

And now, as I sit in the office, there is a torrential downpour outside. Ah yes, rainy season in Bali. Just another spice that gives Bali its flavour.