HEAVENLY BALI (PART 2)

Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
After spending time in the southern region, we headed to central Bali, where we stayed in a beautiful city, Ubud. It has become very popular for its scenic splendor and spiritual feel, which has drawn scads of artists, spas, and yoga centres. Here, we went for long walks, including a fun visit to a monkey forest, where we had close encounters with them. Bonnie almost had her hat and sunglasses taken by a mischievous primate who wouldn't let go of her dress. Her shrieks of protest were actually kind of funny. It was in Ubud that we had a chance meeting with a member of the royal family. We had gotten lost near the palace of the king (one of many provincial kings, it turns out). We asked directions from an attractive woman who offered us a short tour of her home. It was one of several houses in a compound adjoining the palace , each occupied by various members of the royal family. She was very interested in Canada and we were likewise very interested in what life in a royal family was like. We exchanged emails, and parted as friends. How often does that happen?

On another day, we enjoyed an unbelievable deal offered by our hotel. Dinner and a 1-hour massage for US$10 per person. We each enjoyed a luxuriant oil massage, then ate to the sound of a nearby waterfall. It doesn't get better than that. 


It was from Ubud that we ventured forth via hired driver/car and we drove through rolling hills containing plateaued rice paddies as far as the eye could see . We even had a chance to hike through some paddies on the way to a secluded waterfall in the midst of the rainforest. It was an awesome experience. We also stopped at an overlook which offered jaw-dropping views of the two of the active volcanoes on the island. Visitors can hike to the summit and have a sunrise breakfast cooked in the volcanic steam and then hike down the lava tubes. Next time......In another vein, Bali has a strong tradition of detailed intricate wood carving, stone cutting, and silversmithing, so of course, we had to visit the workshops where these artisans were busy at work. A small elephant wood carving will now sit among other chachges in our breakfront. As if that weren't enough, we also had scents specially made for us in a small out-of-the-way perfume shop. Lastly, we were offered and tried the putrid-smelling but surprisingly good-tasting durian fruit, something we had wanted to do while here. (It tastes a little like cheese and eggs, with the consistency of an avocado). Our last destination in Bali will be the north coast, which we have been told most resembles the Bali of old, before the hordes of tourists descended, so we look forward to the bus ride there, and whatever awaits us.

Comments

Melissa Gold
2014-03-20

Wow. Such an awesome experience. The photo of the waterfall reminds me of a visit to a waterfall on the east side of the big island in Hawaii. Thanks for sharing your trip with us warmth-starved Canadians!

cissie.retired
2014-03-20

WOW! an hour massage and breakfast for $10.00! Amazing! What an exemplary experience you are having. Love your accompanying photos. They remind me of life after winter!!! (sigh)
These are such lasting and wonderful memories you are making from such a tiny island. Keep enjoying and blogging such great entries.
Cecile

cissie.retired
2014-03-20

Just to let you know, your blog came through10 times on my computer. And I made a mistake: it's dinner and a massage!
Perhaps you might check up with the computer.

jonarnold
2014-03-21

Great posts as always, Dave/Bonnie! Fantastic trip you guys are on, and love the photos. What's the vibe over there about the missing plane?

Hope Springman
2014-03-21

Another day, another amazing adventure. What fantastic experiences you two are having, and picking up exotic new friends along the way - both two-legged and 4-legged! Your descriptions are so vivid - can almost hear the sounds of the waterfall that serenaded you through dinner. Safe travels again! Love, Hope

2025-02-16

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