Rice Fields and Temples

Thursday, February 07, 2013
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Last night we had dinner with a local family. He is a village priest in a village near Ubud. They live in a compound with their extended family, including two sons and their families. Before we ate, we helped prepare our dinner with lots of chopping, slicing, mixing and a little frying. It was a great hands on experience with everyone participating. While the family was putting the finishing touches on our meal we toured the compound and family temple. After dinner we had a interesting dialogue with our host and hostess. It was one of the best home-hosted dinners that I have attended. Sadly, I left my camera at the hotel, so have no photos to share.

This morning we began our day with a hike through the rice fields . It was almost the same hike that Kat and I took 4 years ago. Only this time instead of walking from our hotel, we were driven to the top of the ridge and hiked down to the Campuhan River Gorge. Some things were still the same, including the little cafe where we had wonderful fruit drinks, but there is also a lot of new construction and many of the rice fields have been replaced by shops, hotels and guest houses, and residences. There were some interesting discoveries. Durian, the stinky fruit, is in season, and we sampled one. It was newly picked, tasted good, and not too stinky. However we were all careful to wash our hands because the smell gets stronger with age. We also had a conversation with a local rice farmer that was informative. It was a good walk and it was clear enough that we could see Mt. Atung in the distance, but It was very hot and humid and I was happy to see our driver with his cool cloths and cold water.

Our next destination was the Holy Spring temple of Pura Tirta Empul . This was another place that Kat and I visited, and it had not changed at all. This time, with the encouragement of our trip leader I actually rinsed my face and hands in the water. I'm not sure it purified me, but it certainly cooled me off. The temple is lovely but you exit in a different way than you enter--though a market of craft items. This was one time that I was not tempted to bargain or buy since I left my money in the van.

Then we continued driving through the mountains, to Mt. Batur. The day was clear and the views of the mountain and lake were excellent. It was also at least 15 degrees cooler, which made it very pleasant. After time to admire the view and take pictures, it was back in the van to return to Ubud, stopping for lunch in the rice fields.

In the evening, we returned to the Royal Palace for a Legong dance performance. The setting was beautiful, the costumes elaborate, and the performers outstanding. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

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