Bali Part 2

After 4 days spent in the bustling streets of Kuta and Seminyak, we made our way for a peaceful respite up in the hills in Ubud. There we stayed for 2 nights at Villa Sarna a jungle retreat 30 minutes out of town, driving up and down the hills and through rice paddy fields. We then moved to the Honeymoon Guesthouse, a boutique hotel recommended by friends located in town, for one night. Honeymoon Guesthouse is great value for a balinese style retreat with all the luxuries, but make sure you get one of the more expensive rooms (only $70 instead of $50) that has AC, the others can be a bit dark and bare (but still nice). The main activities in Ubud were shopping up and down the streets, peeking into galleries and eating amazing cuisine. I rediscovered my bargaining skills in the craft market, impressing Richard at the deals I could get for all the fun gifts and trinkets. I am in love with the basketry and wanted to buy it all, especially the bags. I loved all the color and creativity displayed in the batiks, sarongs, beaded jewelry, wood carvings, metal work, paintings, etc.

One of the many daily offerings presented to the gods. People believe that the gods are living beings in the carved statue, so they are dressed in black and white checkered sarongs and presented with food and flowers each day.

The offerings are strewn all around the gods and in the temples. Someone must come around every evening and make room for the next day's supply.

People can buy offerings from a supplier and also pay other people to make and deliver an offering to their temple or god of choice.

Market produce

Kopi Luwak. The brewed drink from the coffee that is first eaten and excreted by the Luwak cat native to Indonesia.

These are a common sight, and a popular purchase by tourists. Supposed to endow fertility.

We were told we had to try the smoked duck specialty at this place, Bebek Bengil - the dirty duck diner, and it was definitely worth the trek. It was amazing, go with an appetite.

The set duck menu, included one whole smoked duck stuffed and covered in spices, chicken sate (couldn't get enough of those), green bean salad, fruit cocktail, and steamed rice. So good! Ask for the private cabana seating.

On the trek to the dirty duck diner we found this kite artist and bought one to take home.

In town just in time to catch this sight. 

Amazing views of rice paddies on our half-day walk along Campuan Ridge.

Perfect rehydration drink after sweating so much on our walk.

I had never seen rice harvested before.

This is where rice comes from.

Along Campuan Ridge

I love this photo. This is elephant grass that is used for roof thatching.

The musicians at the Lotus Cafe monday night Kecak performance.

We ended our holiday in Sanur, an East Coast resort region with fewer waves, where we resolved to relax by the pool and do nothing. We did manage to bump into an old friend from Sri Lanka who has been living on the Island since leaving SL. Social networking sites are amazing tools for keeping in touch with so many people, especially having an international profession. I love having the potential to make and visit friends all over the world.