Wieder zu Hause
February 03, 2008, 11:52
I am finally back home from Bali. As I had a day to chill out after the Conference, I took the opportunity to go to the pristine beach in the morning to wade in the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean and to soak in the sun.
Thereafter, it was off to Ubud, a small town one and a half hours away by car. The journey was long, due in part to the fact that yesterday was a major Hindu festival, and Balinese could be seen decked out in their traditional clothes with offerings atop their heads, making their way to the ancient temples to take part in the ceremonies.
Ubud is a small tourist town in the middle of the island. It is also the palace of the ancient Balinese kings, whose descendants continue to live there. As the palace was opened yesterday for ceremonies, it was strange to see tourists looking in as ex-royalty went about their business in what was essentially a private residence.
Ubud is known for being the cultural centre of Bali. Artists and Craftsmen hawk their wares in the various shops lining the street. The place is essentially a village that is situated at the edge of the Monkey Forest, a huge nature reserve with a large population of monkeys. Did some haggling, got a massage and it was a hectic rush to the hotel to take the airport transfer.
Yesterday was spent being lost in translation. The cab driver knew no English, so I had to communicate with whatever little Malay I knew. At the store, I got myself a Balinese painting after haggling with the shopowner. Managed to reduce the price by 50 percent. He then insisted on driving me on his motorbike to the taxi stand even though I had said it was still too early and I had wanted to go for a massage instead. As such, I was precariously gripping his shoulder and my stuff, riding without a helmet through the streets to the taxi stand.
Chinese New Year week is this coming week. It is set to be quite hectic with the obligatory visits to relatives. I am however looking forward to the dinner party hosted by Sar and Linus on Sat as well as K's tea party on Sun. There have also been a few invites to other CNY gatherings.Will have to sieve them with a discerning eye.
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