Exotic Bali
Bali is surrounded by many smaller Islands which reveal themselves as we approach our destination.
Bali is a land with many faces. It is a country that is steeped in its unique religious heritage, the roots of which are a blending of Balinese Hinduism, ancient Javanese ancestry and Buddhism. There are a never ending array of temples, statues and gargoyles. Gorgeous green countryside and beaches are a counterpoint to miles of urban squalor and poverty. If there is a common trait amongst the people it is happiness and gratitude. They are a happy people who live in a remarkable country.
Our first foray into Denpasar, the Balinese capital, we viewed a celebration of one of their many religious holidays. This one featured a parade of ‘floats’ carried by Balinese men. Each depicts an enactment of their religious beliefs. Like all of Denispar, it was crowded, chaotic and stunning. A great introduction to Bali.
Don Anotonio Blanco, Phlllipine born of Spanish parents who lived and developed his art in Bali. He built his studio where the Blanco Renessaince Museum is now located. The grounds are spectacular and the Museum (above) is a tribute to his artistic mastery.
The gardens have beautiful flora and several exotic birds.
The gardens are dotted with spectacular sculptures.
This is the entry way and interior of the museum, a great example of Renaissance architecture and design. Everything was gorgeous.
A few examples of his art.
Doors are an important element to the Balinese., They are the pathway into the temple and they hold every home as a temple. A few of the mony doors that we photographed.
The Tegallalang Rice fields. Rice is Bali’s chief export. These terraced rice fields go on for as far as the eye can see. Just stunning. The above photo captures only a small portion of the patties.
Above left an example of the many family rice plots. On a single hectare of land these small plots can produce from 3 tons of rice. A hectare is equal to roughly 2.5 acres.
In the center, a family dries out rice picked from their plot.
Right photo: I’d like to say this man was hard at work in his rice field. Actually he was chasing down a group of ducklings that had gotten away.
Our final stop was the Holy Springs Temple. Above we are dressed in sarongs provided by the Temple to show respect to the gods. This is our tour guide and driver for the day. Gday is a great guy, very knowledgable and a lot of fun.
The grounds are very beautiful and pristine. Gday stands next to a Jack Fruit Tree sporting three jack fruit.
The sacred pools. Pilgrims come from afar to purify themselves in the sacred pools. They don special garb and go through a series of prayers in preparation for their cleansing.
Our adventure in Bali, a land of incredible chaos and perfect peace.