Today we were picked up early by a Missoula friend’s acquaintance: Dewa. First stop was Puru Ulun Danu Bratan; Shaivite water Temple for us lay folks. As beautiful as it was crowded with tourists, I summoned and practiced my ability to see what is there for me to see and let the selfie-hounds be perceived like insects of sorts. We were lucky enough to arrive while local musicians were playing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1OvarWWNPc
The day and the Temple were beautiful,
with family Temple prayers going on in the middle of it all:
breath-taking scenery for sure:
and then we were on to the Jatiluwih Rice terraces, a UNESCO heritage site. Photos don’t do the breadth of the terraces justice, but we walked through, and unlike my previous two visits, there are now small huts where local farmers sell rice and snacks (yes, i bought some red rice):
and then into Ubud for big city life. Allocated only a day and a half, which was about right for the two of us who had no desire to shop or dine (i know, right?). Just the bare necessities of evening cultural performance:
and the next day breakfast at the Yoga Barn, a sanctuary within the busy town. A full schedule of yoga, meditation, healing and wonderful organically prepared food. While there, the skies opened up and starting dumping, so we quickly booked a session at Nur Spa, the first opened in town. The traditional massage, scrub and flower bath. All (still) during the pouring rain (each room was partly inside and partly outside), which is why we bagged the day-long bike ride we’d booked. After that, a walk
to Ibu Oka for Babi Guling (my third visit, and I went before Mr. Bourdain!). However, really disappointing and that one is forever marked off of my list (though doubtful I’ll be back in Bali after so many visits).
The Sopadilla Hotel where we stayed was so lovely. Quiet location and staff that couldn’t do enough for us. Room with it’s own garden terrace and free shuttle service around town. We departed on the evening of the 9th, headed for Denpasar airport and the overnight flights to Sorong.