Tuesday in Bali

Yesterday, Tuesday, we pursued different agendas. Nancy and Bern went shopping. I sat in the pool and pruned (in the sense of becoming prune-like) while talking with an engaging Australian plumber and his wife. They were named David and Julie, the same as our travel buddies from Seattle.

Bern eventually appeared and let me know that Nancy needed me to keep her company while she got a pedicure — a very Bali thing to do. I dutifully went and found myself doing the same plus a manicure. Both a first for this guy. It’s amazing how persuasive attractive, engaging Balinese girls can be! In fact, I did more. I did the thing with the fish in the tank where they nibble all the dead skin off your feet. It’s feels very odd, being gummed by a hundred or so tiny fish. I didn’t have my camera, but if I can get a photo later, I will.

I actually did some reading about Bali yesterday. Turns out they have a wet season and a dry season. Who knew! Guess which one this is. At least the constant cloud cover keeps it from being brutally sunny, but at any moment it can rain. Actually, the word “rain” is inadequate, as I described above. All part of the fun.

Today we will be leaving Legian and the Three Brothers Bungalows and heading north a bit to Ubud. I’m not sure what to expect (having not read as much yesterday as I had hoped to), but believe it might be a bit cooler and drier since we’re going up a bit. That could also be simply wishful thinking. Actually, I just asked Bern. He says it will more likely be cooler and wetter.

It turns out that Bali, as far as land use is concerned, is primarily a country of rice farmers. In the center of the island are volcanoes. So far all we’ve seen are busy suburbs of Denpassar. I’m looking forward to seeing volcanoes and rice paddies.

Last night we went to see Balinese dances. We walked there and on the way Nancy pointed out to me the motor bike “gas stations” — road side stands selling vodka bottles filled with gasoline. The one in the photo had an offering to one of the gods. Given the way people drive I presume it was to the Hindu equivalent of Saint Christopher.

Following a great meal of Italian food (hooray!) we went to the dances. They were as lovely as they were incomprehensible. The “orchestra” is called a gamelan and consists of a group of men hitting things with hammers.

Bern says gamelans usually perform outside. We were inside and under cover so it was about as loud a Seahawks game when the other team has the ball. Hopefully they all wear ear protection.

It really was lovely.

As we started the long walk back to our room, it began to rain.