sacred spring

December 18, 2015

Pura Tirta Empul in Ubud

This sacred spring temple, near the source of the river Pakrisan, is a major tourist stop and is a pleasant place to visit.  The main feature is a series of courtyards containing rectangular bathing pools.  The spouts dispense specific kinds of holy water, which devotees request with elaborate ritual offerings.  The temple is thought to date from the 10th century; the present walls are recent.  The pavilions are in an on-going state of restoration, an indication of the temple's importance.  People come from all over the island for holy water and ritual ablutions particularly on the day of the full moon (purnama).

Batuan

Friday, December 18, 2015

Batuan, Batuan Village Temple

We made arrangements with the concierge at our hotel for a driver to take us to Ubud.  As we traveled through the villages of Sanur, Tohpati, Batubulan, Celuk, Sukawati, Batuan on our way to Ubud he pointed out many interesting things.  We noticed how the roads were crowded with cars and motorcycles and there were many turns and no street signs.  The roads were narrow and there were no highways.  We passed businesses with wood carved products and wood furniture, stone, statues, batik, paintings or birds.  Everything was very close to the road.  Each family has their own business in the village. Each village has its own temple and each family has their own temple as well.  Most walls were brick with stone decoration.

The village of Batuan goes back almost 1,000 years.  The population contains more nobility than commoners.  It is celebrated for its artistic excellence in the fields of dance, painting and architecture.

Our driver decided that we should stop at the Batuan Village Temple also known as Pura Puseh.  It has been extensively renovated to show off its shrines and carvings as proof that Bali's traditional building arts are thriving.    

the beach

December 17, 2015

Soon after we arrived in Bali we were excited to see the beach.  It was just a short walk across the road from our hotel.  But on this day the winds were strong and there were dark clouds lurking in the horizon.  We were disappointed that the sand was so brown, there was trash, dogs and people trying to sell us things.  I guess because we are from Florida, we have gotten spoiled with the beautiful white pristine beaches. 

to Bali

Thursday, December 17, 2015

We wanted to take a short trip to a near-by country where we didn't have to fill out paperwork for visas and it would be a short plane ride.  Bali seemed a good choice with the visions of the movie, "South Pacific".

Imagine an airport with a swimming pool.  

It also has a movie theater.

Analea called a taxi for us and with passports in hand, we were headed to the Singapore Airport, Terminal One, flying on Air Asia.  We went light; only one suitcase for each of us.  We packed only clothes for hot and humid weather, bathing suits, sunglasses, sun block and sandals.

After a two and a half hour flight we landed at the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban.  There were very long lines for entry into Bali -- and the bathrooms were on the other side.   

We took a taxi to our hotel.  Kent did a good job in picking it out.  It was a Marriott Hotel called The Stones and is located in Legian, Bali.  This long driveway allows security to stop and check your vehicle (over and under), the trunk and the occupants inside. 

What are those?  --  oh, bathtubs!

A musical instrument at the front lobby.

The front desk; for checking in, checking out, asking questions, exchanging your money, arranging for a driver or a taxi.  

When checking in, they give you a refreshing, wet towel (to wipe off your sweat) and they give you a popsicle.  Yum!

The lobby -- a place to relax, wait for guests or wait for your transportation.

Taking refuge under the restaurant roof during a mango shower.

Tourists again

Monday, December 14, 2015

First, we went to Little India and did some window shopping.  For lunch we had chicken fried rice, chicken noodle, chicken tekka, and buttered naan at a restaurant called Minova.  That was our favorite meal in India -- yes, Chinese.  Then we found our way to Arab Street.  We had not been there on our previous trip to Singapore.  

Little India

In order to view the interior of the mosque I was given a tunic and Kent was asked to wear a skirt.  We could take pictures but no videos and could walk around the outer walkway; not on the carpet. 

Arab Street