I will dream of Mangsit : )

My last morning in Mangsit…..

Immersed in the blues  of this pristine beach…..

Noticing the frilly hibiscus…..

High in the coconut palm a lone brave soul is chopping coconuts……

Sanur – a great afternoon walk

Whew! It’s finally cooled off enough for me to contemplate going for a late afternoon stroll along the beachfront. I did remember that it was Sunday and so expected the crowds. Sunday is most people’s only day off in the week! Here is some of what I saw…

And I have to say that dogs do feature largely in this post. I just seemed to notice them this time.

Lombok another island in the sun

I have a long standing and continuing connection with this island.

Lombok is somewhat less tourist dominated than south Bali,tho it seems to want to progress in the same direction. And in some ways who can dispute that. Sengiggi is busy squeezing in as many new accomodations  as it can. Its busy and noisy hot and dry. I did stay one night in Sengiggi and that was enough! I was lucky enough to find accomodation in Mangsit that was just affordable….mostly its well out of the  range of those travelling on a budget.

Arriving at the airport which is now very far away from Mataram and Sengiggi. It is a sharp contrast to Bali.

The beach at Sengiggi…

Looking back towards the hills in Sengiggi.

A most amazing week in Ubud

Ubud……a feast for the senses, so much to see , to hear, to smell, to taste……to think about, contemplate , appreciate, marvel at…..

Over the last few months Pura Gunung Lebah has been the centre of much activity….celebrations and blessings (Built in the 8th century it is at the confluence of two rivers in the heart of Ubud)

A creative way of dealing with trash…..

Wherever you look there is beauty..

Roses for a goddess…

Ducks – bebek are a common sight amongst the the rice padi around Ubud…

Some small treasures…above and below….

Funky architecture somebody’s creations above and below…..

Heliconias a colourful and gracious sight along a walkway….

Lush vegetation and if you look carefully an interesting portrait….

A bit of colour…..

Hibiscus di mana mana ( are everywhere) Enjoy

Of temples, ceremonies and processions

Each day I have gone exploring …..eyes open to to the feast that Ubud is….this week has been a  big week for ceremonies. The main temple has been in the process of redevelopment  and now people from all over the surrounding area are coming to pay their respects and take part in the blessings and prayers.

By chance and luck I have been in the right place at the right time and have been a witness to the deep respect that Balinese people have for their religion and its practise. Here is some of what I have seen

There would have been hundreds of people streaming down the hill and over the bridge to the temple. All were in traditional dress and bringing offerings….
playing ceremonial music.

Along the sides of the road were many small stalls( for want of a better word)  these had offerings also, as well as water for thirsty pilgrims….

This was taken from the back of the crowd towards the end of the procession….

Orchids #2

Ubud it seems is awash with beautiful orchids …yesterday morning I discovered these amazing specimens not far from the pasar (market). In Bahasa indonesia they are anggrek….

I wandered in off the street…..

Only to discover more.  I was in orchid heaven!!