Bali
Trip Start
Jan 05, 2012
1
50
144
Trip End
Apr 29, 2012
Bali, Indonesia
Friday, February 24, 2012
We were still approaching Bali, Indonesia as the day started. I checked in with work/school enjoying the connection with my students and the solitude of dawn. Around 7:30 JoRina woke up and called home. We were a day ahead of Hawaii, where it was Friday here it was Thursday there. The weather is warm and humid overcast in a foggy precipitation that lifted as the day progressed. The balcony was wet under our bare feet leaving footprints in the salty dew. We ordered tea/ coffee and fruit from room service. I drank a protein shake with my breakfast and felt good about getting the nutrition I needed.
By 9:00 the ship moored off of the coast of Bali. Passengers were provided with a written safety travel advisory associated with civil unrest activity in the country. JoRina was more concerned about this warning than I. As it was too late to book an excursion, we agreed to take the shuttle into town and decide then if we felt it was safe to take a taxi to more remote areas of Bali to see temples and sights. Cunard advises against taking the public bus so we opted to rule that mode of transport out. Kevin, our WC Concierge advised us that hiring a taxi for 5 hours should cost about $100. I exchanged $100. into local currency and kept it separate with the receipt to negotiate a taxi, and exchanged loose Australian/American currency equaling about $65 for shore expenditures as needed. The que for tender tickets was long.
When we arrived on the Bali Port a taxi service representative, advertising air conditioned taxi and English speaking drivers, caught our attention. JoRina negotiated the price and sights to see as directed. When we were all in agreement we were led to our driver Mardi. We instantly felt safe with Mardi. Once again we all agreed where we would go and in what order. The car was a comfortable Toyota Four Runner. We were grateful for the ac during such a hot and humid day. Throughout the day, Mardi spoke of the history of Bali, some Hindu beliefs, and answered all of our questions. He said the hand gesture of Eeenaah (Shaka) is a Balinese expression, and was pleased to hear people of Hawaii shared in the expression. We visited a batik (weaving) shop/collection in Topati, silversmith in Celuk, woodcarving shop/showroom in Mas, the Pura temple in Besakih( the second largest temple in Bali, erected in the 1300's. We were directed by Mardi to rent saris from a local vender before entering the Temple grounds. In the center of the Temple 100's of dragonflies soar overhead.), rice paddies in BangBang, and a coffee plantation (where they process coffee digested and excreted by Luwakicvet Cats) and rice plantation in Noyung.
At every stop Mardi and his guests (us)were well received and welcomed. Mardi stopped for us to take pictures of local living as well; we saw people washing their clothes in a river in Nongan, bathing in a waterway in Klungkung, placements of Hindu offerings and statues draped in black and white cloths (black and white symbolizes the good and bad, wealth and poverty, sickness and health in individual and populace experience during their time. It is a symbol of the importance of balance.). Mardi described the importance of cremation as Hindu's believe that everyone is made of the 5 elements, water, energy, air, earth, metal(?) and if cremated will return to the elements. Not everyone can afford to be cremated at their time of death and may be buried while waiting to be cremated. To date this was JoRina's favorite excursion, because we were able to see and experience an authentic trip through Bali with an honorable local friend Mardi. As the trip came to an end we tipped Mardi with the remainder of our Bali currency. The money will go far within his family and we appreciated the way he showed us beautiful Bali.
Back on board QM2 JoRina took more pictures from deck 12 while I wrote this blog. Our pace slow and relaxed we each showered and dressed for dinner in the Kings Court and the movies. Dinner was good. We talked about our day ashore and listened to other passengers stories when they stopped to talk to us. After dinner we watched the movie Eat Pray Love in Illuminations. We enjoyed seeing scenes filmed in Bali as we sailed away from Bali. The whole story was more meaningful today because we are on this epic voyage. JoRina returned to the stateroom and I went to the Queens Room. There was a Buccaneer party in full swing, with Vibes playing. I danced one dance before returning to the cabin. Back in the cabin we ordered tea, listened to music and read for a while.
More later.
Kit
Comments
Wow, it's amazing how much you experienced in just one day. Your description makes Bali inviting.