i had a nice holiday

I was (am) so glad to spend 9 days on Bali. Back to my Kampoeng (mudik) in Bali and visiting several holiday spots were a perfect combination. Well, it was a busy holiday too. I have four nieces and nephews, range from 3-6 years old, who were so eager about my coming from Jakarta. Of course they also wished some presents (oleh-oleh) from 'a rich uncle from Jakarta' whom they thought was cavable to fulfill any Kids' wish! So, my time was spent a lot on baby-sitting job, taking them to the beach and buying a lot of ice cream. I also did some maintenance works in my house. As the rainy season was just started, I recognised two leaks on the roof. These had to be handled soon before I got a big complaint from Philippe (the guy who rents it). In fact, he was first found these leaks. So, I went to Ace Hardware to buy a metal ladder. We needed it to climb up to the 4-meter high roof.

The most enjoyable time was when I with some friends from Holland (on the picture : Paul, now working in Papua; Hans; Nancy; Erick; me; Henk and Aart, a guy with funny German accent, oopppss) went to a tour on my invitation. We visited the Pura Luhur Uluwatu which peacefully stood on the foot of the Mt. Batukaru (Balinese call it Batukau). This is one of the most important temple in Bali, one of the Sad Kahyangan, six important temple for Balinese Hindi people). I don't know when it built was, some says was in 17th century, but, surely must be some hundreds years ago. Before reached this temple site, we made a one-hour stop at the Butterfly Park which was located on the road connected the Town of Tabanan and Batukaru Temple. We show so many new creatures, things we only knew from TV/ Books before. The ticket was quite expensive, Rp50.000/person, but it equal to the joy we had there. Everybody seemed to be happy.

At the temple, I had to do some guiding job. With my limited knowledge on religious matters, I did try to do my best. Thanks to the lesson I got from my religion teacher in school some years ago. At the end, I excused my self to do a personal matter, praying. I had to do it alone because it was only me who were hindu among the 7 of us. My friends were quietly waiting for me while I doing my praying. It was so nice... We spent not less than an hour and half here.

Afterwards, we continued the trip to the Jatiluwih Rice Plantation, a site which is now one of the UNESCO's world site heritage. Here, we can see the grandious and huge rice field surrounded by volcanoes. The road was a little bumpy, but the view was spectacular. Thanks to the Government of Tabanan Regency who keeps this land well preserved. Though there were one or two villas erected on the hill, this site is still one of the best spots in Bali. Something that is now getting rare in Bali. Here, we had nasi campur (Balinese version of Gado-gado : mix of tofu, tempeh and some vegetable with balinese red rice) for lunch in one of the two restaurants we can find there. It was another fine hour that day.

Time to get back to where we stay, Seminyak! But, I had to make a little bit turn around way because I needed to buy some oleh-oleh for my colleagues from Jakarta in Denpasar. Though it was weekend, the city was somewhat crowded. It was difficult to get a parking place for the car. A problem that becomes more and more evident in the tiny island of Bali. Here, I bought some peanuts (kacang disco, balinese one?) that was asked by a colleague from my office. Also two Balinese paintings. My dutch friends seemed to enjoy this stop as well... Here, Paul who accompanied me to go around the market made some nice fotos of flower sellers at the Badung Market.

Our one-day trip was ended up in a coffee shop, called Blue Ocean, on Jl. Double Six, Legian Beach. when coffee and beer were our main menu :). We had a funny,lively chit-chat though Paul had to patiently translate every words for me when everybody talked in Dutch. The atmosphere was so nice. I was a little sad when I had to say good bye. But, it was a short separation as we soon meet up again at a bar on Jl. Dhyana Pura for a night-long drink, where I had four glass of beer .... I went home with a little headache.... but felt so good anyway. Thanks sahabatku, my friends...