Bali
Bali....what a beautiful place. I love that the Balinese people have a strong culture where their traditions are still carried out on a daily basis (and not just for the benefit of tourists). Every morning women are weaving palm and banana leaves into works of art to be used as a vessel for offerings to the spirits. What do the spirits get? Flowers, bits of colored rice, sometimes fruit and often times a mini ritz cracker. I don't know the significance of the mini ritz cracker but i sure do find it interesting. Each family has their own temple within their family compound. Offerings are made in the morning to the good spirits and to the bad spirits in the evening. The bad spirits get the bigger offering since people want to make sure they are happy and stay away from the family.
Traditional dance is huge (at least in Ubud) and kids seem to take the art form seriously. We watched two young sisters (8 and 5) practicing a dance in front of the "magic box", otherwise known as a t.v. They were so focused on the dance - it was incredible.
I told my sisters that we could be very happy living the life of a Balinese woman. Making beautiful crafts everyday, getting dolled up and performing traditional dances at night. And did I mention the Balinese lace? They make lovely clothing here.
My only regret is not coming to Ubud earlier. While it is beautiful, it is also very crowded and a tad too touristy. I still loved it - but it left me wanting to find an even more authentic Balinese experience. Next time. :)
