An Alphabetical Stroll Through Bali and Australia-A is for: A BIG, FAT FINALE!! Link to new Africa TR (4/5)

[zanzibar138]

I did a little digging and found that it's the same active ingredient as Dramamine (hyoscine hydrobromine) so I can absolutely see that working. I think here in the US we generally recommend meclizine as it's a bit less sedating, but hey, if the goal is to be less sick and get a bit of a nap, then yep! Good choice!! Glad you found something that works as air sickness sucks really bad! I wonder if the orange could be used as an add-on.

Good to know! So if I run out of Kwells while I'm in the US, I can pick up some Dramamine I don't get any drowsiness from Kwells, but my body doesn't seem to respond much to 'drowsy' drugs or caffeine - don't really get the impact from either, even when I've had the really heavy opioid-based pain killers they give you after surgery that pretty much knock most people out.

 

[Steppesister]

Hi friends! I promised I haven’t abandoned you, I am still alive and trying to wrap up this rotation of Clinicals over the next few days. Tomorrow I have the second of the six, big proctored/videoed mock patient encounters. Then I just have a day and a half left of clinical time and that should wrap up rotation number 1 of 3. If it doesn’t take me as long as last time to do the write up for my OSCE (the patient “office visit), I’m hoping to get an update out tomorrow.

 

[pkondz]

I promised I haven’t abandoned you, I am still alive

So you're saying the reports of your death were greatly exaggerated?

(Went down a rabbit hole on this one. Apparently Mark Twain never actually said that. He wrote a letter in which he said "The report of my death was an exaggeration.”)

Tomorrow I have the second of the six, big proctored/videoed mock patient encounters.

Good luck!

I’m hoping to get an update out tomorrow.

Woot!

 

[Paulaparm]

best of luck tomorrow!

 

[Steppesister]

****** I'm not quite done editing this chapter and realize there may very well be a few errors with links/photos! I'll get back to this tonight after the ballgame. *****


O is for: Open for Prayer​

The 2nd stop on our day’s itinerary was the Pura Gunung Kawi Temple.

LET'S GO!

​

While there are hundreds, if not thousands of temples in Bali, a few are extraordinarily tourist-clogged. Dewa was sure to steer me clear of those opting for a no-less beautiful one, one that was, again, a bit off the beaten trail. Dewa parked on a side street and on the short walk to the entrance a few girls were starting to set up their restaurant. They were absolutely beautiful in their holiday outfits.

​

I’d taken a similar photo a couple of days before that I liked a lot as well. Thanks to the special friend who edited the road sign out of for me!

​

Before I paid the usual, modest fee of a couple bucks, I took a few photos from above which gave a nice overview of the lovely grounds.

​

At the entrance I donned the required sarong and sash then quietly made my way in. The holiday was in full swing with many locals bringing their offerings in baskets with a few tourists thrown in the mix. But not many, and that was a beautiful thing.

​

I took my time wandering from pool to pool taking in the peaceful waters and sculptures making sure to be respectful of the nature of the space- a space where a certain amount of decorum is unspoken yet expected. And yet in more than one temple area, I saw over and over a complete lack of that with tourists feeling the need to climb on places it was obvious they weren’t supposed to, laughing and talking loudly like it was a bar on a strip, and just generally being morons. Perhaps I’m being too harsh, but it truly made me sad and embarrassed. In the end, we can only be responsible for our own behavior, so I turned my attention to just admiring this incredible place:

​

Again, I asked for permission to take a few photos of the locals and these particular little tykes turned out to be very photogenic! What cuties, no?

​

This is the point where Dewa assumed the role of 2nd shooter for me. LOL! He cracked me up as he kept suggesting photo subjects and angles. I think he was getting quite a kick out of the experience as much as I was.

​

He was especially insistent that I took time to admire the main meeting pavilion which housed some, admittedly, incredible artwork. It was well worth the extra few steps and minutes!

​

In addition to water lilies and fountains, some of the pools had some local ducks and wonderfully colorful koi. The whole mixture of colors and textures made me really smile!!

​

All told, we’d spent maybe an hour touring the temple and it was time to head to the next stop, a lovely waterfall. Along the way, there were more picturesque rice fields that I couldn’t help myself from asking Dewa to stop for a photo or two.

​

 

[pkondz]

****** I'm not quite done editing this chapter and realize there may very well be a few errors with links/photos! I'll get back to this tonight after the ballgame. *****

Enjoy the game. Who's playing? (I don't really follow pro baseball unless the Toronto Blue Jays are in the playoffs... and even then, I hardly pay attention.)

The 2nd stop on our day’s itinerary was the Pura Ganung Kawi Temple.

I really try not to point out typos/errors (we're all human after all, and I've made my fair share), but... you say there might be errors, and there's one in the very first line!

While there are hundreds, if not thousands of temples in Bali, a few are extraordinarily tourist-clogged. Dewa was sure to steer me clear of those

What a lovely photo.

Very colourful.

Love the framing with the red flowers on this one.

I donned the required sarong

Curious to know why. I mean, you were already wearing a long skirt?
And did male tourists have to don one as well? I wouldn't have a problem, but I can imagine some men might.

The holiday was in full swing with many locals bringing their offerings in baskets with a few tourists thrown in the mix.

I know exactly what you meant, but I prefer to read that as the locals were offering tourists to their deity.

And after reading your comment about them... maybe they should have been!

But not many, and that was a beautiful thing.

Niice.

in more than one temple area, I saw over and over a complete lack of that with tourists feeling the need to climb on places it was obvious they weren’t supposed to, laughing and talking loudly like it was a bar on a strip, and just generally being morons.

Some people should just stay home.

Perhaps I’m being too harsh,

Perhaps not.

Love this photo.

This is the point where Dewa assumed the role of 2nd shooter for me. LOL! He cracked me up as he kept suggesting photo subjects and angles. I think he was getting quite a kick out of the experience as much as I was.

I'm not going to comment on every photo (and I could), but this place is absolutely stunning! I had no idea it would be so ornate/beautiful!

In addition to water lilies and fountains, some of the pools had some local ducks and wonderfully colorful koi. The whole mixture of colors and textures made me really smile!!

 

[zanzibar138]

This is a great shot! Quintessential Bali

I love how their temples have a 'ruins being taken over the jungle' vibe. Very beautiful

I took my time wandering from pool to pool taking in the peaceful waters and sculptures making sure to be respectful of the nature of the space- a space where a certain amount of decorum is unspoken yet expected. And yet in more than one temple area, I saw over and over a complete lack of that with tourists feeling the need to climb on places it was obvious they weren’t supposed to, laughing and talking loudly like it was a bar on a strip, and just generally being morons. Perhaps I’m being too harsh, but it truly made me sad and embarrassed. In the end, we can only be responsible for our own behavior, so I turned my attention to just admiring this incredible place:

Oh gosh, don't even get me started on terribly behaved tourists The amount of tourists I saw trying to climb Angkor Wat in shorts and tank tops Just zero respect.

This is the point where Dewa assumed the role of 2nd shooter for me. LOL! He cracked me up as he kept suggesting photo subjects and angles. I think he was getting quite a kick out of the experience as much as I was.

He got some great photos! He should advertise himself as a tour guide/photographer lol!

 

[Steppesister]

Good to know! So if I run out of Kwells while I'm in the US, I can pick up some Dramamine I don't get any drowsiness from Kwells, but my body doesn't seem to respond much to 'drowsy' drugs or caffeine - don't really get the impact from either, even when I've had the really heavy opioid-based pain killers they give you after surgery that pretty much knock most people out.

You can!! I don't either, tbh. Last time I took some benedryl hoping to help me sleep on a flight, it didn't work at all. There are some folks that just don't have those side effects much and we seem to be "them".

 

[Steppesister]

So you're saying the reports of your death were greatly exaggerated?

(Went down a rabbit hole on this one. Apparently Mark Twain never actually said that. He wrote a letter in which he said "The report of my death was an exaggeration.”)

Yes!!

And... huh! I've never heard that. Love old witty quotes like that. Churchill and Yogi Berra had the best!

Good luck!

Thanks!! We'll see how I do by tomorrow afternoon; that's when they're supposed to have it evaluated and back to me. It's a bit nerve-wracking because I can't start my next rotation until that and a few other things "pass".

best of luck tomorrow!

Thanks, Paula! I think I did okay, but the write up hasn't been evaluated yet. REALLY hoping it passes first try. I'll know by tomorrow. k

 

[Wood Nymph]

The clothes that the women were wearing for the festival were beautiful. I suppose that the outfits could be passed on for generations. They look very expensive.

The temples are beautiful. I am amazed at the intricate detail in everything.

 

[disneyAndi14]

How did your hair get so long! Ugh we haven’t seen each other in a long time
Beautiful pictures, I love the temple pictures and it looks like a fantastic cultural experience!

 

[Steppesister]

P is for: Pushing Ahead to Plunging Waters​

Let’s keep on truckin’. Or trekking… at least I was about to. Next up: I had put a waterfall that looked nice onto the itinerary which was on the route of the other things I wanted to do that day. Dewa however, once again, had an alternative suggestion; one, he said, was less visited and "more fun".

​

It is definitely NOT on the usual list of tourist favorites, and is still mostly only used by locals to cool off. It’s also considered a sacred water spot so is also used by worshippers now and then. Dewa told me that when it starts to get “discovered and busy”, he’ll move on to other hidden gems to avoid the crowds. I love a savvy guide!

We were there in no time and parked at about 11:30. Can you believe how much I’d already seen and done so far on this day?! A morning walk, a temple, some rice terraces, and now one of Bali’s famous, albeit, less touristy, waterfalls. First I, you guessed it, paid my little entrance fee and we started our little hike to the waterfall. Did I mention Bali is comprised of some of the steepest terrain on the planet? Did I mention that I haven’t done any purposeful exercise in about a decade? The approach wasn’t easy. Basically, uphill both ways. No, there wasn’t any snow. But there was mud.

(Random temple along the little road)​

A quarter mile up the road, we came to this perfect little hut meant to house a little warung but was closed on this day. We took the opportunity to drink some water then Dewa took off his white shirt and hiked up his sarong to make a set of shorts for the next portion of the adventure. You might be asking why....

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From the little hut, we crested a little hill and came out to this… The only way in was down and through.

(Looking back to the staircase into the river after we got in)
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At his direction, I left my shoes on the little wooden steps, and he gave me his shoes to wear for the hike up through the thigh-high running river. The gorge became more narrow as we made our way forward, at times becoming only a few feet wide. In some places the water became pretty swift and at times waist deep. More than once I got a little nervous at losing my footing and taking an unintended swim or losing one of his shoes, but I held it steady and forged ahead. To be honest, I was FAR more nervous about my phone and camera than my own clothes or safety. Sometimes a few risks yield nice things.

​

The little river hike was only about 100 yds., and it was amazing to come around the last corner and see this!

​

The reward was incredible, and best of all I had it nearly all to myself. Another family was already there and took about 10 minutes to take all the selfies and photos they wanted. I patiently waited in the not-so warm or shallow water until they were done and then took a few of my own. All told I think we lingered about 20 minutes. More than anything it was just nice to enjoy this green oasis in a tropical paradise... no other tourists or even locals to spoil the quiet and peacefulness.

​

The hike back was easier since we were now going with the flow of water. Nevertheless, I fretted about my camera holding it as high up as I could. Meanwhile, Dewa was in charge of my phone, and it was amusing to find a few of these in my camera roll later than night. LOL!

Here's the video that he shot hiking TO the falls.

​

Emerging from the river, I let my feet dry, put on my shoes and socks, then we went back up to the road. The walk back (uphill half of the way) was easy (ish), and we stopped once again at the thatched hut where Dewa reassembled his clothes the way he wanted them. Just as we were leaving, he got excited and pointed out a big lizard sunning himself on a rock. Before I could poise my camera, it had moved to the shade, but I still managed to grab one photo of it. Darn shade! Still, it was neat to see this 8-10” gorgeous local skink.

(Sun skink, native to SE Asia)​

I also paused at a couple of places to take photos of a few butterflies and a bit of the local fauna. Such a different variety than I’d ever see at home- either Kentucky or Arizona!

(Bananas with the "heart"/flower still attached. I learned what those were in the Philippines and that they are cooked as a vegetable and put in soups.)


(Durian fruit, banned in most airports worldwide. If you've never heard of it, look it up. )


(Enormous! Easily 5' tall)


(Commander Butterfly- Muduza procris)


(The "grass yellow butterfly"- Eurema hecabe)
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And with that, it was time to find some lunch and move to our next and last stop for the day. Stay tuned for some warung street food and a visit to a traditional village on a completely unexpected holiday with a stroke of luck on my side.

 

[summerlvr]

What an incredible adventure you had! I'm loving reading all your updates.

 

[Steppesister]

Enjoy the game. Who's playing? (I don't really follow pro baseball unless the Toronto Blue Jays are in the playoffs... and even then, I hardly pay attention.)

IT was the Nashville Sounds, an A League Team (just under majors). Nice stadium and best of all we had Club Level (tix were a gift) so could escape the blistering heat for a few innings. Nice to capture a win in the bottom of the 8th as well with 2 home runs.

What a lovely photo.

Thank you again!

Love the framing with the red flowers on this one.

Why thanks! I like how that one turned out as well.

Curious to know why. I mean, you were already wearing a long skirt?
And did male tourists have to don one as well? I wouldn't have a problem, but I can imagine some men might.

That is a good question, and one I don't know the answer to. It would seem if I was covered appropriately it wouldn't matter. Maybe they are "blessed"? Maybe they are aiming for some uniformity for aesthetics as part of their worship? I honestly don't know.

Yes, ALL guests do this, men and women. It was HOT to say the least!

I know exactly what you meant, but I prefer to read that as the locals were offering tourists to their deity.

And after reading your comment about them... maybe they should have been!

And yes. Like you say, maybe they should just stay home.

Some people should just stay home.

Sigh... yes.

Love this photo.

Thanks! He is a real cutie, no?

I'm not going to comment on every photo (and I could), but this place is absolutely stunning! I had no idea it would be so ornate/beautiful!

Isn't it though?! Every inch it seemed had something to admire, whether human made or the green of nature or water.

 

[Steppesister]

This is a great shot! Quintessential Bali

It really did scream Bali and I loved that there were so many traditional outfits being worn for the holiday. Not just tourist restaurant workers but everyone.

I love how their temples have a 'ruins being taken over the jungle' vibe. Very beautiful

I know!!! I can now totally see now where the jungle of Bali inspiration came from.

Oh gosh, don't even get me started on terribly behaved tourists The amount of tourists I saw trying to climb Angkor Wat in shorts and tank tops Just zero respect.

It's infuriating for sure!

He got some great photos! He should advertise himself as a tour guide/photographer lol!

LOL!!! For reals! He was really on a roll as you'll see at the waterfall.

 

[Steppesister]

The clothes that the women were wearing for the festival were beautiful. I suppose that the outfits could be passed on for generations. They look very expensive.

The temples are beautiful. I am amazed at the intricate detail in everything.

They really are! All silk I'm certain. I could have bought one, but it'd be totally impractical here other than to display.

The intricate designs are what struck me as well. It was everywhere!

 

[Steppesister]

How did your hair get so long! Ugh we haven’t seen each other in a long time
Beautiful pictures, I love the temple pictures and it looks like a fantastic cultural experience!

I've been growing it out for years now, but I always thought it grows so SLOW!!! LOL!! But yes, it's been WAY too long. Fingers crossed a Dec trip could work out.

I really REALLY loved Bali. I'd go back in a flash, but have a few other places on my bucket list first.

 

[Steppesister]

What an incredible adventure you had! I'm loving reading all your updates.

It was really shaping up to be a grand and epic adventure! I was already seeing so many wonderful places and we were just getting started.

 

[zanzibar138]

The little river hike was only about a quarter mile, and it was amazing to come around the last corner and see this!

​

The reward was incredible, and best of all I had it nearly all to myself. Another family was already there and took about 10 minutes to take all the selfies and photos they wanted. I patiently waited in the not-so warm or shallow water until they were done and then took a few of my own. All told I think we lingered about 20 minutes. More than anything it was just nice to enjoy this green oasis in a tropical paradise... no other tourists or even locals to spoil the quiet and peacefulness.

Wow what an adventure! I usually consider myself quite willing to go off the usual tourist path, but this would have been a big nope for me - I probably would have been ok with ankle or even perhaps knee height water, but deep water scares me. I'm guessing that this waterfall will probably remain a quiet treat for the intrepid!

(Bananas with the "heart"/flower still attached. I learned what those were in the Philippines and that they are cooked as a vegetable and put in soups.)

Wow, I've seen lots of banana plants but never with the flower still attached!

(Durian fruit, banned in most airports worldwide. If you've never heard of it, look it up. )

Banned in most transportation hubs, hotel lobbies... basically anywhere that's public lol! For VERY good reason! It's really amazing how something that smells so bad can taste so delicious

 

[juniorbugman]

Wow what an adventure and what a savvy guide.
Lovely scenery and great pics.
I like the ones the guide took of you that you found later.
I am not sure that I would have enjoyed the waist high water. Guess your guide knew you were a trooper and would enjoy it