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

[Steppesister]

The recipes from the actual cookbook they had available:

 

[Steppesister]

You sure are packing in a ton on your days!!

I really was!! Bali was absolutely loaded with go-go-go! We slow down (a little!) when I/we get to Australia.

You don't say.
I think you've already more than made your point.

Look at me go!!

Heh. I love how the Dis forces these links into the narrative.
Um... no, Dis. I'm quite sure these aren't the same scooters.

I noticed that too. So stooooooopid. I mean, what ELSE could a skoooooter possible mean?

Based on what you posted, I'm going to guess a very fast prime.
And... I will not quote every single picture... but I could. Stunning. Tack sharp. Beautiful. Really well shot photos!

It was exactly that. I don't get a ton of opportunity to use it but sure love it when I do and how crisp they are when I do use it.

Never would've guessed that was an instrument.

Right?! Beautiful AND a beautiful sound.

I listened. Pretty sure that was an Aerosmith tune.


Pretty sure.

So close!

I love when they hold still and only move their heads back and forth. So cool.

And I's SURE it's not as easy or simple as it looks.

Yeah, it looked a little dull. Too bad you didn't film any of the Jauk dance. That looked interesting.

I do! Go back and look; I added the link. I'd put the wrong one in before.

Yikes! How far would you have had to walk?

Not far, but further than I'd have wanted. My feet were pretty sore by then.

You are one brave (or crazy... or risk-taking) lady!

Nah, slow speeds just putting up the hill a few blocks back to the hotel.

I'm... pretty shocked at everything you've seen and done to this point.

I was going, going, going.

 

[Steppesister]

Looks like you managed to snag a pretty great seat!

I find the Indonesian performances fascinating too. One of my trips was part of a school tour, so there were several cultural performances involved. My favourite was the Cecak dance, and I also enjoyed the shadow puppet performances. The highlight should have been the Ramayana Ballet on an outdoor stage at Borobudur, but of course as a 14 year old, I didn't fully appreciate the magnitude of that experience. The elaborate costumes for all their performances are just incredible.

Also on that trip, we were taken to a cultural school in Yogyakarta to try our hand at traditional dance and playing gamelan music. It's much harder than it looks! Such controlled movements requiring a lot of strength and balance.

I was, admittedly, not great at following the story, and if they hadn't provided that little brochure I don't think I'd have had a clue. BUT, they are visually amazing! The body movements, music, costuming... really just amazing! I think you're right, as "kids" we just weren't able to fully grasp the things we were lucky enough to experience, but can in retrospect, but have lost the opportunity to see for a first time with more mature eyes. Still, formative in some way, but not as much as it could have been.

Yes, it looks super, duper difficult absolutely!

 

[Steppesister]

Amazing!

It truly was!! And every single time I ride IASW, now I can think back to my own visit to see the Balinese dancers.

 

[Steppesister]

That was an amazing experience. It reminds me of the dance in the movie, The King and I. But I'm sure that what you saw that night was much more elaborate.

What a wonderful movie! As I kid I was lucky enough to see Yul Brenner onstage in that role and it was certainly a beautiful spectacle! I think for me the highlight at live performances is the music. I love music of all kinds but there's just something special about live instruments being played by professionals!

 

[pkondz]

jet lag was a major issue until about now- Day 9 of this trip. Phew!

Phew indeed! Long time to get over it. I've never flown that far East (or that far, period) so can't really compare.

I was up and lounging in the gardens catching up on Trip Notes while I waited for my breakfast of scrambled eggs and tomato, fresh fruit, coffee, and fresh squeezed orange juice.

Wow, that sounds good. Yum!

have a great conversation with my new Turkish acquaintances I’d met who were also staying at my hotel. We had quite a wonderful chat about politics in both countries

That should've been an interesting conversation.

<<< THIS is certainly one reason I love to travel so very much!!

For different view points, you mean?

Somehow, I’d stepped in mud with my shoes

I can't imagine how...
Wait... trekking into remote locations amidst rain storms...

Nope. Can't see how.

I think I paid like $6 for an amount that probably equaled what I could fit in 2 plastic grocery bags. It was pressed and folded too.

Pressed and folded too?!?!?

Very pretty. Colourful.

Gorgeous.

About that time, I started to really not feel well at all.

Uh, oh...

While I did sleep under a mosquito net, I remember waking up with a couple of bug bites near my armpit which I didn’t think too much about at the time. But by now, Day 4 in Bali, the lumps had grown really big and both hurt and itched.

I do recall that at one point a HUGE palm frond fell out of a tree very nearby with a CRASH and I was very grateful it wasn’t onto my head. Yikes!!

That might've caused some excitement (or head trauma) if it had.

I also found it a sweet gesture when one of the gardeners brought me a freshly opened coconut with a straw to sip on while I was in the pool.

I'll just say it was a kind gesture and leave it at that.

Like this shot of the birdies.

As for the lumps... they persisted until well into the next portion of our trip. I honestly began to worry that I'd need to go into an urgent care thinking I might have gotten a bite that was going to turn into a systemic, long-term illness (like Lyme, but not). At the very least I was also concerned the bites had become infected (in hindsight I think this may have been the case, or a localized reaction that my body was having a tough time clearing). Either way, if it had gone on much longer, I probably would have tried to get an antibiotic.

That's a long time. I'm sure you were worried. Glad it resolved.

Then I got changed for my 2:00 adventure. Are you ready?!

What better way to spend an afternoon than to learn how to cook a variety of Balinese dishes in the perfect setting of a local family’s lovely home and gardens! (10 in all!)

Oh, cool!

I’m pretty sure I’m a functional expert now in all things rice.

If I only had a functional back that had the strength required to grow it.

Yeah, you and me both.

I did learn that ducks are used to fertilize the soil and then eaten for special occasions.

Dual purpose fowl.

Imagine yourself entering a complex of buildings, perhaps 6 or 8 of them that serve various purposes from sleeping to cooking to worship. Several temples line the northeast side of the property, each more decorative and fancier than the last. Fragrant incense rises in air along with the scent of spices and smoke from kitchens in the neighborhood.

I'm imagining. Me like.

Wayan told us a little about how Balinese families live together in a multi-generational compound with each immediate unit having their own small room. There is a central kitchen and there is at least one room dedicated completely to worship and ceremonies.

Huh. Interesting dynamic.

Not sure exactly why, but I really like this photo.
I can disect it and figure it out, but I'm just gonna enjoy it instead.

(Pepper)

So that's what it looks like! Had no idea. Cool!

(Ginger, the root is eaten)

Used to only call it gingerroot.

Meanwhile, in a small alcove where a wood fire burns, he gives us a thorough demonstration of how both coconut milk and coconut oil are made by hand.

he only has one tree of that variety left. He shared that all of the others had been pilfered and ruined by the local monkey population.

Did he mention how many he had before? Like... 2? Or 20?

In a nutshell, the meat is grated on a handmade grater, hot water is added to the bowl and the milk is squeezed out by hand. Oil is cooked out of the meat and husks over a fire, given time to rest and then skimmed off from the top.

Labour intensive.

Another colourful shot.

Beautiful.

Interesting multi-cultural shot.

the photos of the recipes from the book they gave us didn't turn out. But best I can make out, they come very close!) I'll put in the recipes directly from the school at the end... good luck! )

I squinted... then gave up.

Very nice shot of you.

(The steamed rice is a LONG process, being steamed twice with a time of cooling in between.)

Very interesting! I've tried hard to perfect making rice and find this very interesting.

Nice shot of all (almost) of you.

I was a bit surprised that all four of you managed to flip your pancakes successfully.

We laughed and chatted while we sliced and diced and then enjoyed a huge feast until we were absolutely stuffed.

Some, like my new Indian friend, Divya, wanted her food as spicy as they could make it. The other lady was strict vegetarian and they accommodated her with vegetable bouillon and extra tofu for her dishes.

I like that they could accommodate the different tastes/requirements.

We giggled the whole time sharing the laughter of people from very different cultures and places becoming friends for an evening.

Let’s EAT!! Balinese music played and the chorus of ooohs and ahhhhs filled the covered porch while a gentle rain fell punctuated while an occasional rumble of thunder added to the idyllic scene.

Perfect setting.

What a feast!

 

[pkondz]

I really was!! Bali was absolutely loaded with go-go-go! We slow down (a little!) when I/we get to Australia.

You have to... I can't see how anyone could keep up the pace you're setting!

I noticed that too. So stooooooopid. I mean, what ELSE could a skoooooter possible mean?

It was exactly that.

Yuss... knew it.

I don't get a ton of opportunity to use it but sure love it when I do and how crisp they are when I do use it.

Me too.

And I's SURE it's not as easy or simple as it looks.

Oh, I'm positive it's not easy or simple.

Not far, but further than I'd have wanted. My feet were pretty sore by then.

No surprise there. You've been doing a ton!

I was going, going, going.

Yes you were, were, were!

 

[irene_dsc]

I have to admit, I have never thought about taking cooking classes while traveling, but that seems to be working out well for you! (Thinking back to your Italy trip, as well).

Glad to hear that you didn't end up needing to seek out antibiotics, too.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The village we were headed to was about 15 minutes away, but our first stop is at a small rice field where I learned even more about rice. I’m pretty sure I’m a functional expert now in all things rice.

I'm curious about the type of rice they use. Do they strip off the bran and use white rice exclusively?

In a nutshell, the meat is grated on a handmade grater, hot water is added to the bowl and the milk is squeezed out by hand. Oil is cooked out of the meat and husks over a fire, given time to rest and then skimmed off from the top. I wish I had videoed more of that process, but here are some stills for you to see.

That is very interesting about coconut milk and oil.

We giggled the whole time sharing the laughter of people from very different cultures and places becoming friends for an evening.

This sounds like an amazing experience. You really planned this trip carefully.

 

[missjackiemcg]

This is incredible!! What a perfect way to start your morning. And the spa experience sounded so amazingly luxurious with a price that literally made my jaw drop!

 

[Steppesister]

Warning: Long posts ahead. Time to get Bali behind us so we can move on to the next destination!!!


U is for: Unique Museums and Unforgettable Day Tour; Goodbye Ubud
​

Part 1:

My last day in Bali; Ubud had been so wonderful and was definitely a place I’d return to for an adventure-filled vacation. What is so lovely about Bali is that it is also an absolute Nirvana for rest and relaxation, so it's the best of both worlds. But today was the day to say goodbye to Ubud, Bali, take one last tour, spend the night in Denpasar, then head to Australia.

If you know me at all, you would have already guessed that it wouldn’t be just an ordinary day, but one filled with places to go and things to do!

Ready!

SET!

GO!!

As per my usual, I was up very early… not because I was still suffering from jetlag, but because I had specifically wanted one last photo shoot that I could only fit in now on the itinerary- The Ubud Morning Market. This is the local fresh farmer's market that runs each morning from about 4:30AM til about 7:30AM. This is a special treat only the early birds get to enjoy, and I wanted to be one of them. Sometimes, the best photos are for those who work for them. Not that these turned out particularly good, but that's another discussion.

I’d packed the night before for my departure, so gathered my phone for this outing instead of the heavy and cumbersome camera and set out. At 5:15 I was on my way and relished the quiet streets all to myself. Nearing the Market things became much busier; the hubbub of commerce was in full swing.

Vendors were arranging their colorful fruits and veggies in neat piles while shoppers carefully picked out what they needed. There were freshly plucked chickens and fish in the mix as well. Some of the vendors sold cooked foodstuffs, while others sold all the things necessary for making the little offering baskets- fresh flowers, pre-made baskets, and palm leaves to hand-make them as well.

Enjoy this montage...

(Chestnuts and dragonfruit)



(So colorful!)



(DUCK!)







(Getting gas!)

​

It was fun to wander around and click photos as I went with some folks saying hello and others paying no attention to me at all. Being a very small market by international bazaar standards and others that I’ve been to, I was feeling like I’d gotten my fill by 6:30 and headed back to the hotel. Along the way, I stopped by an old woman selling some local fruits and chose to buy a snakeskin fruit, a mangosteen, and some rambutan. When I lived in Thailand, we'd eaten a lot of rambutan since they grew in our yard and mangosteens were everywhere, but the snakeskin fruit was altogether new to me.

(Getting spiffed up for the day. )​

Breakfast wasn’t generally served before 7:30, but I was in the breakfast pavilion by 7:00 and the staff happily started cooking my final meal at Abipraya. I chose a lighter fare this morning of a load of fresh tropical fruit and a grilled Nutella and banana sandwich. For most of my adult life I’ve HATED bananas but have discovered if I eat them cooked into something or mixed with something crunchy, I can tolerate them. Honestly, these little sammies were pretty good breakfast fare.

I had no idea how to peel or eat the snakeskin fruit and I needed a knife to cut open the mangosteen, so the staff helped me get the rest of my breakfast opened up and plated. I can attest that it was absolutely delicious! The snakeskin fruit tasted somewhat like a grape, was kind of crunchy like an apple, and something I’d highly recommend! Another traveler was also eating early, and this kind Australian took the time to warn me a bit about the nature of Alice Springs. “Rough” was word he used; I took mental note and thanked him for a lovely conversation over breakfast.

​

By 9:00, my bags were in the car, and we were off….

The driver I’d been with the last couple of times, Dewa, was taking the day off to celebrate the holiday with his family so arranged for another gentleman. I’m afraid don’t remember his name, but he was friendly and knowledgeable and took me to all the places I had wanted to go. He wasn’t quite as chatty as Dewa had been but was still a great tour guide.

(A couple of the many over-sized- think 30 feet tall- statues in the roundabouts)​

Our first stop was the Goa Gajah Temple, famous for its elaborately carved cave entrance built as a sanctuary in the 11th century. It’s a World Heritage Site and rightly so. It was quite interesting to be sure. I also took the opportunity to buy a pair of wrap-around pants for about $8.

Looking down over the temple grounds:

At attempt at gathering material for archeological study/reconstruction:



The entrance to the actual cave temple:



The next few are inside at several "stations of worship to various Hindu gods"




(Kinda like this silhouetted one)



Back outside:



​

From the Goa Gajah we headed for the Uma Anyar Waterfall, not just a really nice fall, but another holy water site where locals come to bathe and worship. The "good" waterfalls, meaning the ones with no other tourists clogging up your photos, take a bit of work to get to. This certainly gave me a day’s work out just like the hike into the other falls I’d gone to a few days prior. The driver parked and pointed me to the trail that led to the waterfall. It was quite steep in places with a LOT of steps. But the walk was quiet, and I enjoyed the little trek quite lot.

(Some of the fancy chickens along the way)​

Continued in next post....

 

[Steppesister]

Pt. 2


Once there, a local man was just finishing up a dip and then I had the whole area to myself. I even had time to play around with my phone camera settings to get some nice shots.

(The size of the plants along the rivers never ceased to astound me!)


(A little changing hut or shelter for rain)


(LOVE how this one turned out!)



(A giant lizard or skink I saw on the way home. HUGE!)​

The hike back out was harder since it was all uphill. But I made it and we were off to the next destination- the Samsara Living Museum.

https://samsarabali.com/

This is actually a really, really well-done place with a few demonstrations, some tastings, exhibits, etc… But it’s unfortunately off-the-beaten path and extremely tough to get to so fairly infrequently visited. (Which reminds me, I need to leave a Google Review today.) The road in ended up having a lengthy detour and the re-route was full of nasty switchbacks and potholes. I could tell the driver wasn’t all too thrilled about this item on the agenda at all. If I’d known about the difficulty he’d have getting there, I’d have scrapped it, but in the end, I’d glad we persevered. He agreed that it was a good place to learn about Balinese culture for tourists.

While the road was not so fun for my driver, it was filled with incredible Balinese countryside with wide panoramic views of rice terraces and fields that sometimes stretched all the way down to the seaside. Far from the bustling urban noise, this area was purely agrarian in nature. One fascinating thing I got to learn about was the snakeskin fruit harvest happening. Dozens of places along the road were filled with workers who were sitting with their sacks of freshly picked fruit waiting to load the onto trucks that would come by to take it all to port.

​

We also got stuck behind very slow trucks of sand. LOTS of them. The area we were driving through supplied much of the island with sand for construction and at one point in the drive, my guide even stopped at the main trucking hub. He was super annoyed that the lot attendant tried to charge him a small fee for “parking" there.

Eventually, we made it to the Samsara Living Museum and I paid the fee of about $6.50. We were greeted with some women singing as they pounded some corn in a trough. It was mesmerizing to be sure.

​

From there we were walked across the lovely park-like grounds to an open-aired “long-house”. We sat on some platforms cross-legged and waited about 10 minutes then were served some wonderful refreshments of Balinese coffee with palm sugar and a lovely sweet potato, coconut, palm sugar snack which we ate with beautiful carved hardwood spoons. The music of nature made this a perfect setting for a relaxing break in our day.

(See the little handmade "toothpicks"?)​

Our host returned after another few minutes and then led us to an open kitchen area where a wood fire was burning turning white rice into Balinese Arak. (Remember the cocktail I’d tried the day before?) He explained the process which was, not shockingly, exactly how my local hillbilly moonshine is made in the hollers around here. Yes, he gave us a small shot; yes, I bought a bottle.

(The collection bottle after condensing)


(Packaged for sale)​

The remainder of the tour was a walk through the display of Balinese cultural items used “throughout the lifespan”. It was explained that each person in Bali goes through a very predictable and “timed” series of life events precisely celebrated on certain days or seasons. So, from before birth to after death, each milestone was explained with the various artifacts that are used.

​

If you want a deeper dive, you can find all the deets in short synopses here:

https://samsarabali.com/category/articles/ (When you get to that page, you’ll have to click on the red “Read More” for each one.) It’s honestly fascinating. Things like blessing the baby, washing the placenta, sending off the deceased… cool stuff!

(Gamelan music instruments. This wasn't part of my tour.)​

The only criticism I’d have of this tour was that I felt very rushed through this part. The guide basically told me to “just take pix of the QR codes and read them at home". Maybe I was asking too many questions? I’d have liked another half hour, but with the hurry-up vibe, I scooted along, and we ended the tour with a chance to make music with the “Welcome Ladies”. Side note: I sucked at this but had fun anyway.

(What the ladies do when not doing the demonstration corn grinding)


(Pro tip, these don't work if you don't have internet.)


(COFFEE!)​

We slowly backtracked on the horrible roads and finally made it back onto the main route that looked somewhat civilized again.

(Making our way down to the coast again)​

This time we were headed to a black sand beach and the “salt works”. I’m sure my driver was more than happy to be out of the hills and back onto flatter terrain! This was yet another instance in which paying for a private driver vs. going on a group tour paid off. Literally. The salt works that the groups stop at charge a fee for a little tour/explanation, but my driver gave me a wonderful spiel for me and it was free. The drawback is that it was less developed and groomed than the more touristy places. That’s ok. I’d rather have authentic, even if it’s not as clean. After he showed me how the salt was processed, he let me walk on the beach for 10 or so minutes alone before we met back up at the car.

​

If you've ever wondered why sea salt is so expensive... Still done by hand in many places in the world.

​

 

[Steppesister]

Pt. 3

You can imagine we were both pretty hungry by now; we’d seen and done so much! At 2:30, the driver pulled us into a seaside food court of sorts. He’d wanted me to try a local fish delicacy, and this was the only one within miles they were making that today. Today’s fare was, again, quite delicious. We started with the same chicken meatball soup, Bakso, then shared an order of fish satay with sambal, and ended with the Indonesian version of Halo Halo- same dessert, new name- Es Campur- Condensed milk with fruits, tapioca pearls, jellies and shaved ice.

The beach we stopped at. Apparently it was famous for its bats!

(Getting the satay fire ready)




(Es campur)


(Nice setting for lunch!)​

This was our last stop before he dropped me off at my hotel which was within walking distance of the airport. It was a nice choice being so close.

(Near the airport)​

I enjoyed the pool with a cocktail before I got down to the business of re-packing. Again. This time it was tackling the business of outsmarting the Indonesian TSA. Remember the booze I bought at the museum? Yeah, totally a no-go for my carry-on which was all I had this trip. The 250mL would have to be dealt with in creative ways. I walked to a supermart (Denpasar’s version of Walmart) and found some empty travel-sized bottles for shampoo and divided that Arak right on into 3 smaller bottles and voila! Suddenly my booze bomb was no longer dangerous. <risks eyes getting stuck in back of head as they roll> I checked in for my flight online and got my boarding passes from JetStar then settled in to a nice last tropical thunderstorm and got ready for a 5:30AM alarm.

(There's more than one way to skin a cat)

​

And that, my friends, is the end of a glorious Balinese vacation. Would I go back? Yes, in a heartbeat. It was so lovely, so peaceful. There is enough to do if you’re up for a bit of adventure, but low-key and gorgeous (and inexpensive) enough to just relax and dine your cares away.

(Cheers, Bali; You're a fave!)​

Our next destination is Kangaroo Island, so stick around for all of our Aussie adventures!!

 

[Steppesister]

Phew indeed! Long time to get over it. I've never flown that far East (or that far, period) so can't really compare.

The complete flip-flop in schedule is so tough to deal with.

Wow, that sounds good. Yum!

I really enjoyed all of my breakfasts. Maybe the setting helped to elevate it.

For different view points, you mean?

Yes, there are so many perspectives out there and it's good to hear and consider other points of view.

I can't imagine how...
Wait... trekking into remote locations amidst rain storms...

Nope. Can't see how.

Got lucky.

Pressed and folded too?!?!?

yep!! Very affordable!

Very pretty. Colourful.

Such vibrancy there!

That might've caused some excitement (or head trauma) if it had.

For reals!! Bali should come with a helmet-by-the-pool warning.

That's a long time. I'm sure you were worried. Glad it resolved.

It didn't resolve completely actually until well into our time in Australia. I remember at one point telling Anara that if it persisted I'd have to find a walk-in clinic.

Huh. Interesting dynamic.

I think you'd better know your inlaws before you commit!!

Not sure exactly why, but I really like this photo.
I can disect it and figure it out, but I'm just gonna enjoy it instead.

I think the way she's posed was almost like I'd coached her, but it was 100% unstaged and natural... maybe that?

Used to only call it gingerroot.

Now there's an oldie but goodie word!

Did he mention how many he had before? Like... 2? Or 20?

I don't know, but got the feeling that they were plentiful enough to do the trick!

Another colourful shot.

The country really lends itself to excellent photography material. Loads of contrasts, colors textures....

I squinted... then gave up.

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Crappy quality, but the links with net recipes should do the trick should you have a hankerin'.

I was a bit surprised that all four of you managed to flip your pancakes successfully.

SKLZ!!!

You have to... I can't see how anyone could keep up the pace you're setting!

Stuff to see, things to do!

I could sit in the basket with this kind!

Oh, I'm positive it's not easy or simple.

Might be fun to take a lesson if I ever go again!

 

[Steppesister]

I have to admit, I have never thought about taking cooking classes while traveling, but that seems to be working out well for you! (Thinking back to your Italy trip, as well).

Glad to hear that you didn't end up needing to seek out antibiotics, too.

I'd never done this either until the last couple of trips and I'm a fan!! Not just for the food, but the for the cultural learning that goes with it. I love seeing a bit more how local live and both of these classes got me into those settings.

I forgot to mention that I also picked up a topical eye ointment for a bit of pink eye I'd picked up along the way. I love that simple things like that are easily available.

 

[Steppesister]

I'm curious about the type of rice they use. Do they strip off the bran and use white rice exclusively?

I was only ever served white rice, so honestly am not sure. I'm guessing it's mostly, if not all, white. I did hear that they GROW wild rice and sticky rice so I guess unless exported they serve it somewhere.

That is very interesting about coconut milk and oil.

I had NO idea how those were made at all! Super interesting!

This sounds like an amazing experience. You really planned this trip carefully.

I did! I spent tons of time researching all the options and it sure paid off!

 

[Steppesister]

This is incredible!! What a perfect way to start your morning. And the spa experience sounded so amazingly luxurious with a price that literally made my jaw drop!

It was totally levelled up luxury for sure! I really lucked out on the places I picked this time.

 

[Paulaparm]

Amazing!! (Perhaps I should consult a thesaris…All I can think of is amazing!
And grilled Nutella with bananas sounds wonderfully amazing!!

 

[Steppesister]

Amazing!! (Perhaps I should consult a thesaris…All I can think of is amazing!
And grilled Nutella with bananas sounds wonderfully amazing!!

I’m glad they had such a variety so that I could have something different each of my five mornings!!

 

[pkondz]

Ubud had been so wonderful

You've definitely had a wonderful time there!

What is so lovely about Bali is that it is also an absolute Nirvana for rest and relaxation, so it's the best of both worlds.

So you've shown us. Really remarkable.

If you know me at all, you would have already guessed that it wouldn’t be just an ordinary day, but one filled with places to go and things to do!

But of course. This goes without saying.

This is the local fresh farmer's market that runs each morning from about 4:30AM til about 7:30AM.

Cool!
But... my goodness that's early.

Sometimes, the best photos are for those who work for them. Not that these turned out particularly good, but that's another discussion.

But nevertheless, I looked at each photo with great interest.
So much that's different from markets that I'm more accustomed to.

the hubbub of commerce was in full swing.

Busy!

Enjoy this montage...

I did!

(DUCK!)

Do you know what is being... tossed/sifted/whatever? Rice?

(Getting gas!)

If you ate everything for sale there, I'm sure you would!

It was fun to wander around and click photos as I went with some folks saying hello and others paying no attention to me at all.

I noticed that. Big smiles or thumbs-up... or nothing at all.

chose to buy a snakeskin fruit, a mangosteen, and some rambutan.

I've never heard of any of those!
I Googled so I could tell which was which.

(Getting spiffed up for the day. )

Very nice.

Breakfast wasn’t generally served before 7:30, but I was in the breakfast pavilion by 7:00 and the staff happily started cooking my final meal at Abipraya.

I love how instead of "Too bad. See the sign?" you get service with a smile.

For most of my adult life I’ve HATED bananas but have discovered if I eat them cooked into something or mixed with something crunchy, I can tolerate them. Honestly, these little sammies were pretty good breakfast fare.

I was going to ask about this... I don't see any crunchy on that list, but the bread was toasted, so presume that was the difference between enjoyment and disgust?

The snakeskin fruit tasted somewhat like a grape, was kind of crunchy like an apple, and something I’d highly recommend!

Interesting. What about the other two?

(A couple of the many over-sized- think 30 feet tall- statues in the roundabouts)

30 feet!!!

I also took the opportunity to buy a pair of wrap-around pants for about $8.

What are wrap-around pants?

Like this shot of you.

And I like the simplicity of this shot.

It was quite steep in places with a LOT of steps. But the walk was quiet, and I enjoyed the little trek quite lot.

Sounds not too bad... as long as it wasn't wet from rain. Then I'd think it might be a little bit more dicey.

(Some of the fancy chickens along the way)

I like fancy chicken. Deep-fried. BBQ'd. Roasted...

Once there, a local man was just finishing up a dip and then I had the whole area to myself.

Niiice.

(LOVE how this one turned out!)

Really nice.

(A giant lizard or skink I saw on the way home. HUGE!)

Looks to be about... 18" or so?

the re-route was full of nasty switchbacks and potholes.

Ugh.
I get enough potholes every spring here. I don't need more.

While the road was not so fun for my driver, it was filled with incredible Balinese countryside with wide panoramic views of rice terraces and fields that sometimes stretched all the way down to the seaside.

So maybe you got to see sights that very few have seen.

He was super annoyed that the lot attendant tried to charge him a small fee for “parking" there.

That's interesting.

a lovely sweet potato, coconut, palm sugar snack which we ate with beautiful carved hardwood spoons.

I suspect I'd have some trouble in these latitudes. So many things with coconut.

So how does the taste of palm sugar compare to cane?

(See the little handmade "toothpicks"?)

Um... no, actually, I'm not seeing them?

Our host returned after another few minutes and then led us to an open kitchen area where a wood fire was burning turning white rice into Balinese Arak. (Remember the cocktail I’d tried the day before?)

Yes, he gave us a small shot; yes, I bought a bottle.

Did the bottle make it all the way home? Or did it get consumed along the way?

So, from before birth to after death, each milestone was explained with the various artifacts that are used.

Huh. Fascinating. I've got the link open and will take a look a bit later.

That looks like a nutcracker of some sort?

I’d have liked another half hour, but with the hurry-up vibe, I scooted along,

Yeah... I'm betting he wanted to get that detour out of the way.

we ended the tour with a chance to make music with the “Welcome Ladies”. Side note: I sucked at this but had fun anyway.

Okay...

I laughed out loud at this. You're obviously trying to keep the beat (and I doubt I'd do any better), but... girl...
And the lady beside you is all smiles and encouraging, but the one in the middle is like "This girl ain't got no rhythm and she's harshing my vibe!"

(Pro tip, these don't work if you don't have internet.)

(COFFEE!)

Gorgeous!

If you've ever wondered why sea salt is so expensive... Still done by hand in many places in the world.

Looks like it's all evaporative processing. Cool!

Like this shot. Interesting. Wonder what happened to cause the wreck?

Going back to read part 3 now.