Saturday night found me at an event at the
Delicious Onion featuring both art and a fashion show that utilize waste. It’s encouraging that some attention is being drawn to the ever-present question of trash in Bali.
A gown made of waste…..
Another waste dress
Sunday, after enjoying an iced Starbucks and conversation with a young Dutch woman, I explored a new back street, Jalan Kaleng. I came across
Threads of Life, an incredible non-profit organization whose purpose is to support and feature breathtaking hand weavings from indigenous women throughout Indonesia. I used great restraint but may have to return as treasures were calling my name.
Savannah Moon Warung was recommended for lunch by Threads ….I complied although, since everyone knows or is related to everyone else, a referral can be suspect. Savannah Moon is located within a private residence compound and offers another intimate view on Balinese life.
Savannah Moon Warung
In front of one of the small buildings (usually one room housing one family) was a girl of indeterminate age whose photo was featured in the menu as “my sister” with no other detail. She sat bent over in a chair and was smiling, perhaps at her playful 2-yr old nephew. I sensed there was something unique about her. Her mother came to take her inside by gently placing her over her shoulder as one would an infant. It was clear this teen had no musculoskeletal structure or muscle. Rather, she appeared a rag doll; one who is handled with expert and tender care. She was soon returned to the chair to watch her very small world continue to unfold. There is no photo.
Two days ago, in my home stay compound, workers began tearing out a beautiful koi pond which was surrounded by statues, tropical trees and the ubiquitous frangipani flowers which are used for ceremonies and in decorating guests’ rooms.
Frangipani flowers
I was sincerely distressed at the upcoming loss but was reassured by Sumantra that it is being replaced with a garden and statuary. The bubbling fountain apparently was a distraction for nearby guests (not me). There’s no sound of jackhammers or backhoes; merely a quiet chip chipping away as de/construction here on Bali is all done manually creating minimal noise pollution. Debris is removed by hand (or head).
Farewell koi, welcome garden. Whatever they do will be beautiful
This morning I watched from my balcony as they struggled to uproot a beautiful flowering tree. I ran down in my almost-inappropriate attire to grab some shots as they moved it a few feet to become part of the new garden design. Transplanting is a simple task in Bali as trees, plants and flowers grow wherever you put them down. No complicated strategies are necessary.
Yesterday I sat at the palace for an hour watching the women work. Amazing amazing. Three women again (it’s always three) with buckets of sand carried on their heads over and over from street to palace and back again until the pile of dirt is gone. They all wear long sleeves even though the heat index bumps 100. What are their stories?
Another group of ten women were patiently painting bright orange/red hand-carved temple ornamentations. Unfortunately, the bench I was sitting on had recently also been painted, thus, my white linen pants are now red.
When I stopped to pick up the sourdough bread I had ordered from Black Beach Restaurant, it took six girls and one manager 20 minutes to figure out the transaction. I had no idea what all the giggling was about but apparently my request was an unusual one. I love their third-floor seating and delicious Italian food.
After a shower, I headed to Casa Luna to meet Barry and listen to some jazz. Fantastic music and ambiance. I kept shaking my head with wonder as I took in the red lanterns hanging from peaked thatched ceilings, glittering candles on hand-carved marble-topped tables and a jungle wall as backdrop to a dynamic group. Really…..I’m where?????
More walks, some in the rain, endless rice fields, warm smiles, delicious food and constant learning, meeting and greeting make each day restful, exceptional, gentle and happy.
A great discovery: Seniman Coffee Studio
Seniman Coffee Studio
Iced coffee served so creatively
A $5 chair with teak rockers attached. LOVED IT!!
Tidbits:
Bali is a 99% cash society. I’ve used my credit card once in 6 weeks. Yet, hardly anyone has money for change, often hopping across the street to ask another shop owner for assistance.
Along with beauty and balance in their spiritual realm there is also the belief in tragedy being brought on by black magic from a neighbor or the gods. All of it is a challenge to comprehend as an outsider yet I so appreciate when the information is shared.
Thank you for visiting
Namaste
Sharon
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