While my mom was in town and to allow for maximum grandma bonding time, Lane and I made ourselves scarce by heading to Bali.
Our digs. Amazing!! Right on the beach, huge windows, never a time you can't hear the waves crash on the beach.
Dinner our first night, just up the beach a jog. I have to say dinner on the beach was fun, especially as it grew dark, candles were lit, BBQ was flaring. BUT I don't like seafood. I did try a few bites. Yup, still don't care much for it. Lane has this uncanny knack for getting fish bones stuck in his throat.
Views we enjoyed as we hiked up and down to our accommodations. Luckily they carried our luggage.
Our first day really exploring the island, we headed up to Ubud. Our driver, Ari, picked us up at the airport and became our official driver for the week. He was fabulous, gave us a few ideas, suggested itineraries, taught us tidbits about history, religion, customs and answered all the questions we could throw at him. Plus he was happy to take pictures of us.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Although we became a little frustrated as every few hundred meters there is "tax" for the upkeep of the road. No big deal really, but when you pay to go there, pay the first guy, then the next guy and now you are out of small bills . . . and there are how many more guys collecting for the upkeep of the road? Of course it is all left up to you to pay how much you want but they push for you to pay each of them before you are allowed to continue.
This time of year they didn't have the terraces flooded much but that didn't take away from the beauty of it all!!!
Lane sporting the temple provided sarong.
Tirta Empul. A Hindu temple of fountains.
Gates found all over, usually have three main tiers representing the steps to heaven.
The idea is to get in line, give an offering and say your prayer, then duck your head under the fountain. Repeat for each fountain. We watched for a spell.
Many participating were tourists immersing themselves into a new culture. Then there was the family pictured below. The whole family was there including some young ones who waited by us. They had an offering for most of the fountains. The wife (the one with her head in the fountain) needed help standing up and partaking in the ritual. You could tell the earnestness in their actions.
Another grandma and grandpa were dunking their young grandson in. Brought a smile to our faces as the kid screamed, grandpa laughed and grandma doing her very best to make sure that boy received his blessings.
Lane taking a picture of one of our most yummiest meals there. Can you say, Satay!!!!
Dessert. . .caramelized bananas with ice cream!!
Another gate.
This satay wasn't as delicious as the first, but the rest of the food was amazing!
The moon awoke us at 4 am.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Balinese dancing and the tallest statue ever of Wisnu. The Statue of Liberty is a dwarf in comparison.
Actual size
But the real thing is up here.
Parasailing, snorkeling and a turtle sanctuary.
Yes, this bat is licking my hair. For some reason Lane didn't want a turn.
Fried bananas with ice cream.
Evening wind up at the Uluwatu Temple watching the Kecak and Fire Dance. Music provided by 70 chanting men.
