Day 2 was actually crossing the International Date Line. Today is Sunday, and a busy day it was. Our driver picked us up at 8:30 and we are off to the closest Hindu Temple. One gets around Bali with a hired driver and minivan. Several reasons; you drive on the British side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right, the multitude of motorcycles everywhere, and there are no good maps or signs. A driver is essential.
We found that sarongs were mandatory at all Hindu Temples unless you have long pants on. They are always available for loan.
In the picture is Gloria and me and Kathy, Gloria’s sister and her husband Tom. They are teachers on Orcas Island, Washington. The temples are primarily Hindu with a little Buddhism thrown in. Our driver is a devote Hindu and enjoys taking about his religion. We have heard a lot, but haven’t really learned a lot.
Hindu ceremonies are very important to the Balinese people. If we heard him right, 75% of there time is spent in ceremony. Curiously we saw no one “worshipping” at the temples we visited. Although everyone has home temples and idols.
He wanted to take us to his village to meet his parents. On the way we came upon a cremation ceremony so he invited us to join in the procession. Quite an experience.
Very elaborate, and they did not mind our presence. That is me on the right! Everyone was quite happy and friendly, we took lots of pictures. One reason for their happiness is that Hindu’s believe that one is reincarnated to a better life at death. Hmm, don’t we Christians believe the same thing? We can learn from their celebration.
We did visit two large “factories”, one with elaborate wood carvings, another – fabric. Many, many laborers working, very expensive.
Finally, we ended up at our driver’s house. Actually two compounds. First was very large and elaborate where 8 different families lived, cousins, uncles, etc. With multiple buildings and Hindu shrines. Then he took us a couple of blocks away where is parents live. Not sure why they don’t live on the ancestral compound.
This was much smaller and less elaborate. There they served us fruit, Balinese pastry, cocoanut and some kick-ass coffee. We met both his mom and dad. Dad was hit by a car 15 years ago and sported pins and an external wood splint. He got around slowly; what I wondered is if he should have gone back for his post op visit and had the pins removed??
We upgraded to a two bedroom condo tonight. More room, gives me space to read and write the blog in the early morning. Very nice.
