We left our condo in Candidasi for our last night in Sanur, a small town closer to the airport. We have finally found the tourists! Where we have spent the week was definitely off the track. Where we are now is not. Many hotels and resorts from guest houses to 5-star’s. Gusto, our driver, was pointing to one resort across the bay calling it the “Red Skeleton”. We thought he as pointing to a burial ground for locals. He finally had to write in the sand - Ritz Carlton.
The girls decided we would visit three beaches today based on recommendations in the guide book. The first was by the airport, so Tom and I could watch planes land while the girls shelled. The second was more of a resort beach; lots of people walking on the sand and playing in the water. At the end of the beach was a rock outcropping where we watched the biggest waves ever crash, probably 50-60 feet high. (People were standing on the rock, too small to see!)
So, we couldn’t resist, we went over to the outcropping to watch these waves up close.
This was like being in the middle of a washing machine, quite dramatic. Here is Gusto, our guide.
Some of you may wonder; what’s this with a driver for a week. Indeed, this is the ONLY way to get around Bali. As I mentioned before, traffic is horrible, motorbikes are everywhere and there are no street signs. No foreigner could ever get around this island on there own. Plus Gusto does know the better restaurants and sights to see. And, he always has a “tip” to push out the window to the parking attendants so that we get a good parking place. And to top it off, it costs no more than if you were to rent a car in Hawaii or Cancun! Quite a deal.
Also, this is the first time we have seen Muslims. Indonesia, it is reported, has the most Muslims of any country in the world! Although Bali is almost 100% Hindu, the rest of Indonesia is almost all Muslim. Go figure. But, this is a great place to holiday for all Indonesians. Here , Tom took a picture of two gals posing for me for their picture.
Our last beach was the “sunset beach”. Each night, probably 20 restaurants set all their tables on the beach for a seafood dinner. We just walked the beach but couldn’t resist buying ears of corn from one of the local vendors. They cook it right there for you; you can choose between spicy or sweet butter.
This week has been quite an experience. This is the first time Gloria and I have been immersed in the Hindu culture. We spent 2 weeks in India a couple of years ago, but the part of the country where we worked was primarily Christian. Also, this form of Hinduism isn’t about Saris and red dots on your forehead, rather it is all about ceremony and offerings.
Wherever you walk, there are the small offerings. Sidewalks, public temples, home temples, porches, on statues, window sills, etc. And, one doesn’t avoid them, their significance ends after they are placed. Indeed, during the night, people sweep them all up into piles and the trash men come by in the early morning to take them all away.
We saw endless processions for life; for death. People are all solemn but very happy. As I mentioned earlier these people are defined by their actions. They are what they do. Their identity is in their performance.
What a contrast the Gospel is. All the world’s religions are based on performance. Judaism is keeping the law. Islam is obeying the Koran, Buddhism is all about preparation and Karma, Hinduism is ceremony and offerings. Indeed, much of Christianity is acting right way, believing the right thing. Or, you are forgiven based on your performance. The Gospel is the only faith that has this reversed. You are forgiven first and your performance results. This is called the Great Reversal, or the Third Way.
My prayer is that Peace and Grace are yours.
