Today is my 28th day in Bali and despite earlier good intentions it has taken this long to start on my Blog additions. For the first 12 days I rarely had an internet connection, and even then it was slow. But my main “distraction” during the first 12 days was my role as leader and guide for the group of 14 staff and students from Judy’s school (Torrens Valley Christian School - TVCS) who had come to Bali for a “cultural awareness” trip.. After they left I had 2 weeks of teaching at University Dhyana Pura and a range of commitments (or distractions). One set of classes is over and another will start tomorrow, so I’ll grab at the chance for some reflection on what has happened and start telling a little of what has happened so far.
For a day by day account of our activities visit the tour
blog provided by Matt Tucker, often as it was happening.
Departure
Our mixed group left Adelaide on a Virgin Australia direct flight to Bali on Wednesday 27th June. Some family members came to see us off, and I suppose to wonder how well their sons and daughters would manage on what was the first trip abroad for most, and even the first plane flight for a few.
Posing for the “farewell” pictures at Adelaide Airport. Our bright red team shirts made it an easy job to spot each other in crowds.
The flight took 5.5 hours and was largely uneventful (I’m happy not to encounter “events”) although a lucky few passengers got good views of Ayers Rock not too far off our track. The time passed quickly (dare I say “flew”?) and soon we were filling out Indonesian arrival cards and preparing for landing.
Arrival
The humidity and warmth, especially after leaving cool Adelaide, was immediately apparent as we descended the steps and boarded the shuttle bus for the terminal building. They few who had changed into lighter clothes on the plane had that “don’t you wish you changed, too?” look of satisfaction. I had warned the group that we could be in for lengthy delays in arrival processing, but as we had arrived at a rare quiet time there were few other passengers around. We bought visas, passed through immigration and custom inspections all in good time. Outside the heat hit us as we sought out and recognised the familiar faces of Steve and Nicole Crocker from TVCS (he used to live a few houses away in my street at home), and my friend Hans Mbot and his wife Imelda who presented us with garlands of fresh flowers which she had made especially for us.
(L-R) Paul, Imelda, Priscilla and Judy on arrival, Bali
After exchanging greetings and gathering our thoughts we broke into small groups to fill the 5 taxis which Hans had arranged to take us to “Grandma’s Hotel” in Seminyak for our first 2 nights in Bali. At the airport the new travellers experienced humidity and bustling crowds. On the roads they encountered the typical heavy traffic and great numbers of motor cycles, the most common form of traffic in Bali.
Our first dinner together in this new land was at the “Lucky Day” café, not far from the hotel. Here we met the advance guard of the working party from the Hope Valley Uniting Church who were staying at Hotel Dhyana Pura, just opposite our hotel. Most of our group tried Indonesian dishes (and even some Balinese specialities) and so had their first satisfying encounter with the local food. Trying new food is an important part of any “cultural awareness” exchange, and in this aspect, as in others, our group were to gain great enjoyment and “awareness” as the trip proceeded.
Reflecting
I’ve walked up and down Jalan Dhyana Pura many times during my 3 visits but I could still remember my first impressions and so imagine how strange the sights must seem to my group doing it for the first time. After a few “not far to go” encouragements we reached Café Moka for our first breakfast together on tour. It was a “cross over cuisine” experience with a mix of the unfamiliar and the familiar, although sometimes treated to local variations which made it less familiar than at first glance. Suitably fortified we took taxis south to our first scheduled attraction – the Bali Bomb Blast memorial. Here we could experience something of the tragedy of that indiscriminate act of terrorism. We read the lists of names of victims from many countries and saw some of the poignant tributes left at the blast which not only killed our countrymen but also many Balinese workers unlucky to be in the area at the time.
The memorial to the victims of
the bomb blasts, Kuta, Bali
the bomb blasts, Kuta, Bali
Wandering
From the memorial we strolled south, past shop after shop, where the owners invited us in with enthusiastic promises of special discount and so on. A few of our party soon demonstrated quite adroit and unsuspected skill at bartering and haggling, but as everywhere else, the vendor always holds the ace by knowing the real value of the goods. As the 28th June was an auspicious day in the Balinese calendar we say evidence of celebrations and ceremonies everywhere – here a cremation preparation, there a ceremony or a wedding getting under way. Behind the street front shows the small allies (or “Gangs”) led into the family compounds of the local people. Decorations at the start of one lane indicated something of interest and just a short distance away were 2 young women in local costume sitting on the step of a formal doorway as they waited for a wedding party.
Waiting for the wedding (Kuta, Bali)
After lunch and some shopping for “bargains” (so we thought) we made our way to Kuta Square to say “we’ve been to the heart of Kuta” and then walked for an hour or so up the beach to Seminyak and on to our hotel.
A sunbather on Legian beach enjoys the
attention of several massage women
attention of several massage women
There was still time before sunset to enjoy some beach activity before dinner on the beach. The surf was just too inviting for Trevor who hired a board and took to the water. When we got together for dinner on the beach our group was an irresistible target for vendors of all sorts of things – paintings, sets of knives, trinkets, kites, food, watches and jewellery. You name it, someone will sell it – or fetch someone who can.
Priscilla gets a friendly “nail treatment”.
Trevor demonstrates he’s tough as nails.
Trevor demonstrates he’s tough as nails.
Just 50 meters away on the beach a group of Balinese arrived with ceremonial umbrellas, offering and so on to begin a ceremony almost on the water’s edge.
Some of the Balinese who appeared quickly for a small
ceremony on the beach and then rapidly disappeared.
ceremony on the beach and then rapidly disappeared.
As night fell, a new group of vendors arrived to sell us laser lights, flashing displays, illuminated “helicopters”. Noah seemed to have gained a reputation as a good prospect and was the main target. He eventually succumbed (actually he didn’t take much persuasion) and bought a wallet which bursts into flames when opened. The demonstrations had us in fits of laughter. If at home you see him reach for his wallet, watch out!
Beware – wallet on fire!
After some vigorous exercise, shopping, personal reflection on tragedy, and some contrasting amusement we ended our first day. We were no longer 15 individuals on a tour, we were a group, enjoying each other’s company as we shared new experiences together.
The first of 3 dinners on the beach at sunset.
It's a tough gig but someone has to do it!
It's a tough gig but someone has to do it!
For a day by day account of our activities visit the official tour blog provided by Matt Tucker often as it was happening.
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