Selling Flowers for Offerings

A small girl by the side of the road sells flower petals for offerings. Devotion to the gods is a regular part of daily life and requires a substantial commitment of one's time. Commerce, social engagements and religious servitude are all centered around community and honoring the various Hindu Gods. This cute girl and her mom were happy to have some silly foreigners stop and look at their goods. Meanwhile, the nearby temple at the base of the volcano was magical as thunder boomed above- KABOOM!

Pandi

Pandi, the renowned painter in the ricefields, at work at his studio. Pandi has a slogan he often paints right on his canvases, it says "Pandi will be famous in the year 2020." With that kind of optimism and his talent he can't be far from right. 

Tjokorda Rai

Traditional Balinese Healer, Tjokorda Rai. The guy has the spirit of a sixteen year old mixed with the wisdom of the ancients. He performs "healings" with a small stick that he jabs your feet with as you are lying down. He then uses the same stick to "operate" on your body, opening up channels to release "blockages" and help you with what he thinks you need done. For me, he wants me to look in the mirror every two hours and remember to "swallow my smile." I think that part is advice he offers to a lot of his patients, but, it certainly can't hurt- to try to be happier and more content inside. I don't know, what do you think? If he is following his own advice, he sure seems happy to me. 

Bali Eyes

Temple ceremony at Camphuan temple, families proud of their young dancers, homage to the gods at the junction of the rivers. Nice to feel at home so far from home, several times local people shouted out to me "Robert, Robert!"

Ceremony

Ceremonial offerings and their bearers.

Friends in Bankien Sidem: Wayan and Nyoman

Up on the ridge, above Ubud is a magical little community of our friends who were good enough to host and put together our Balinese wedding last summer. My wife Elizabeth was so fetching in her Balinese dress and hair style; I am so happy for her in my life.  I am in Ubud now to take care of our new business "Jalan Kajeng," we are starting to make some jewelry and belts based on "mid-century modernist" designs- kind of primitive, fun and whimsical items of personal decor. I'll try and post some samples if they come along in time- enjoy!

Tourist Rice Paddies