Hello there!
I hope this note finds you all safe and sound. I can't imagine the devastation these fires have caused all of CA this past week. I've been reading and worrying all week as I'm sure you all really have been, please keep me updated on your safety and whereabouts :)
Writing you from an internet cafe in Bali, Indonesia, where I have been for the past week. Rebecca and I stayed north of Kuta in Seminyak Beach (http://www.pelangibali.com/). This week pretty much consisted of lying on the beach, eating and lots of relaxation (I know, far cry from what has been going on back home, feel a little guilty about that). I really hadn't seen the sun since I left San Diego five weeks ago so I'm nursing a pretty good sunburn and a messed up neck/back (this is what happens when you let random people give you $5 massages, I need a chiropractor in a hurry!).
Some Balinese culture for you:
We took a day trip up to Ubud to watch a Balinese (Barong & Kris) dancing performance at an outside performing arts center. The dance was a dramatic battle between good and evil and included the traditional Barong, a fierce playful lion-dog creature somewhat of a mythical beast, which represents the cleansing forces of the universe and is called forth to champion the village against the widow-witch Rangda. It was interesting and a little hard to follow but was great to see the extravagant Balinese costumes, makeup and music.
We also made a visit to The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (http://www.monkeyforestubud.com/). This little forest houses three holy temples and over 300 mischievous long-tailed Balinese macaques. The monkeys are very important to the Balinese-Hindu culture and tradition and are considered a holy animal & an ally of humankind. These 'sacred' monkeys are no saints!!! We bought bananas at the entrance and were in turn practically mugged by all of these small, medium and large very aggressive macaques before we even took a dozen steps in the forest. I think at one point I had 5 monkeys crawling up and down me, on my head and shoulders and pulling down my skirt! One little SOB got in my backpack and took off running with my bottle of OFF bug spray (which I have gone through a can a day in recovery to my million itchy oozing bites)!
We ended the day in Ubud by wrapping up in sarongs and sashes to view the mid-14th century Holy Monkey Temple, The Pura Dalem Agung (temple of the dead). Enjoyed chatting with the Balinese locals and learning of their daily spiritual rituals and great family traditions, such beautiful souls :)
Leaving here tonight and flying to Melbourne, Australia. On our way to the airport now, going to hit up our favorite restaurant TJ's for some yummy Mexican food...... gosh how I miss S.D. rolled tacos with sour cream and cheese!
Much Love and sending prayers too,
~sd
** got my first tattoo, on my hand near my thumb, it's the chinese symbol for love, and the name Jordan is written underneath it.... I'm a sucker, made his day :) ** ... it's HENNA
Writing you from an internet cafe in Bali, Indonesia, where I have been for the past week. Rebecca and I stayed north of Kuta in Seminyak Beach (http://www.pelangibali.com/). This week pretty much consisted of lying on the beach, eating and lots of relaxation (I know, far cry from what has been going on back home, feel a little guilty about that). I really hadn't seen the sun since I left San Diego five weeks ago so I'm nursing a pretty good sunburn and a messed up neck/back (this is what happens when you let random people give you $5 massages, I need a chiropractor in a hurry!).
Some Balinese culture for you:
We took a day trip up to Ubud to watch a Balinese (Barong & Kris) dancing performance at an outside performing arts center. The dance was a dramatic battle between good and evil and included the traditional Barong, a fierce playful lion-dog creature somewhat of a mythical beast, which represents the cleansing forces of the universe and is called forth to champion the village against the widow-witch Rangda. It was interesting and a little hard to follow but was great to see the extravagant Balinese costumes, makeup and music.
We also made a visit to The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (http://www.monkeyforestubud.com/). This little forest houses three holy temples and over 300 mischievous long-tailed Balinese macaques. The monkeys are very important to the Balinese-Hindu culture and tradition and are considered a holy animal & an ally of humankind. These 'sacred' monkeys are no saints!!! We bought bananas at the entrance and were in turn practically mugged by all of these small, medium and large very aggressive macaques before we even took a dozen steps in the forest. I think at one point I had 5 monkeys crawling up and down me, on my head and shoulders and pulling down my skirt! One little SOB got in my backpack and took off running with my bottle of OFF bug spray (which I have gone through a can a day in recovery to my million itchy oozing bites)!
We ended the day in Ubud by wrapping up in sarongs and sashes to view the mid-14th century Holy Monkey Temple, The Pura Dalem Agung (temple of the dead). Enjoyed chatting with the Balinese locals and learning of their daily spiritual rituals and great family traditions, such beautiful souls :)
Leaving here tonight and flying to Melbourne, Australia. On our way to the airport now, going to hit up our favorite restaurant TJ's for some yummy Mexican food...... gosh how I miss S.D. rolled tacos with sour cream and cheese!
Much Love and sending prayers too,
~sd
** got my first tattoo, on my hand near my thumb, it's the chinese symbol for love, and the name Jordan is written underneath it.... I'm a sucker, made his day :) ** ... it's HENNA
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